Rachael Zarda

The fourth trimester is an amazing, blissful, crazy, sleep-deprived blur. After my first postpartum experience, I learned to lean into the messy, accept help, and soak in the sweet and fleeting newborn phase this time around. Everyone tells you it goes by fast and to be cliche, it DOES. It’s a precious, slow time for baby and mom to get to know each other.

I’ve made it to the end of my second postpartum experience so I feel like I can share what I consider the little luxuries that make this time period feel extra sweet.

THE ESSENTIALS
To briefly address personal healing and recovery, the Frida Mom peri bottle, Tucks with hazel pads, Earth Mama nipple butter are all necessary survival items that I stocked up on beforehand. I used the Silverette nipple shields for the first month or so this time and they really helped with comfort while my body got used to nursing.

I always buy a few packs of dark cotton underwear and nursing bras from H&M that can be tossed after. I’ve tried lot of nursing bras and the ones from Gap are hand-down the best. I wear this one most days and the nursing bralette at night.

For nighttime feedings, this cordless, dimmer nightlight has been so helpful. And the new Hakka ladybug was my best friend for those first days of oversupply.

THE EXTRAS

Meal delivery service
Along with a bit of freezer meal prep, I ordered Daily Harvest for after both girls arrived. A freezer full of smoothies and bowls that can be made within minutes was really nice. We had incredible support from our friends and family with dinner those first few months, but the smoothies and grain bowls were great for quick breakfasts and lunches.

Cleaning service
My mother-in-law gifted us a handful of cleaning sessions after Edie was born and it was. a. game. changer. Not having to worry about cleaning the house aside from the daily messes of having two kids was such an incredible luxury I did not take for granted. If you’re ever in need of a gift for a new mom, this is something to consider!

Ember mug
The routine of nursing, changing diapers, pumping, sleeping, etc. can come at a cost of personal needs not being met–like brushing your teeth or eating meals ha. I look forward to my morning cup of coffee more than ever these days. Zach got me an Ember mug after watching me heat my coffee in the microwave one too many times after Gemma was born and I’ve used it every day since. Every mom needs this mug in their life. I swear by it as one of my favorite things I’ve ever owned.

Pretty loungewear
Luxury loungewear is definitely not essential, but it’s helped me feel put together when I feel otherwise a mess. The fourth trimester can be a blur and your body feels foreign, so having something pretty to change into instead of wearing pajamas or my husband’s sweatpants all day felt like a small slice of self care. This Lake lounge set has been fave, as well as this Free People set, and I love any and all pieces by Skin. A few other brands of note: Leset, Lululemon, and Mate the Label.

Nursing-friendly clothing
Gemma was born in the peak of quarantine, so we didn’t leave the house much when I was breastfeeding and I didn’t need “going out” clothes. This time around, I wanted a handful of beautiful pieces that buttoned at the top–easy for feeding Edie on the go. I’ve basically lived in Döen tops like this one. Dresses with buttons or an elastic neckline were also a very easy option for summer. Having a few pretty pieces to reach for while I was adjusting to this new life, new me, and new little one was such a simple and nice way to care for and be gentle with myself.