Wednesday, July 27, 2011

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.

44 comments:

  1. Keep us hanging to see your bare bum why don't you!! Xxxx em

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  2. there is so much harmony radiating from your blog right now! it's so beautiful. loving little bubba on a bed with gorgeous pillowcases. (not gonna lie, kinda noticed the vintage loveliness before poet) xx

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  3. Oh My Jodi have I been living under a rock?! Congratulations Sweets on your gorgeous (GORGEOUS) bundle, empowering birth & delightful babymoon.

    I can't imagine what it would have been like in those early weeks if I hadn't been on a self-imposed "go slow". Frazzled & even more emotional, no doubt!

    Congrats again & sorry I was so late to say so! xx

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  4. Thank you for the checklist and i'm looking forward to reading your birth story. I'm hoping to be pregnant with my first bubba soon and i can't get enough of reading positive birth stories. I've always wanted a natural, drug free birth but when i mention this to friends they say "you'll change your mind once you're in labour" or "why would you want to do that?" and tell me their horrible stories. I'm sure your story will be inspiring!

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  5. I love love her name and this photo and your gentle listing. The name Poet is Soliel Moon Frye's daughter's name..I remember thinking how wonderful it was when naming our now 7 month old, Ever.

    xo

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  6. Such a beautiful photo! Thanks for the list - I am sure one day it will help me to prepaire for this special time... Can't wait the video and your birth story!

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  7. Great tips Jodi! Thank you for sharing these. Poet is beautiful.

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  8. such a teeny tiny bundle of precious baby girl.

    sounds like everything is just as it should be.

    xo

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  9. What a gorgeous photo ... so beautiful.
    So happy to hear that you have been getting the rest that you wanted / needed. Poet is just beautiful!

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  10. Oh I love all of your babymoon tips. Just what every new mumma and bubba truly need (despite Johnston & Johnston telling them otherwise!!!) I cringe every time I see a poor little baby being lathered in all that junk. You are right, they don't need anything but mums milk and touch :)

    Ayla was born just before Xmas so there was no baby moon here but if we go for number 3..........!

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  11. beautiful, i look forward to reading it! I never feel 'clucky' anymore, but you always make me! xx

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  12. Lovely Jodi, your words are so uplifting and I'm ever-grateful that you're sharing your own experiences and gentle advice with us...I'm looking forward to my own babymoon in the next few weeks - and it is sure to incorporate some of the things you mention...most definitely banana bread!
    x

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  13. Oh Jodi I loved this post, especially the 2nd last point. Some very helpful and useful tips.

    xo

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  14. Wow Jodi, Poet Winter is soooo beautiful! She looks very content :) I think it's wonderful that you think so much about other mothers and mothers to be. Great tips from a great lady! x

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  15. You're amazing Jodi! I seriously love popping in and reading every one of your posts. So glad I found your blog. This is such a thoughtful, considered list and it's just lovely. I couldn't agree more about the meals on hand. It was one of the things I found incredibly difficult to get back in the swing of after my second babe. Cooking is just so time consuming and tiring. My beautiful Mama took care of our dinners for about 3 weeks... and eating home cooked meals was just the best!
    Your little Poet is a doll, absolutely. gorgeous! xo

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  16. Oh she is so gorgeous. And an awesome list. I'm making notes xx

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  17. Aww Poet is adorable, thank you for sharing your tips. I know if me and Joe are luckily enough to be blessed with a baby it won't be for years yet, but thank you for the inside info!

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  18. Oooh, great advice, Jodi...albeit 6 months too late! ;) So glad to hear you're having a blissful babymoon... what a wonderfully relaxing transition into the world for Little Poet. Can't wait to hear (and see) all about the birth! xx

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  19. Jody, how beautiful is this post. I was blessed to have three LeBoyer births and I am talking just over 28 years ago, they all differed, the first was born in a birthing chair, the second was breech so had him support squat and the third was a water birth. So wonderful to bring your precious baby into the world in such a beautiful way and then to have the time to take the time to do what you want after baby is born.
    x Sandi

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  20. Oh, she is so sweet. I am getting all 'perhaps I can do it again...' Don't tell my husband! xxx

    And the Lil'Fraser wrap you sent us was Louis' (and my) absolute favourite. Hands down, one of the best gifts. A little something will be heading your way (when I get organised).

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  21. thank you so much for this. my little girl will be here any day and this is such a great reminder to "just be" after she's here.

    congrats on your sweet little Poet.

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  22. ahhh it is too late to have a babymoon with an 8 week old? ha ha. If only. My 21 month old boy did not let me rest much unfortunately but my husband gave me as much time as possible, but it is never enough when you're a mummy to a new bubba. Sounds wonderful, Poet is gorgeous, I can't wait to see more lovely photos and hear of your birth.

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  23. Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl ! She's so tiny and sweet.

    Welcome to the world Poet. I know you are going to do amazing things xx

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  24. What a truly gorgeous way to spend time with your newborn bub...I have never had the luxury of having a babymoon but we are currently planning our sixth and by gosh I am so doing this :)

    I can't wait to see your labour and births pics...I have already asked a friend (photographer) if she would capture our next one.

    Thank you so much for sharing :)
    xx

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  25. I'm excited to hear/see your birth story. It was such an exciting time for me - my last was a water birth and it was surreal - so calm, so controlled.
    I've been waiting to see pictures of your new babe - I love seeing little newborns. I guess I'm still kind of sad that that chapter of my life is over.
    Enjoy these quiet precious moments - they go so quickly :)
    l
    x

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  26. Welcome *Poet*!

    Greetings from Germany

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  27. your baby moon sounds perfect.
    and how the hell did you get that angel. its like you were clinging to the roof :P

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  28. So happy to have come across your blog, your life seems so blissful :)

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  30. She is wonderful and I love that you are savoring every moment with her!
    Best of luck to all :)

    Forever Crafting,
    Lori.

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  31. I always like to hear of a new mum putting her needs out there. Good fpr you.

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  32. oh Jodi congratulations again on the arrival of Poet Winter! first up yippeee i'm your #500th follower! secondly on my very first comment in your blog regarding the magnolias and cherry blossoms and i said at the end of the message that hopefully just in case something nice happen and yes after embarrasing myself (in the email i sent you) i've just been totally smitten with your family portrait with Tim Coulson and yes indeed something nice is happening i've booked him to do our family portrait too. so wow thank you so very much something nice indeed happen! quite true that when i had Beth and Poppy the ready made meals worked an absolute treat! I can't wait to read your next post and excited to see the time lapse movie. hope you are keeping well. cheers for now, luisa

    http://serendipitycornerblog.blogspot.com/

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  33. Wonderful list for you babymoon. I'm so pleased you are taking it slow, and not rushing to get back out in the world. The world will still be there, those precious first baby days are golden.
    I got an excited little butterfly in my tummy at the thought of seeing your labour and birth.
    Enjoy this special time.
    xxx

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  34. Congratulations! Poet is beautiful, such a lovely name too. It is delightful to hear of your mummy-bliss and peace. I hope you stay well and your family continue to flourish.

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  35. And you even get time to post, and a beautiful one again and another which you share your wisdom and support for others. Very lovely, you really are gorgeous... and i know i will say that even after your bare bum and all !!! HA ! :)
    xxxx

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  36. Oh, my heart. Look at that little bundle. Only 3 months since I had my own tiny bundle and now she's so big already... nice to find my way back to your blog after waaaay too long.

    I can't speak highly enough for the type of babymoon you're having. I didn't cook or clean for 3 weeks. Can't say I'm doing much cleaning now either :)

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  37. She is gorgeous. Just beautiful.

    I agree, staying at home and nesting is the best idea. I did it for 6 weeks and really bonded with my babe and nurtured the relationship of my older child to my newborn.

    Can't wait to hear your birth story. xx

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  38. Beautiful, Jodi. Though I never called it a 'babymoon' this is exactly the way I spent the first six weeks of all my bubba's lives. We called it the 'forth trimester' where both mumma and bub need just as much nurturing and calm and peace as the first three.

    Enjoy these beautiful moments that you are capturing so beautifully and... seriously, I know Poet must also be going absolutely flat-out mental like every newborn from time to time so I hope you're getting through that okay as well!!! x

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  39. that photo is a winner! a classic!

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  40. I love all these tips - due in 13 weeks so thank you. (have just ordered 2 queen bees, I agree, the whole maternity bra thing is so overwhelming!)

    I love the idea of nesting and resting for the first few weeks, I visited a friend who had set up a "nest" in their living room and it looked so nice and cosy.

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  41. As a mum of two I wish I had read this before number 1! I've forwarded it on to my sister who is expecting and hope she can enjoy a babymoon like yours. It sounds like a truly wonderful experience.

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  42. Beautiful. I'm a 57 year old man and never had my own child, and never felt the error of my ways SO much as when I reviewed your blog.

    Color me envious.

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  43. Baby-moon is the most significant events in any couple's life. People should take some time during this. This unique holidays called babymoons offer just this opportunity because a little one is coming into your lives.

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