Navigating with kids is a challenge. When Brooklyn was born, I would have some anxiety about leaving the house. When she started chemotherapy, I had more anxiety. What happens if she spits up in the car? What happens if she has a massive blowout? Do I have enough clothes for her? A spare blanket? Do I have something to cover up with so I can nurse her? The list goes on. This week’s post, I’ll share with you my top tips and tricks that have worked for me while navigating as a new mom. All of the items are linked and can be viewed by clicking on the pictures!
First. Whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding or exclusively pumping, this is one of my all time nursing favorites. If you’ve been following my social media for a while, I’ve shared my obsession with this company. MoveMama Apparel has changed the breastfeeding game. I found this mom owned company while scrolling through Instagram and had made a mental note about needing a few shirts when Brooklyn was born. Owning a few shirts quickly turned into a necessity as her line developed and I discovered my need for quick access to feed Brooklyn and full coverage while pumping at the hospital during our initial stay. These shirts have become a part of my “uniform”…they’re basically all I wear because of the ease of access and the fact I’m covered without a blanket!
What is remarkable about these shirts is that they’re unique in the sense that they don’t look like a nursing shirt. I looked around for many shirts on Amazon and so forth but I hated every shirt because of the flap, the elastic and the fact that you could tell it was a nursing shirt. When I saw MoveMama’s designs, a lightweight t shirt with a horizontal zipper across the breast…I was sold. I also loved that the owner was self made and her story is inspiring! If you’re looking for a new obsession I found it for you!
Along with these shirts, I’ve found another mama made company who’s created wonderful nursing friendly sports bras! Love and Fit’s designs are elegant but functional with a thick band to provide support. When I find the time to get in the basement for a workout, these bras conveniently allow me to feed Brooklyn without trying to peel off a sweaty bra. One clip and we’re in business! I also love that even the “low”impact bras still provide enough support for me to attempt to run 😂.
There’s one thing I never thought I’d have to think about and it would be what to take with us to chemo treatments, especially on long days. I tried so many different bags and could never find one big enough for all of Brooklyn’s essentials, specifically when she had an NG tube. So I carried my Elvie pump, milk bags, charger, diapers, gravity feed bag, emergency broviac kit…you name it, I probably had it. Finally, I caved and bought a Vera Bradley Weekender bag which had plenty of space for all of the essentials. It was perfect for hospital days because I only needed one bag for her things instead of several. I absolutely love this bag. I never feel like my diaper bag back pack has enough room- even on non chemo days. This bag helps keep things organized (I even put luggage organizer bags in it for her spare clothes!). I can put my pump bag in it, a small towel, bib, shampoo, spare clothes for me and Brooklyn and I’m able to find things quickly.
When I go to the hospital, I take all of the things. If you’re going for a short, routine visit but you want your hands free, a wrap or a baby carrier on the front with a backpack diaper bag on the back is the perfect combo. I do this literally everywhere I go. I face Brooklyn out so she can see and it’s always nice to watch people’s reactions when they see her…what can I say, I like to show my girl off!
On long chemo days, I’m usually by myself. I pack my lunch the night before, get my water ready and throw the things in the car. This includes a collapsible wagon. If you don’t have one, you need one, especially if you’re navigating the hospital in a hurry and need to bring several essentials from home. Most of the time, long chemo days include Brooklyn’s backpack of fluids which can make things difficult because it’s an extra thing to carry. The best part about having the wagon and wearing Brooklyn is that I can wear her backpack with the fluids, have her in the front and then I have my little wagon with the diaper bag, lunch box and bag of books for entertainment. I also bring an Ipad to use for myself while Brooklyn naps. This wagon really allows me to move quickly through the hospital with a hand to spare.
Since Brooklyn is older now, solid foods are a regular occurrence. I never used to have to worry about her eating anything at the clinic because she would strictly nurse. Now, I’ve started taking her foods with us on treatment days. The hard part was I didn’t have a high chair to take, and a bumbo seat didn’t provide her enough support even though she has great head control. I got this hack from a girlfriend of mine. She had shared her baby sitting in a portable high chair and immediately I had to order one off of Amazon. I was so excited to use it and fell in love with the features. First of all, it has the high back I wanted for Brooklyn since she’s very into head banging during dinner. The nonslip grips on the legs are perfect for setting her up on the table to feed her and the tray pops on nicely. Finally, the seat strap is easy to adjust and provides extra security while shes sitting in the chair. The best part is that the chair is compact and it comes in it’s own carrying case for easy transport! I also worry about Brooklyn getting sick while she is getting chemo. I like that I know that my portable high chair is clean, and where it’s been. For us, this is better than using one at the restaurant, or not having one at all. It certainly makes feeding her easier.
These items have made things for this first time mom way easier, and lets face it, being a first time mom can be hard. Period. Hopefully the things that have made my life easier can help make things a bit easier for you as well!
Fearfully and Wonderfully Brave 