You did it! The hospital honeymoon (2-4 day stay) eventually comes to an end and even if you have hired help, you now have zero control over what’s about to happen.

But between the 400+ recommendations, words of wisdom, and help I received those first few weeks as a mom, these 6 postpartum must-haves kept me sane:

1. Sense of Humor

Arguably the most important must-have for any new parent? A sense of humor! It’s the foundation of a happy – and hilarious – post-baby relationship. And it will make you more relatable to the people in your life who might not yet be on the same parental page.

Easier said than done? I tried pretending that I was the main actress in a hit sitcom on the reg. And that strategy worked.

Laugh when your baby projectile poops onto the curtains. Laugh when the glamour of breastfeeding starts to wear off…at the expense of your nipples. Laugh when all of your clothes are rocking a little spit-up. And when someone calls to ask how you’re doing? Laugh.

2. A PhD

Ok – so maybe a PhD is impossible to procure before you leave the hospital. But information is power when you’re a new parent.

Put the pause on webMD or you’ll drive yourself crazy. The last thing you need is extra anxiety. But leave the hospital with:

• A Pediatrician – a relationship with one who won’t think you’re crazy when you have 200 questions. And preferably one who also has a call center open 24/7.
• Legitimate literature and advice on the differences between casual hormonal tears vs. signs of Postpartum Depression. And healthy baby hiccups vs. warning signs for more serious conditions like Hip Dysplasia. Doctors will screen for conditions like this in the hospital but I just learned from another mom that Hip Dysplasia can be hard to diagnose. If you’re struggling to change a diaper because your baby’s range of motion seems limited or you notice a swayback when they start to walk, make an appointment with your doctor to investigate. NOTE: I’m not speaking from personal experience with Ezra – but sharing ALL baby intel I learn on this parenthood journey with all of you!
• Confidence and awareness for when to reach out to a professional. You’ll never regret caring too much about yourself or your own children. And if your little one is suffering from something like colic, your parental instinct after 3-hours of nonstop crying is probably right. NOTE: The only person in my house who cried for a full 3-hours postpartum was me…when my husband accidentally ate one of my snacks. #hormones

3. Freshwater Ocean

But actually – you now need a legit water-bottle. Whether you’re breastfeeding or not, you’ll be up at all hours of the night in the beginning. And THIRSTY. Don’t risk a waterfall down your nightstand or a broken glass in the middle of the night.

A well-hydrated mom is a happy mom.

#kaufMOMhack: Pick a water bottle that doubles as decor for your nightstand.

4. Sustenance (& BAGELS)

I mentioned it before but I actually cried when Joel ate my snack when I was in a postpartum, exhausted, hormonal, breastfeeding-calorie-burn out state. So don’t leave yourself susceptible to the same fate.

You’ve heard the phrase sleep when the baby sleeps. But I’ll add in eat when the baby eats too – or eat as often as you possibly can. I recommend a combination of protein & carbohydrates between every feeding.

A hangry mom is a scary mom. Don’t let that happen to you.

True story: The first week I was home from the hospital, I started every morning with a bagel & lox from Russ & Daughters. PS: They will ship ANYWHERE.

5. Something Selfish

You’re about to devote your mind, body, soul, and waking hours to the new love of your life. So splurge on a little something special for yourself. Every new mom needs a piece of mommy bling. Get something personalized or something that reminds you of your new role as a MAMA.

I ordered mine from my phone in the hospital recovery room.

6. A Boob Job

JUST KIDDING! Love the new skin you’re in!!! But…if you’re anything like me, you might lose more than few pounds when you stop breastfeeding.

I just heard that collagen supplements are a great way to begin rebuilding a few of my favorite things about my body. But I haven’t tried any yet.

So for now…I’m getting resized for my bras and rocking these for a little extra oomph in my bra or instead of one:

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