Postpartum Prep | DIY Padsicles + Freezer Meals! | Essentials For Mom After Birth 

Hey everybody! 👋 Now that I am 2 weeks postpartum, I wanted to pop in and write a little update! (I might still make a video on this with more details though!) The freezer meals and the snacks have been soooo helpful! Plus the postpartum basket in the bathroom! I recommend using the cotton organic pads instead of the Always brand of pads as they are more comfortable and I’ve been told that the plastic in Always isn’t the best for recovery! I really liked the Always discreet though, particularly for the early days when I had more bleeding and for overnight (super comfortable too). Hope this helps 😊😊

Just a tip: add a couple giant bottles of water to your bedside snack station, you get sooo thirsty while breastfeeding!

Wow! I didn’t realize how pregnant I was until I was editing this video haha! Girl can’t catch a breath 😂

PADSICLES ARE LIFE. People acted like I was a psycho when I told them I was making them but I was so so so SO thankful when it came time to use them.

Also, be sure not to wash your reusable nursing pads with fabric softener! It causes repelling and therefore leaking! 😊

For the basket for the babe by your bed, add some sleepers for her. And thirst is a huge issue, so perhaps some bottled water. When I first was nursing I felt like I would die of thirst each time my baby latched. I felt like I'd been in the desert for months! You are so organized! My first babe was early and we had nothing ready. A friend came over the day I came home from the hospital, brought a basket for the babe, and washed baby clothes, and saved our lives.

She reminds me of myself because I like to prepare everything way ahead of time 😂 I have this mentality of better to be over prepared than under prepared

For the diaper caddy-I would totally put the diapers in the longer section! They go through them so fast in the newborn stage!! And pro tip- flip them upside down!! This way you're sure to only grab one and not accidentally grab the back of the next one! ❤

Daaang girl!!!! You are READY for this baby girl. Never seen a 1st time mom be this thorough in preparation to welcome baby. You've really thought of EVERYTHING. Congrats. can't wait to meet her

I didn’t know how unprepared I am until I saw this video 😂😅

And a tip put some water bottles next to ur bed 1 breastfeeding makes u thirsty 2 breastfeeding is easier when ur body is good hydrated because it will be less painful

Your portable diaper changing caddy is so smart! As a mom of 3 I would suggest adding an outfit change (or several). I had a bassinet that I could use to move the baby from room to room with me and in the bottom of the bassinet I kept sleepers, extra burp cloths and receiving blankets and a basket that was loaded with diaper changing supplies plus an aspirator and thermometer. I did this with all 3 kids and it was extremely helpful.

I switched sides of the bed with my husband when I found out I was pregnant because his side was closer to the bathroom! 😂

I love the idea of postpartum preparation with those little bags and baskets, I never thought about it in my pregnancies but will definitely let my pregnant friends know 👍🏻 I have 2 recommendations though: I’d put a hand full of small garbage bags in the diaper changing basket, because if you change a really poopy diaper there’s no place to put all the used wipes when there’s no garbage bin right next to you. Also put some hand sanitizer with it, that way you can “wash” your hands with a wipe and sanitize it right after changing (poopy) diapers and don’t have to get up to go wash your hands before touching baby or other stuff, you know. And a biiiig help for me was a cup in the bathroom where I’d put warm water in to pour it on the lady parts while peeing. It helps with the burning or pain, which is normal the first few days after vaginal birth especially after tearing... it also helps with the hygiene as it washes off the blood. I hope this might help you. I am sooo excited for baby Nova, hope we’ll meet her soon 😍 Take care and many greetings from Germany 🇩🇪

Something my Dad did after my Mum died was to make up freezer meals. He would cook up batches of things like potatoes, squash and other things and freeze them in individual portion sized freezer bags. That way he could mix and match his meals.

I cannot believe your finally at this part of your life Ayla where your dream of becoming a mom has come true and it's only about to become more amazingly beautiful. I am beyond happy for you!!!

Great ideas! My daughter is expecting her 1st baby in October and I want to do a bunch of this for her so those 1st few weeks will go easier.

Freezer meals were the best thing I ever did! Don't forget meals for lunch and breakfast I had a giant stack of breakfast burritos but wish I had planned out more lunches!

Make sure to have a sanitary station set up in the bathroom...Pads, Perry bottle, all of that good stuff! I would also recommend the poise incontinence pads...They are bigger and they hold a lot more...

Padcicles were AMAZING for me!!! I didn’t make them before hand so that’s awesome you got a head start! I tore two places but one was second degree and that was the worst part of healing for me, so I wore these at night and it was the best thing ever. I am so happy for you!! The joys of motherhood are so amazing and it’s so heartwarming that you’re finally getting to experience it! 💛

Honestly I just realized how cool your vanity was! I would have never thought of something like that. Especially for when you want one but don’t have the space for an actual vanity. Very cute 😊

I love how the pup follows you to every room!! 😂😂❤️

i am 30 weeks pregnant and this video reminded me of everything i need to do ! . the padsicle are a must

Great to be so prepared, much better than trying to wrangle everything at the last minute. I prepped meals and snacks and they were the things I never needed. My little guy slept most of the time until he was around 8 weeks, so I binged netflix, baked every day and cooked a ton! It really was a super awesome vacation with a cute new buddy.howver, I know so many little ones need to be held nearly constantly just to sleep, so those meals and one handed snacks are awesome. Better to be over prepared than under prepared!

You’ve done a great job prepping! Just be careful the pads don’t stick together after being frozen! Hopefully you won’t need them for long or at all. You may not tear and find you don’t need them 😊 I would add nipple cream to your beside goodies. If you’re sore you’ll be wanting to reapply after every feed, a pretty frequent thing during the night! A larger bin for your bathroom might be useful. I found it was. Regardless of how often you take it out with the trash it will fill quickly... pads aren’t tiny. Mummy of three here 😊 All the very best to you.

This is my second child and I never heard about padsicles .I will definitely be making them . I officially have 6 weeks to go!

This is getting exciting I feel like family waiting on baby LOL

Aww your dog looks so chilled out

I just happened to come accross this video, I am a mom of a two year old and another baby on the way. I am soooo excited for you and your husband. You both are going to do great!!!! Prayers your way😇

Isnt nature cruel that you get a burst of manic energy before baby arrives but no energy when you need it after baby arrives

You can make lactation protein balls and freeze some, bring some when your out the door for the birth centre, make it with honey for energy in labor and the oats ect to help with supple

Great job preparing yourself! I never really thought about postpartum at home to make it easier. I was in pain a lot “ I got a third degree tear. Good wishes to you having a smooth recovery💕

Wet a few of the pads more. At least a few ounces of water. Them being cold longer will be nice. I had l episitomies with all mine. It gets very sore.

We do have specific sides and had to switch for baby! I would recommend doing it before she comes, because it does throw you off a bit and for me it was nice to be adjusted when my daughter came, so I could sleep *somewhat* better

I’m thinking this huge burst of energy means Nova is coming soon👍🏻👏🏼🙏

I would do the switch now, so your bodies have time to get used to the opposite side of the bed.

Something that might make life easier when you have baby is to turn the diapers so they're bottom up in the caddy. It's easier to get them out that way. :) So excited for you! I also found disposable nursing pads better at the beginning/during the night. They last a little longer.

You may want to add an extra sleeper (and binky if she uses one) to your changing baskets. Blowouts happen often with newborns so it’s handy to have an extra outfit on hand :)

Doing wonderful with preparing for Nova!

I’m 38 +2 and I didn’t realize how much more stuff I should do to make my life easier 😭 thank you so much for this video

This was such an interesting video, really eye opening actually for someone who knows nothing about post partum recovery! I was going to suggest you also stock up on everything non pershiable you can think of to save having to do a big shop for a bit (loo roll, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, tissues, tinned and storecupboard foods, drinks, any medication you need etc etc) And, some things i find helpful just in day-to-day life are my 'Master shopping list' and 'Master meal list', basically I have massive lists of all the things I regularly buy (mainly food and toiletries) and of the meals I regularly cook. These might be helpful if you're too tired to think straight just to jog your memory if you're going food shopping or whatever 🙂

I’m on my monthly not pregnant at all but still watched the whole video in the middle of the night.

When I had my son I had to have an emergency c-section so when we came home with him I had to switch my side of the bed to the open side (mine was against the wall) so I could be next to the bassinet and not have to scoot to the end of the bed to get up and get him. It was weird but we did what we had to do to make it not only easier on me while I was healing but easier on him because I heard him easier than his dad anyway. I am sure you will get used to the switch quickly. Or just have dad change baby and then hand to you to feed and don't switch sides...

Girrrl you gotta get yourself some of the Earth Mama Perineal Balm! It is AMAZING stuff. So cooling and soothing! It literally saved my ass postpartum! 🤣

When I had my first child in 1991, they had ice pack maxi pads. Omg if felt so good 😊

You are very prepared! Cant wait til she comes! Can i give a simple tip...your diaper caddies will come in handy for sure, but its alot easier if you turn your diapers upside down...i noticed that right away with my first born. :).

37 weeks with baby 8 and you have way more energy than I do 😂. We’re surviving off of snacks alone because I’m so tired and cooking is exhausting. That said, a few weeks ago I was nesting hard core and prepped baskets and all of that, though I feel compelled to sort and organize a little more before our homebirth. Calendula is great healing for the skin. I keep calendula ointment in my diaper bag for cuts, scrapes, burns, etc. it’s seriously amazing stuff!

We have our specific side for sleeping on and it also sort of translates to when we sit beside each other. Depending on the setting, it feels wrong to sit on a different side.

Great idea making the baskets for upstairs and downstairs. One tip if you haven't thought of it. You may want to add a few outfits or sleepers to the changing basket since newborns have leaky diapers at times. Can't wait until she's here ❣️

Wish I knew about all this stuff when I was pregnant ❤️

Coming from a mom 2 weeks postpartum with LOTS of stitches padsicles are the best!! The perineal spray is also great to spray on after using the bathroom.

This is a great video, much more useful than most Post Partum prep videos I've seen! Some small suggestions... Disposable puppy pee pee pads are great for...everything. Worried about sitting in a car seat when your water is leaking? Peepee pad. Baby has giant blowout and you can't make it to the changing table? Puppy pad. I kept a puppy pad ON the changing table so if there was leakage, I could just throw out the pad and not worry about having to clean and disinfect everything. Those reusable foldable diaper changing pads are actually pretty small, so I would lay a pee pee pad over them to protect a larger surface. They are also great if the baby barfs and you don't have a swaddle or burp cloth handy. We usually have a couple pee pee pads in the diaper bag, car, each bathroom, you get the idea. Also, I just don't think I've said it enough: PEE PEE PADS. Honestly I'm at the point where if I have a friend who's having a baby I just show up at the shower with a box of Kirkland puppy pads and an industrial sized tub of Desitin (just kidding, I do gift cards because I know people want to pick out their own stuff). Oh, and the up and up brand of medicated wipes are GREAT. They have the same kind of ingredients as Tucks, but they are much larger so more usable. I hated the Haaka :-(. It's such a good idea in principle, but in practice, it was really hard and awkward to wear while nursing, which is when you need it the most. The baby could easily move and knock it off, and then milk would spill everywhere. In retrospect, I wish I had gotten one of those in-bra milk catchers instead. Oh gosh now I'm wondering if I should just do my video of all the stuff I liked and didn't like from postpartum...

We switched when our daughter was born and it surprisingly wasn't weird. We got used to it really fast but did end up switching sides again the next time we moved but only because I got so used to sleeping closest to the door and that was more important than which side of the bed I was on. As a SAHM who is typically the one to get our daughter in the middle of the night it's just easiest to not have to walk around the bed to go get her.

Awww Ayla I literally didn't know it was possible to adore a youtuber as much as I do you!! (And I'm new here) Your channel is so wholesome and it's real life, raw, beautiful and emotional in a good way, definitely touches my heart for sure. Your daughter is so beautiful and im fascinated by the whole embryo adoption process to be honest. I'd rather listen to your channel and your story then watch some other RU-vidrs flexing new cars and houses the average person could never dream of affording. You guys deserve all the success in the world. 😘💕💕

I stock up on a lot of pads! I changed quite often to stay clean. Also have extra cover towels on the bedsheets to sleep on. I learned from my first one that ‘accidents’ will happen during the night. Have a Togo baby bag to stay in the car!

Dermaplast spray, Tucks pads on a pad also work. Watch out for freezer burn on your skin. Uou dont want something frozen directly on the skin

My husband and I had to switch bed sides for the exact same reason... the bassinet. It has been 4 weeks since we switched. It’s still a bit weird. We will definitely switch back in a couple of months.

that diaper caddy you got works amazing if you have a Medela pump in style advanced pump and accessories! I bought it just for that and was so happy to have it!

We had to switch sides to so I could get to the baby easier because I’m the one that gets up with her at night since my hubby is the one that is working

So excited for nova!!! I’m so happy you guys are finally getting the extremely wanted addition to your family.

Add cleaning wipes to your toilet kit, that way if you have an accident it’s easy to clean the blood up off the floor/toilet etc

You should also add a change of close incase she wets or poops her close at night an also baby colic drops #1 helpful thing with gas at night. Also nipple cream for sores

I absolutely loved this video!!! Thanks for sharing! I love organizing, and when it's for the arrival of a baby it's just so exciting! I'm so happy for you guys, can't wait until Nova arrives!!

My husband and I switch sides often, only because I get restless easy- pregnant and not! I’m getting induced Sunday my due date (the 10th) due to preeclampsia symptoms. I enjoyed watching you in this video!! Best of luck to you mama 💖

@aylasophia your diaper caddy for the livingroom ist great! To make it even easier for you, you can add some little diaper bags (maybe scented) and some kind of hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer would also be great to have where you put the nipple cream, because its important to have sterile hands when you apply anything on the wounded nipple to avoid an infection. All the best for the three of you ❤️

I usually don't focus on how people look but I can't stop staring at your flawless skin! You may be wearing a light layer of make up but still, your skin is still so perfect. When I was pregnant my skin was a mess!

Looks like you are well prepared. I’d just add a few little sleepers to the baskets because they go through clothes quickly. I’ve been married for over 20 years. We’ve had newborns on and off for our whole marriage, the only time I really stick to a certain side of the bed is when I have a co-sleeper next to the bed.

Ayla you are just beautiful and I just know you and caleb will make amazing parents!😇

You have some very good ideas and preparations prepared already. Those padsickle ideas are really great especially for the first few days. You are really nicely prepared, however I would suggest preparing more prepared meals, because once Nova is here, they will be a real blessing and with breastfeeding you really will get hungry. Changing sides of the bed I would suggest doing know, just to orientate yourself and your tired brain when Nova arrives with minimum disruption in the evening. Getting a routine going early is very useful. Can’t wait 😊👏🏻🤗🌈👶🏻🌟🐶🐾😊💐

Thank you for this video! Just started my third trimester and I feel like I need to get everything ready!

Don’t forget the t-shirts and sleepers for blow outs and leaks

A nose sucker blue is something that we really needed with my first. Sometimes he would spit up and I would want to quickly grab it to suck it out. Something to think about having close by 😊

Is there room for the bassinet at the foot of your bed? That way you don’t have to switch sides? Also- just a suggestion- add a few newborn size changes of clothes to each of your diaper caddy basket things for blowouts, pee leaks, spitup, etc. So thrilled for you both!

You’re so much more prepared than I was with my first, and I think you’ll be so grateful for it. I was so naive with my first baby and postpartum kicked my but! You’ll be so glad you did all this prep work!

Hi Ayla! Wondering what your thoughts were on cloth diapers (as you seem fairly hippie like too -- I mean hippie in a good way).

I'm pregnant with baby number two and my due date was March 6th but I just want to say wow Ayla you are WAYYYY more prepared then I am thanks for this video now I have some ideas on how to get more ready even though I'm already over due you can never be too prepared or start preparing too late

I did this and found out I was allergic to witch hazel eek she be careful hun try a little on your skin to make sure and hun you are gourgous such a pretty glow baby belly looks adorable hugs

Loooooove this video!!! I’m not pregnant but its really makes me think about all the things I don’t ended up doing in my first pregnancy. Maybe we think we know all of the things when we have a baby, but every pregnancy is different and every time we can help ourselves to take care of our child without so much effort. Watching from Brazil! 🇧🇷 Xoxo Mona

Everything was awesome but id have stayed away from the aloe and oils. Not supposed to put those near stitches since you cant wipe properly after birth and are supposed to just blot. Smart move to fill the basket full of snavks and stuff though! I wish i had thought of that because i forgot to eat a lot of times and i was always so dehydrated! Lol. Gatorade and body armor were my bestfriend

This was super helpful!! I’m 8 months right now and got some awesome advice from this video!! Thank you and congratulations on your beautiful baby girl!! 🥰❤️

Baby diaper tip, flip them over so the folded side is up. Easier to grab and know how many diapers you are grabbing AND looks neater.

Great ideas thank you!

It’s so funny cause my husband is so picky about which side of the bed he sleeps on! Before we even got married, he asked me if it was okay if we had specific sides because he really wanted that and it would’ve made sense to switch sides when our daughter was born but we made it work the other way 😂 I wouldn’t care at all!

this is so helpful!!! i wouldn’t have even thought about prepping things like this but, it makes so much sense!

Your brows are BEAUTIFUL 🤩

love how prepared you are:) and all your organization!:)

I have these exact pads for PP. I’ve used them for three births. I love them!

calendula is a great topical herb for healing ~ cuts ,skin ,infection etc. :)

I hope the padsicles work for you! I wanted to make some but I put it off and then I got lucky and didn't need them (easy labour, no tearing, super quick recovery). Definitely have snacks for middle of the night nursing! I almost never do and damn do I wish I had them more often. I don't know if you're interested but I was gifted a Frida peri bottle. I opened it but never used it... I'd gladly pass it along to you! Your midwife may have a good one for you, the one I got from the hospital was just like a regular bottle kinda like a dish soap bottle I guess. The Haakaa is great. I never leaked and I couldn't get it between my son and I while nursing so I used it while I had a single pump. Once I got a dual pump I didn't need it anymore. We totally have our side of the bed. I sleep on the same side you do (pre switch haha). I won't be switching sides with my husband, I have more space on my side of the bed so that's where our glider is and dresser. If you can make breakfasts ahead, do it. I make overnight oats and it's the only way I get to eat in the mornings. Plus oatmeal is supposed to be good for supply! 😉

I absolutely loved watching this! I cannot wait for you to finally meet your little baby ❤️❤️

I switched bed side with husband too because of kids. It was definitely weird at first. Excellent job preparing for baby 👏

So organized.. I love it! Lol I'm nesting super bad and I'm only 26 weeks Haha. Definitely gonna borrow some of your tips for sure!

One thing I see some people do is make their own PBJ freezer sandwiches, and their own McMuffin (just frozen sausage patties, English muffins and a slice of cheese and wraps up and you an microwave as needed)

I didn't tear when I had my daughter so I never used anything like that. Not even the little squeezy bottle things at the hospital. I'm so glad you are prepared, but you might not even need those things. That would be great though

I’m 22 weeks and starting to figure out all the postpartum goodies to buy and organize. I had never heard of the haakaa before - definitely adding that to my buy list. Great video :)

Switching sides is tough! I recently tried when we moved houses and I could NOT sleep that night. Ditched that idea quickly! I have to sleep on the right side!

Great idea. I had all the intentions of doing this for both my pregnancies and I didnt Haha. I miss being pregnant. Your bump.has made me broody. I miss mine so much xxx

The Haakaa is amazing its the only breast pump I used. Once she started sleeping longer stretches I was able to get 3-4oz during her morning feed. I didn't leave her often and always feed from the breast so it was the perfect amount for us.

You are glowing !

Ahah my man and I switched sides when I was in my 20th weeks . I loved it cuz it was a different groove for my bump. He didn’t like it so much lol but it didn’t last long . I had to move to our comfiest couch downstairs because our bed was starting to feel super hard on me . 3 weeks to go !