Train potty

When you imagine coming home with your new bundle of joy, you probably think about swaddling blankets and stuffed animals and tiny outfits. You probably have a supply of diapers, wipes, and baby lotions as well.

Just remember, as a new mom, you'll need some items for a smooth recovery too.

As I prepare for baby #3, here are the items I will have waiting in the bathroom cupboard. The hospital I delivered at in the past sent me home with some of these items, but I usually needed more than the one sample. 

Having these items on hand is convenient and makes for a more pleasant recovery. 

(Just a note, I have never had a C-section, so this list is for new mommas who deliver via pushing. . . )
If you considering a home birth, read my friend's amazing home birth story here.

You'll use this to ease the pain "down under" from swelling and stitches.

Also for use "down under" to help reduce pain from swelling and stitches. 

Their cooling effect is very comforting, and they help clean as well.

After pushing your newborn into the world, you don't want to "push" hard for anything else. My doctor writes a prescription for stool softeners at the hospital, but I don't think you have to use hard-core prescription strength softeners. Pick a brand from the store, and have it waiting at home.

Keep the squirt bottle the hospital gives you!!! 

Fill it with warm water, and squirt yourself off after you use the restroom. You won't be able to wipe normally until the stitches and swelling heal. The squirt bottle will be your best friend at home.

Whatever brand you choose, stock up. You'll continue bleeding for a couple weeks or so after delivery. 

Because you'll continue to bleed for a few days (as mentioned in #5), the hospital will send you home with some massively large mesh panties. But the mesh wears out quickly. So buy a package of grandma panties

to hold those pads in place. 

I hope you find this list helpful!
Prepare for labor with some guided imagery exercises found here.
And if you'll still be pregnant in October, check out our awesome pregnant Halloween costume idea here.

One year over, and a new year just beginning. Hello 2017!

With the start of a new year, people think about goals and fresh starts. I don't have new goals per se, but I do want to complete leftover goals from last year. Life is a work in progress, and I hope I am continually improving as I go. Since January has finally arrived, I can nudge myself to lose the last remaining pounds of baby weight and stop eating so much holiday food (once my stocking candy is finally eaten and gone. . .) I'm also excited to get back to the gym now that my baby is old enough for childcare programs while I exercise at the gym. 

Weight goals are super common in January, but don't forget about financial goals too! Last month, I was introduced to the company Earnest, and they got me thinking about financial saving and security. Their company mission is to not only save money but to also teach the importance of knowing where your money is, how you spend it, and what your debt looks like. Adults old and young can benefit from a financial check-up to make sure you're on a sustainable path. Plus, if you are a recent graduate, take comfort in knowing that you can refinance student loans with Earnest and save over $20k!

I personalized my Money Saving Challenge plan with Earnest, which I'll share below.

I often tell my clients to tape their goal chart to a mirror or dresser, somewhere highly visible. Frequently seeing your goals helps channel your thoughts in that direction, making it easier to change unwanted habits. This first quarter, my goal is to keep healthy snacks in my purse and on my kitchen counter. The more I eat healthy, the more my body will crave healthy, right? These last 10 pounds of baby weight have gotta go! The same principle applies to financial goals. Once saving money becomes a habit, it's easier to save. Learning to curb spending desires is similar to curbing junk food cravings - it takes time and effort. You can even tape a picture of the "treat" you are saving for to your own mirror. 

What goals would be on your three month list?

What actions can you take to form healthier financial habits?

Let me know in the comment section. Good luck!