Mom’in during a Pandemic

I wrote this over a year ago with the intent to publish it but was scared to put on paper my struggles as a new mom when I felt like the world was closing in on me–– I hope you enjoy it.

Having a baby during a global pandemic sure changes a lot of things as many of you know. It changes relationships, how you thought your story might go as a mom, and who you become as a mother. I had a beautiful baby boy at the end of January 2021 and I never thought that part of my recovery physically would also be to recover my mind. My little guy spent a week in the NICU and I was desperate to feel “normal” and connected because my family could not possibly understand what it is like to be a mother in a pandemic AND have your baby not come home with you. I was the first of my major girlfriend group to get pregnant and have a baby and so they just didn’t understand how I was feeling. I really needed people in my life who understood where I was at in my journey and especially who understood the struggle of a NICU pandemic mom.

I faced not only the struggles of navigating new motherhood but came home with postpartum anxiety and depression. Bonuses I did not expect to come home with.

I kept telling myself I had all the support I needed though—I had my husband, my family, and friends. I realized over time that while these people were all great, they just didn’t get it! Being a mom that went through trauma it was so refreshing to have other women know and understand how hard pregnancy, labor, and NICU stays, and how hard being a pandemic mom truly was.

Flash forward two years and the pandemic seems like a blip in time. I am thankful for therapy, my immediate family and friends to get me through. I can say I made it! I made it through a time that was so very hard for me.

Whatever you are struggling with right now, know you are not alone. You can get through it and you might need some help along the way.

xo,

kai

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Must Haves for Your Babe & You

By no means am I a pro mom… only been doing this gig for a short time! Shout out to my mom for being the best and teaching me how to be a great mom. I’m truly in awe of all mothers (but especially mine) after becoming a mom. P.S. These are also great ideas for baby shower gifts!

I have seen a lot of posts about needing inspiration on baby must haves which inspired me to come up with my own realistic list! A lot of other blogs have outdated must haves or I found the products/ needs were unrealistic. Let’s just get to it & not sugar coat it! So here are my top 10 baby items and top 5 postpartum items + the links that I couldn’t live without.

Baby Must Haves:

1. Baby Shusher
   This thing is amazing! It is a portable sound machine plus it saves your voice, back and lips from drying out shushing so close to baby’s ear. This provides a shushing noise and makes it sound like the womb for babies to calm down.
2. Hatch Sound Machine
   This has so many sounds and also a nightlight. When it’s too quiet baby can’t deep sleep so the white noise is perfect for baby plus you’ll sleep better! Which trust me, this a must when you have to get up every 2-3 hours not only to get better sleep but it also doubles as a light so you won’t have to turn every possible light on.
3. Bottle warmer – self explanatory; most babies like room temperature or warm milk (my baby does)
4. Dr browns bottles – helps with colic and from sucking too much air. I was recommended these from another mom, and honestly so didn’t like all the pieces and then discovered the hospital I was at used these. My little dude was hooked in the hospital and liked these the best! We also like these because they prevent gas and colic and in the middle of the night I’m thankful for a less fussy baby. Get the pitcher for formula too!
5. A lounger, swing or bouncer to give your arms a much needed break
6. Blooming Bath – this bath helps so much when your fresh newborn is tiny and bath time seems scary. This made it easier and a more comfortable bath time for baby (and me)
7. Halo & Happiest Baby Sleepea Swaddle- the Halo was our go to with a newborn and the Happiest Baby is what we use currently for a quicker and cozier swaddle at night
8. Soft receiving blanket– my favorite is this one from Scallywag Baby & Co because it’s so soft (it’s stretchy cotton not like the Muslim blankets), lightweight and can be used as a swaddle blanket!
9. Diaper changing stations- save yourself and have a basket in all your places with diapers, burp cloth, wipes, etc. all in one place! I have a basket downstairs so I don’t have to go up every single time I change the baby.
10. Bourdeaux’s Butt Paste– I swear this stuff helps a diaper rash over night!

Postpartum Must Haves:

1. Coffee and Water!!
2. Anything Frida Mom! My favorite item was the perneal foam, but this whole kit rocked.
3. Nipple cream
4. Milk collector breast shells or Haakaa
5. Sunflower Letchin to prevent clogs

BONUS add all of these items to your baby registry here.

Above contains affiliate links, which means if you use my code and make a purchase, I’ll be compensated at no additional cost to you. However, I only recommend products I love!

Check out my Etsy for presets to edit photos of your new babe like a pro!

There are so many great products out there to help support you and your baby; do your research but most importantly trust your gut! You know what to do mama! It’s incredible what our bodies go through but also what we have built literally inside us to be great moms and protect our little ones. There is no one like you for your baby!

xo,

kai