How to Be Put Together While Taking Care of a Baby

Your post delivery time is a great unknown, but you know that you want to be able to focus on your little one and your family in general. Keeping you and your baby clean and comfy is a big enough task, and the suggestions below can help you feel confident and well-coordinated.

What to Wear on Top

Buttons and more buttons! Make breastfeeding much easier with a button-up top. If funds are tight, consider taking a trip to a local thrift store or raid the nearest guy closet. Look for good-quality men's shirts that fit with some breathing room. Keep an eye out for shirts with a straight hem as they can double as a light jacket over a camisole or tee.

In the days before the baby comes, you may be required to put your feet up. Grab a seam ripper and open up the seam that holds the collar in place on any shirt that does not have a button-down style. Carefully remove and discard the collar, then stitch the tab closed again. A tab collar shirt will be easier to manage and more comfortable as you burp the baby after feeding.

What to Wear on the Bottom

Stretch as far as possible for several weeks. You want garments with a stretch waistband and with some to give in the groin. For those who have had a C section, the wide, flat waistband of a good pair of athletic pants may be ideal. If your episiotomy stitches are a challenge, a split slip for culottes could be a great choice to give you some comfort without rubbing.

Another great option on the bottom is a wide-legged pair of palazzo pants, for ease of movement and getting on and off the floor with a baby or older children. If you want a nice full skirt with a drawstring or elastic waist, you can easily pair it with a button top. Just make sure your undergarments do not allow thigh rub or excess pressure on any stitches.

Hair and Face

The hormonal sea change of pregnancy may have done some very good things for your hair, and many women who struggle with acne find that it either goes away or greatly reduces during pregnancy.

Be prepared for changes after delivery. You may start to lose hair after a month or so as progesterone levels fall. To protect your remaining hair, consider a sulfate-free shampoo and avoid any hairstyles that tug on your scalp.

For your face, do your best to eat right and drink plenty of water. If you are breastfeeding, your dietary needs are set and you are already focusing on your liquid intake. Each time you use the bathroom, rinse your face with cool water and pat it dry with a microfiber towel. Be gentle with your skin. If you like toner, use one, but be aware that your skin may be more sensitive.

If folks want to come and see the baby and offer to help, let them. Ask them to bring a meal or pick up your groceries. For families who are healthy and want to hold the baby, let them while you stretch, shower, or do what you need to do while you know the baby is safe and loved. When baby sleeps, you sleep. Helpers are welcome, but those who expect to be guests can wait a few months. You have enough to do!

Gathering All the Gear

Baby gear can quickly get overwhelming. Investing in a quality pink diaper bag backpack can make packing everything up much easier. Set a place in the kitchen near the sink where you can drop it off each time you come in so bottles, pacifiers, and any linens that need to be washed or changed out can be dealt with quickly.

Invest in a good quality stroller with space for the necessities, including any gear that you must carry for older children. If you can, consider reducing your personal items down to a passport purse for a few months. Keep this around your neck or across your body while dealing with all the other gear so nothing critical is lost or stolen. As possible, encourage older children to manage their own gear, such as water bottles, hats, and sunglasses, in their own tiny backpack and have a party when they remember everything!

There is no such thing as being polished while pregnant or during the postpartum days. Your body is very busy, either building another human being or healing up from bringing one forth. Wear clothes that feel good, or at least as comfortable as possible. Take help from those who offer. Sleep when the baby sleeps, and use this time to celebrate the independent steps taken by older children.