Essentials for the New Mom

As a first time mom there were a few basics that came in handy! Of course researching mommy blogs also helped so I compiled a list of my essentials hoping you would find my suggestions helpful.
Tomorrow my little one will be one month...oh my where has time gone! The first few weeks are a whirlwind, adjusting on little sleep and breastfeeding can get a little cray cray. But patience and having the right basics:

A breast pump:
If you are planning to breast feed a pump is a must! Ladies, breastfeeding can be stressful but I found that persistence and patience is needed. I only use my pump if I'm planning on going out & hubby is staying home with him. It gives me a break and allows my husband to connect with baby.
The Philips Avent BPA-free Single Electric Breast Pump is an easy to use pump. It is basic & travel friendly hence why I like it, plug it in or battery operated. A one touch memory control allows you to control the speed and suction . The Philips Avent bottles all work with this pump and also allows for storage so no transferring of milk required. I'm not at the stage of storing my breast milk. I only take out about a 4 oz bottle portion for same day use. Therefore, for me this pump works for the occasional usage and amount. The price is also affordable versus other models on the market and I would recommend this pump if you're considering it for the same reasons as above.

Facial Wipes:
Ain't nobody got time for makeup! Seriously, what first time new mom has time for a full face of makeup. Ok so the occasional run to the grocery store and maybe a few guests might warrant a bit of tinted moisturizer and mascara. If I'm not testing out makeup for my blog I'm not wearing any. For me wipes aren't just for babies and are perfect to have around the house. The first few weeks my body heat was higher than usual and I found that the facial wipes were refreshing. Also, great to have for late nights when your face feels oily. My old time fave Neutrogena All in One Makeup Remover wipes.

Incontinence pads:
For the first few days after birth forget regular maxi pads. I found the Poise Pads absorbed well and comfortable. The nurse also showed me a trick: for night wear if heavy flow stick two tips together to make a long pad.

Baby Wash:
This one is for the moms! Don't use over powering body wash scents. Your baby recognizes your scent, so use something light. Better yet use the same body wash you use on baby. I love the scent of Live Clean Baby products.

Nipple ointment:
In the beginning your nipples will feel raw &/or cracked. A nipple ointment or balm will feel amazing. I like the Lansinoh HPA Lanolin, no preservatives or additives. Baby safe and no need to wipes off prior to breastfeeding.

Nursing Pads:
I didn't need these until recently when my flow really came in. I tried several other sample packs of nursing pads but found the Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads the most absorbent. At night I use cloth pads.

Baby Oil:
Again another item I stole from baby! I love this all-natural oil, Sleepy Owl Soothing Baby's Blue Oil.  Ingredients: Persea gratissima (avocado oil), vitamin E, matricaria chamomilla (blue chamomile), lavendula angustafolia (lavender oil). I've been using this on my bikini line, yes really and reduces skin irritations. On baby, just on dry spots.

Button-down shirts:
My uniform as of late is; button-downs and leggings. Button down because of breast feeding; easy access and comfortable.

Leggings:
While pregnant leggings were my best friend and continue to be. One work: comfortable! My favourite are the Preggers by Therafirm, and yes I still wear my maternity compression leggings because they fit well over my belly + I had a c section and don't find them constricting. They give me the support I need plus help with circulation. At 10-15 mmHG gradient compression is not tight where you feel restricted. Plus, as a flight attendant I normally wear compression hosiery.

Bath Sponge:
Grab a few natural sea sponges because the hospital bandage tape marks are a b*tch to wash off. I had bandage marks everywhere on my body & it took a few tries in the shower to come off.

Hope you found my list helpful! Let me know. Any products you liked as a first time mom in the early days?