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Whether your expecting your first baby or maybe looking for the perfect gift for a pregnant friend, I hope this post can be a starting point for you!

In my personal experience, postpartum the second go around is totally different because this time I had more than an idea of what to expect and with that I went into it much more prepared. While preparation helps, I don’t think it can dismiss the chance of PPD or PPA affecting you so please don’t take this post as my endorsement of a shopping spree and a plan to prevent it. We could do a whole separate post on that alone!! But I will say, going into postpartum with a game plan and a stocked house of the necessities has helped me SO MUCH and I am very very grateful that PPD hasn’t been part of my story this go around after really struggling after my first child’s birth.

So with that being said, I’m working on a blog post about how I prepared for the birth of my second child, but today we’re going to dig into my favorite items used during this time.

1. This fluffy robe. I treated myself to a few cozy things and I felt like they weren’t totally necessary when I hit purchase just because I didn’t have some of these comfier items the first time and did just fine, but let me just tell you - having some special little things you set aside for a moment in life like this just adds to the hygge vibes and really is a way of mothering or taking care of yourself in a season when you need it most!

2. New pajamas. Because let’s be real - this is your postpartum / maternity leave uniform. I am usually in the camp of wearing oversized promo t-shirts of yesteryear and calling them pajamas because I just would rather spend money on other things. However, postpartum brings all the feels and even though it means I am in pajamas 24/7, having new matching sets made me feel a little more put together. Something about giving yourself the semblance of normalcy does wonders for your brain and a pajama set feels like a “look” more than just rat girl vibes. True, they’re not real clothes or an outfit, but they give yourself a little ounce of put-togetherness that feels leaps and bounds above the reality of those first few weeks of the newborn bubble. I particularly love a variety of button options. And because it was winter but I knew the realities of postpartum hormones (hot flashes) I wanted a mix so I went with a short sleeve button down & pants and a long sleeve button down nightgown (great for the hospital). I also had a couple of pairs of Christmas flannel button down PJ sets and some short sleeve button downs & shorts sets from bridal party getting ready looks that I also heavily rotated.

3. Stanley tumbler. Basic? Yup. Do I care? Not one bit. They bring me joy and that motivated me to stay hydrated. I actually have two that I cycle through on the regular (during pregnancy, postpartum and beyond) One for when the other is being cleaned. Whether you go for the real thing or something similar, the basic features were really beneficial in my opinion… Holds a lot of liquid, keeps it cold for a long time, has a straw (great for in bed or nursing or whatever), fits in a car cup holder, has a handle (you will carry a ridiculous amount of items basically anytime you leave any room) and they come in aesthetically pleasing colors lol! (I really want a green one next - I think there’s like a jade color? My best friend [also a mom] has that one lol #influenced.)

4. Slippers. Some variation of the moccasin slippers are my favorite “house shoes” because they have a back (which keeps them on) and - weird but - they don’t make my feet sweat as bad as some slippers?? Idk. I like the rubber sole also. Slippers, like the pajama sets, help you feel put together, add to the cozy hygge vibes and are just nice, especially for winter.

5. Claw Clips. I like to have a variety of sizes on hand and nearby. So they tend to be scattered around the house in various bathrooms, the junk drawer, my nightstand, rolling cart of baby gear. They just come in really handy to get that hair out of your face. Especially for nursing and pumping! My hair drives me crazy when I’m trying to burp the baby - and right now is the worst because I’ve entered my postpartum hair loss era.

6. Matching Baby Gown and Mama Robe. I love the little matching sets from Caden Lane for the hospital photos! I’ve ordered from them with both of my babies and it’s been so nice to know ahead of time I’ve got something picked out that will fit and look good in photos.

I’m curious what your favorite items were during postpartum for helping you feel a little more you and a little more cozy! Or if you’re currently expecting - I sincerely hope this helps you envision what might be handy for you in the coming season! I’m sure I’ve missed or overlooked something else great so I hope seasoned mamas will share in the comments.