babymoon checklist

Before Poet arrived I was well aware of how I wanted to spend the first few weeks of her life. It was my priority to have a 'babymoon' - a restful period where I could recover from the birth, connect with my newborn and take good care of my self. As of today I am yet to venture past the letterbox. As a result I feel wonderful. It's liberating to give yourself permission to just 'be'. Truth be told, I couldn't imagine doing it any other way.

The transition of Poet's birth was an incredibly powerful experience. I was left on an almighty high and then a few days later, day three, I was sore, tired, emotional and needy. It was incredibly comforting to know that everything was taken care of. It's been 12 days since her birth and I haven't had to make dinner yet. The washing, cleaning and cooking has all been taken care of.

I've learned through the comments that many of you are either currently pregnant, planning on having a baby or pondering the possibility of adding to your brood. And so, I bring you my babymoon list. A collection of things that have made these early days of rest possible (and comfortable).

• Ready-made meals. "We don't need gifts, but we would love food," I said to family and friends. In the first few weeks, a warm, hearty meal is absolutely priceless. I informed those that were willing to cook for us that we desired comfort food that didn't have too much garlic or onions (creates too much wind for baby) and definitely no sage (sage is the herb you eat/drink when you want your breast-milk to dry up - if you want to produce more milk you should consider fennel and dill). We've been blessed to eat beautiful lasagne, wholesome soups, slow-cooked organic chicken, casseroles, quiche and the most delectable chicken pie from the lovely lady next door.
• Banana Bread - ok, so it's not a necessity but my gosh I have enjoyed a mid-morning cup of tea with a slice of toasted banana bread. Yum!
• Water - every time Poet attaches I get so very thirsty. I actually found it quite hard to quench my thirst in those first few days.
• Hot Water Bottles - With every baby the after-pains (contractions encouraging the uterus to return to its original size - the size of your fist) get more intense. I literally had to breathe and moan through each and every one of them. Ouch! Hot water bottles were my saviour.
• Luxury toilet paper - I usually buy recycled but I treated myself to the ultra-soft expensive type. I wasn't overly sore after she was born but it was nice to use soft paper. In the 24hours after birth you pee about 3 litres of fluid so it's nice to have comfy toilet paper at the ready.
• l'il Fraser Wraps - the greatest baby wrap. Ever. Poet had her hands up near her face in my womb and since she was born, they've always gravitated upwards, which can make feeding and sleeping difficult. She loves to be snug and wrapping her in a l'il fraser ensures she feels safe and, thankfully, sleepy.
• Bonds wondersuit - when you're spending lazy days at home with a sleepy newborn, there's nothing better than a warm, cosy, easy-to-wash wondersuit (for baby, not for muma)
• Queen Bee Nursing Bra - there are so many maternity bras out there and it can easily become a confusing and expensive shopping trip. I've loved this no hook, no strap version that's comfortable to wear while sleeping and incredibly supportive.
• Yes to Carrots Nourishing Baby Lotion - We haven't bathed Poet yet - we don't want to wash away her purity. Little babies don't need baths and they most definitely do not need soap! But, this natural moisturiser has been lovely for me! I like the fact that it's made from organic ingredients and it smells lovely - there is no overpowering scent which is good considering Poet is always close by. She wants to smell her muma and her milk - not synthetic floral!
• LOVE AND CUDDLES AND SMOOCHES - make a babymoon all the sweeter...make the world go 'round.

I'm working on Poet's birth story at the moment. But I've also got something to share. Daniel set the camera up in the birthing suite and it took a photo every two seconds. The result? A timelapse of labour and birth, set to a song we listened to while I was pregnant. It's an emotional and beautiful capture and regardless of the fact that you can see my bare bum, it's something that I want to share. Because, if it encourages even one woman to prepare for a conscious birth experience, then it's worth it. Hopefully I will get around to posting it in the next week.