Real-Life Guides for Pregnancy, Babies, Toddlers & Travel

After two C-sections, I've learned that you don't need every postpartum recovery product the internet recommends. My first C-section came after 39 hours of labor. My second was an emergency delivery at 33 weeks. The circumstances couldn't have been more different, but many of my C-section recovery must-haves were the same. Here's what I actually used, what made recovery easier, and what I wouldn't rush to buy again. Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you pu

Recovering from a C-section with a toddler was easier than I expected. Here’s how I handled six weeks without lifting him while keeping him close and maintaining our routine.

I’ve had two C-sections, and one of the biggest things I wish I had understood before my first was what actually happens after the baby is born. There is so much information about preparing for a C-section and recovering from one, but the first 24 hours are their own experience. You’re recovering from major abdominal surgery, meeting your baby, being monitored, taking pain medication, dealing with a catheter, and eventually being asked to get out of bed and walk. It’s a lot t

I didn't prepare music for my first C-section because I never expected to have one. For my second, an acoustic playlist completely changed the experience. Here's why I now recommend making a C-section playlist even if you're planning a vaginal birth.

Before my first C-section, I had no idea what C-section recovery actually felt like. I had gone into labor expecting a vaginal delivery, and after 39 hours of labor, I ended up having an unexpected C-section. I went from walking around 10,000 steps a day while pregnant to struggling to walk to the kitchen after surgery, and that physical change was incredibly hard for me. My second C-section was different. I delivered unexpectedly at 33 weeks after developing severe preeclamp

My postpartum bleeding seemed to stop, then suddenly came back heavily. Here’s what my doctor told me, how I knew it wasn’t my period, and what I wish I knew.

I had headaches for weeks after giving birth and eventually saw a headache specialist. Here’s what they felt like, how long they lasted, and when to call your doctor.

Before having my first baby, I genuinely thought postpartum bleeding was something that happened after a vaginal delivery. I had a C-section, so I did not expect to bleed for weeks afterward. I quickly learned that I was very wrong. I have now had two C-sections, and I experienced postpartum bleeding after both of them. Both times, it lasted close to six weeks and gradually went from heavier, bright red bleeding to lighter bleeding and spotting before finally going away. My s

I knew my period would eventually come back after having a baby. What I did not expect was for it to come back completely different from the periods I had before having kids. Before my first pregnancy, my periods were pretty manageable when it came to bleeding. I had always dealt with bad cramps, but regular tampons were generally enough for my flow. After having my first baby, that changed dramatically. My periods came back so much heavier that even super plus tampons someti

There were plenty of things I expected after having a baby. The bleeding, soreness, exhaustion, and general feeling that my body had just been through a lot were all on my radar. Waking up completely drenched in sweat was not. After I had my first baby, I came home from the hospital and almost immediately started waking up soaked. And when I say soaked, I mean my pajamas were wet, my sheets were wet, and even my hair was wet. I would wake up feeling so gross that I wanted to

One of the things I did not really think about before having a C-section was when I would be able to drive again. You think about walking, lifting your baby, going up stairs, and eventually getting back to exercise, but driving was not something that crossed my mind until I was actually recovering. I waited about six weeks to drive after both of my C-sections. But I did not wait six weeks because my doctor gave me a magical six week rule. I waited because I had help, I did no

After two C-sections, here’s what I actually did for scar care, from leaving the incision alone at first to scar tape, cream, massage, numbness and the C-section shelf.

Postpartum constipation after a C-section was one recovery symptom I wasn't prepared for, especially when it came back weeks later. After two C-sections, here's what helped me, what my doctors recommended and what I wish I'd known.

After two C-sections, I learned that the best postpartum clothes are the ones you barely notice. Here’s what I actually wore home from the hospital and during recovery, when I started wearing leggings again, and what I’d skip buying.

What does C-section recovery actually feel like week by week? After two C-sections, I’m sharing what the first days were like, when I started walking, the recovery tips that helped me most and when I finally felt like myself again.

After two C-sections, I learned what actually makes recovery easier and what you can skip. These are the C-section recovery tips and products that helped me most.

After two babies and two unexpected C-sections, these are the postpartum recovery essentials I actually used, what the hospital provided, and the products and support I would have ready at home before giving birth.

When I packed my hospital bag before having my first baby, I thought I needed to prepare for every possible scenario. Postpartum supplies, baby supplies, feeding supplies, clothes. There are endless hospital bag checklists that can make you feel like you need to bring half your house with you. After two C-sections, including a second delivery that happened unexpectedly early, my biggest takeaway is much simpler: the hospital provides a lot more than you think. At my hospital,

If you're breastfeeding, you've probably discovered that you're hungry almost all the time. These healthy no-bake energy balls are packed with protein, healthy fats, and oats to make an easy grab-and-go snack. They're also soft enough for toddlers, making them a snack the whole family can enjoy. Why These Energy Balls Are Great for Breastfeeding Moms Breastfeeding can leave you feeling hungry at all hours of the day, and finding time to prepare balanced meals isn't always eas