From Bump to Baby - My Pregnancy, Labor, Postpartum Care, and Newborn Essentials

A guide based on real-life experience with our sweet boy, Carter.

Welcoming our son Carter into the world on April 16 was the most life-changing moment of my life. After a five-hour labor that ended in an emergency C-section, I’ve never been more in awe of what the human body—and a mother’s heart—can endure and grow through. From pregnancy to postpartum healing to figuring out newborn life, there have been so many moments of “Why didn’t anyone tell me about this?”

That’s why I put together this post: to share what actually helped me during each stage of the journey. These are my personal favorites—tried, tested, and loved through the rollercoaster of new motherhood. No fluff. Just honest recommendations from a first-time mama who’s been there. I hope this helps you feel a little more prepared and a whole lot less alone.

Pregnancy Favorites

Pregnancy is such a wild mix of excitement, exhaustion, and everything in between. These are the things that supported me through the discomfort, the changes, and the beautiful moments. From belly support to mental prep, each one played a part in helping me feel a little more like myself as my body did the most incredible thing.

• Pregnancy Pillow
  I didn’t reach for this much in the first trimester, but by the second and third—game changer. The shape supports your belly and back, and the washable cover is a must.

• Beef Tallow Cream
  I used this on my bump and body throughout pregnancy. It smells amazing, absorbs well, and doesn’t leave a greasy residue. Great intro product if you're new to beef tallow skincare.

• Prenatal + Choline Supplements
  I took Ritual’s Prenatal and Choline daily. I love their transparency and values, and the extra choline (even beyond what’s already in the prenatal) is so important for baby’s brain development.

• Seed Probiotic
  A daily essential! A healthy gut influences everything—from digestion to immunity and mental health. Seed is a high-quality synbiotic I truly trust.

• Maternity Leggings + Longsleeves
  Comfort was key, and maternity leggings were my go-to. When I needed jeans, Old Navy’s tall-friendly options (I’m 5'10") were clutch. I also lived in basic maternity long sleeves—great for layering and dressing up or down.

• Magnesium Bath Salts
  The round ligament and back pain were no joke. Magnesium baths helped relieve soreness and improved my sleep at night.

• Shower Steamers
  Want to feel human again after a long day? These powerful aromatherapy steamers turned my shower into a personal spa.

• Lemonheads
  Morning sickness in the first trimester had me down, but sour candy like Lemonheads helped ease the nausea.

• Colostrum Syringes
  I started collecting colostrum around 39 weeks. These syringes were perfect for the job, and I ended up using some of that colostrum at the hospital to support our breastfeeding journey.

• Red Raspberry Leaf Tea + Tea Ball Strainers
  Loose leaf is more potent and clean. I drank tons of it in late pregnancy and used stainless steel tea strainers to steep it fresh.

• LMNT Electrolyte Mix
  Hydration is everything—especially postpartum. These sugar-free mixes helped me stay hydrated and boosted my milk supply.

• Maternity Support Belt
  This belt saved me while working late into pregnancy. It provided back and belly support when the weight started to take a toll.

• Birth Ball
  I used this in the third trimester for stretches and labor prep. It really helped open things up and relieve pressure.

• Heating Pad
  Safe for your lower back (not your belly), this was a nighttime must to ease those end-of-day aches.

• Gentle Birth Tincture
  I took this every day of my pregnancy, starting in the second trimester to strengthen & tone the uterus in preparation for labor.

• Journal
  Get yourself a good quality journal that you can write in throughout your pregnancy - you’ll want to look back on these entries after baby makes their arrival

• Waterbottle
  My Stanley cup has been my lifeline throughout my entire pregnancy and still continues to be a staple for me.

Labor, Hospital Stay, and Postpartum Care Favorites

No matter how you deliver, birth is intense—and empowering. After experiencing an unplanned emergency C-section, I was so grateful I had these items packed and ready to go. These are the things I leaned on during labor and in the hospital, both practically and emotionally.

• Hospital Gown
  The hospital gowns were... rough. Having my own comfy gown made such a difference during labor and postpartum.

• Always Discreet Underwear
  Skip the Frida Mom undies if you have sensitive skin—they gave me hives. Always Discreet was my go-to at home for comfort and coverage.

• Oversized Tote (Hospital Bag)
  I packed everything into one large tote. Spacious, easy to carry, and kept me organized.

• Cozy Blanket & Pillow
  Bring your own! The hospital ones aren’t cozy and you'll want comfort during recovery.

• Ice Packs
  These were a must-have at home—great for my c-section incision and sore nipples from nursing.

• AfterEase Tincture
  Helps soothe those postpartum contractions as your uterus shrinks. Totally worth it.

• File Folder
  You’ll leave the hospital with a mountain of papers. A simple folder kept everything organized.

• Brewer’s Yeast
  I prepped lactation banana bread and cookies with this and stored them for postpartum snacks.

• Hanging Toiletry Bag
  That first shower after birth? LIFE. This bag made accessing everything simple and organized.

• Announcement Plaque
  Take all the pictures. You won’t regret it. I used a plaque for Carter’s birth stats—it was perfect.

• Labor Comb
  Used as a distraction technique during contractions—apply pressure to the comb in your hand to redirect your brain from the pain.

• Shower Shoes & Dark Towels
  Trust me: public shower + postpartum bleeding = get the shoes and skip the hospital’s white, tiny towels.

• Button-Down Nightgowns
  So comfy for recovery and make postpartum checks and breastfeeding much easier.

• Peri Bottle
  Use your upgraded bottle and save the hospital one to bathe baby. It’s a gentle rinse for little heads!

• Hand Breast Pump
  Helpful for early colostrum collection when you don’t want to break out the full pump.

• Nipple Cream
  Breastfeeding is beautiful and painful. This baby-safe, all-natural cream was a huge help.

• The First Forty Days (Book)
  Soothing, thoughtful, and encouraging. This book helped me mentally and emotionally prepare for postpartum life.

• Postpartum Support Band
  It helped me feel more secure after birth—especially after my c-section.

Newborn Must-Haves

The newborn stage is such a sweet, fleeting whirlwind. Between figuring out feeding, sleep, and soothing, these were the things that brought us the most peace and ease. Not everything is a necessity—but these are what worked for us and made the transition smoother for our little family.

Feeding Essentials:

• Spectra Breast Pump
  I received the Spectra S2 Covered by my insurance —this is my go-to at home. If I had a choice, I’d go with the S1 version (cordless and rechargeable), but the S2 gets the job done and is very effective.

• Wearable Breast Pump
  While I don’t get as much output with this one, it's a lifesaver when I’m out and about. Super convenient and worth the investment.

• Breastmilk Storage Containers
  Perfect for storing milk in the fridge before freezing or feeding. Easy to use and sanitize.

• Flange Sizing Kit
  Find the right flange size for your pump to maximize milk output—this makes a big difference!

• Pumping/Nursing Bra
  Do yourself a favor and get a bra that does both. Total game changer.

• Disposable Nursing Pads
  For surprise leaks—keeps you dry and discreet when you're out and about.

• Haakaa Silicone Pump
  I use this on the opposite breast during feedings to collect letdown. Every ounce counts!

• Lactation Supplements
  These have been helpful in boosting both my supply and the nutrients in my milk.

• Breastfeeding Therapy Packs
  Heat encourages letdown, cold soothes soreness. You can microwave or freeze these—so helpful in the early days.

• Evenflo Feeding Nipples
  I swap out bottle nipples for these. They're more breast-like and slow flow, which helps prevent nipple confusion.

• Glass Bottles
  Small, easy to clean, and perfect for newborn feedings. Carter transitions easily between bottle and breast.

• Milk/Water Warmer
  This portable warmer heats up breast milk or water quickly, whether you're at home or on the go.

• Bedside Mini Fridge
  We keep this on our nightstand with milk and pump parts (fridge method = fewer washes at night). Total sanity-saver!

• Electric Bottle Brush
  Not essential, but it’s made cleaning bottles and pump parts easier and quicker.

• Baby Safe Bottle/Pump Soap
  Gentle and effective soap that’s safe for washing all of Carter’s feeding items.

• Wash Basin
  We use this separate from our dishes to wash bottles and pump parts daily. Super hygienic.

• Vertical Bottle Drying Rack
  Keeps everything organized and allows items to air dry quickly.

Sleep & Soothing Essentials:

• Newborn Pajamas with Two-Way Zippers
  Diaper changes are so much easier with the two-way zippers, especially in the middle of the night.

• Swaddles (Velcro + Arms-Up)
  We started with Velcro swaddles but found Carter prefers having his hands near his face. The arms-up swaddles we use now help him self-soothe and sleep better.

• Bassinet
  Lightweight, budget-friendly, and cozy. Carter sleeps in this right next to me.

• Bassinet Sheets (Buy Extras!)
  Trust me—you’ll want backups when accidents happen.

• Lounger
  Perfect for setting him down safely on any surface. We keep one downstairs for convenience.

• Hatch Sound Machine
  We use the red light + brown noise combo every night—Carter falls asleep so quickly! Love that it grows with him.

• Portable Sound Machine
  Clips to the diaper bag and was amazing in the hospital and on outings. We used the heartbeat sound early on to help him feel comforted.

• Baby Monitor
  Reliable, clear, and gives us peace of mind when we’re not in the room.

• Humidifier
  Colorado dryness is no joke. This cool mist humidifier has made a big difference in reducing nighttime congestion.

• Swaddle Blankets
  Lightweight and breathable—perfect for warmer days when you want baby covered but not overheated.

Diapering & Baby Care Essentials:

• Millie Moon Diapers
  Tried many brands—these are the softest, cleanest, and most absorbent. Worth the few extra bucks.

• Momcozy Water Wipes
  These wipes are huge and thick. One or two gets the job done, and they’re super gentle on baby’s skin.

• Disposable Underpads (Puppy Pads)
  Perfect for on-the-go changes—car seats, tailgates, public restrooms, you name it.

  Diaper Caddy
  We have one in the nursery, our bedroom, downstairs, and in the car. Stocked with all the essentials for quick changes anywhere.

• Diaper Pail
  Uses regular trash bags—no need for pricey refills. Convenient and budget-friendly.

• Ointment Spatula
  A must-have for circumcision care. Cleaner and more sanitary than using your finger.

• Baby Aquaphor
  We use this daily for dry skin (hello, Colorado) and for protecting sensitive areas during diaper changes.

• Thermometer
  Cheap, accurate, and we have one in every diaper caddy. Better to be prepared than panicked!

• Changing Pad
  We keep this in our nursery. Simple, easy to wipe down, and works great.

On-The-Go Essentials:

• Nuna Carseat + Extra Base + Stroller
  Lightweight, easy to install, and super secure. We have a base in each car—makes life so much easier. The stroller clips the carseat in easily, folds like a dream, and grows with baby. A worthwhile investment!

• Car Camera
  This inexpensive backseat cam was so easy to install and gives me peace of mind while driving solo.

• Car Sun Shades
  Keeps the sun out of Carter’s eyes and helps him nap better on drives.

• Diaper Backpack + Wet Bag
  Spacious, organized, and includes a wet bag for dirty clothes or blowouts on the go.

Bath & Body Essentials:

• Washcloths + Cotton Baby Towels
  Soft, gentle, and perfect for newborn skin.

• Baby Bath Seat
  We bathe him in our kitchen sink with this. So convenient and safe!

• Clean Bath Products
  We use a clean, non-toxic soap/lotion combo that smells amazing and is gentle on his skin.

• Nail File
  Used it in the hospital! Baby nails grow fast and scratch easily—this file is gentle and effective.

Health & Wellness Essentials:

• Non-Medicated Saline Drops + Snot Sucker
  Dry air = congestion. These help clear Carter’s nose and let him breathe easier and sleep better.

• Gas Drops
  One of our biggest lifesavers the first few nights. These helped instantly with painful gas.

• Genexa Infant Pain Reliever
  I lean holistic, but I keep this clean-ingredient medicine on hand just in case.

• Air Purifier
  With two cats and a dog, these have helped immensely with air quality. We have three in the house!

• Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent
  We wash all his clothes, blankets, and gear with this unscented, gentle detergent.

Baby Gear & Play

• Graco Swing + Rocker
  This has been a total sanity-saver. Carter naps like a champ in it, and it detaches into a portable rocker too.

• Baby Carrier Wrap
  Perfect for skin-to-skin time while still being able to move around and get things done.

• Nursing Pillow
  Supports baby during feedings and helps prop him up post-feed to reduce spit-up.

• Baby Play Gym + High-Contrast Cards
  Great for early development and keeping him stimulated during tummy time.

• Baby Hangers
  Helps keep his closet organized and adorable.

Everyone’s experience is different, but if you’re a new or expecting mama reading this, I hope you feel a little more equipped—and encouraged. These aren’t just trendy “must-haves”; they’re items that really made a difference for us during a sacred, challenging, beautiful time.

Feel free to reach out or drop a comment if you want to chat or ask about anything mentioned above!