DIY Postpartum Padsicles

Recovering from childbirth is no joke. During my first pregnancy, I wanted to be as prepared ahead of time as possible. I came across these postpartum padsicles and have used them after each child.

Since I am recovering from my third baby’s birth, I wanted to share this easy and quick step-by-step guide so that you can use them too (whenever needed)!

What You’ll Need

• Maxi pads
• Witch Hazel
• Aloe Vera gel

MAXI PADS
You’ll need large maxi pads. I use the longest and most absorbent ones.

WITCH HAZEL
I like to use organic or at least the smallest amount of ingredients. I tried to find one that was alcohol free but was unable to, so I just used my regular kind.

ALOE VERA GEL
Take your pick and choose your favorite bottle. I would also make sure to get an alcohol-free gel. The alcohol can be irritating during recovery.

Let’s Get Started

STEP #1
Pour equal parts witch hazel and aloe vera gel into a bowl.

STEP #2
Mix the witch hazel and aloe vera gel until it is smooth.

STEP #3
Lay out maxi pads, keeping the back wrapper on.

STEP #4
Pour the witch hazel/aloe vera gel mix onto the maxi pads. Use a spoon or spatula to spread evenly along the entire pad.

STEP #5
Close/wrap the maxi pads back up.

STEP #6
Put the pads in a zip-lock bag or container.

STEP #7
Place the pads in the freezer to freeze. Use as needed postpartum.

And there you have it! Super simple and fast to make. Trust me, it is well worth it to do this ahead of time! Every little thing helps during postpartum recovery. Happy creating!

Hospital Bag Must-Haves

Just like everyone’s pregnancy journey is different. Everyone’s birth story is different. Having a good hospital bag full of essentials is so helpful when you’re in labor.

There are so many go-tos out there about what you should or shouldn’t bring with you. I’m here to share my two cents from my own personal experience. With my first baby, I packed all the things…and I mean ALL the things. It was a lot, and I didn’t use half of them.

I quickly learned what was a must-have and what wasn’t. I majorly downsized for my second child’s delivery and was much happier. The truth is, the hospital will have a majority of things you need, so you don’t need to truck towels, pads, etc. in with you.

Everyone’s preferences are different, so you may not use all of my essentials or want extras added on, and that’s OK. You want to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Packing for labor and delivery doesn’t need to be stressful or full of items you won’t use. So I wanted to share what I have found as must-haves in the hopes it helps other mommas-to-be out there be better prepared.

Toiletries

Typically, you won’t be in the hospital too long if you have a simple birth, so you won’t need a lot of items, but you’ll still want your typical toiletries. With my first two kids, I was discharged 24 hours after birth. These are my go-to toiletries to pack:

• Shampoo/conditioner
• Witch hazel
• Lotion
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
• Dry shampoo
• Deodorant
• Chapstick
• Hairbrush
• Headband

Mom Items

I make sure to include my mom must-haves when packing. My personal go-tos are:

• Purse (with all essential IDs, etc.)
• Hair ties
• Phone/camera and all chargers
• Comfortable coming home clothes (maternity bra, big underwear, pants, shirt, etc.)
• Belly band (postpartum belly band to help stomach shrink back after birth)
• Hip band (belly support/hip band to help hips shrink back after birth)
• Water bottle
• Snacks

Baby Items

Probably the most items I pack are for the new Baby. My go-tos for Baby are:

• Boppy pillow (for nursing and taking photos)
• Baby’s coming home outfit
• Pacifier
• Baby memory book (the nurses will take a footprint of Baby after birth and put it into the book for you)
• Baby accessories for announcement photos (bring along anything you want to take photos of Baby. For me, it is usually blankets or clothes, a custom hat, and a cute boppy pillow cover. You could also include any name signs, hats, etc)

I hope that these tips come in handy for you and help to better prepare you for a more relaxed hospital stay. All of us mothers have been where you are. Just know you are not alone! If you have any suggestions for other must-haves that I didn’t list, please comment below and let me know.

Baby Names Inspired by the East Coast

Choosing the perfect name for your baby can be hard. There are so many options out there. Do you love the East Coast in the US? I grew up and currently live on the East Coast. Whether you are from the East Coast or just have a special connection to it, I have just the thing for you! I have compiled a list of about 27 names (for both genders) inspired by the East Coast for all my fellow coastal lovers. You might find the perfect name for your little one.

Ann/Anna

Inspired by Annapolis, MD.

August/Augusta

Inspired by Augusta, ME.

Boston

Inspired by Boston, MA.

Brooklyn

Inspired by Brooklyn, NY/NYC.

Bronx

Inspired by the Bronx in NYC.

Cam

Inspired by Cambridge, MA.

Charles/Charleston

Inspired by Charleston, SC.

Charlotte

Inspired by Charlotte, NC.

Chicago

Inspired by Chicago, IL.

Dover

Inspired by Dover, DE.

Easton

An American name meaning: from the east town.

Georgia

Inspired by the state of Georgia.

Haven

Inspired by New Haven, CT.

Jackson

Inspired by Jacksonville, FL.

Lanta

Inspired by Atlanta, GA.

Louis

Inspired by Louisville, KY.

Mary

Inspired by the state of Maryland.

Memphis

Inspired by Memphis, TN.

Nash

Inspired by Nashville, TN.

Orlando

Inspired by Orlando, FL.

Phil

Inspired by Philadelphia, PA.

Portland/Porter

Inspired by Portland, ME.

Raleigh

Inspired by Raleigh, NC.

Rich

Inspired by Richmond, VA.

Savannah

Inspired by Savannah, GA.

Trenton

Inspired by Trenton, NJ.

Virginia

Inspired by the state of Virginia.

I hope these names give you some inspiration while picking out the perfect name for your baby. I love names with special meaning, and if you love the West Coast, these are great options to consider. If you are still looking for other options, check out these lists: Baby Names Inspired by the West Coast, Baby Names Inspired by Flowers, Baby Names Inspired by the Sea, Baby Names Inspired by Christmas, Baby Names Inspired by Summer, and Baby Names Inspired by the Fall.