chelsea barbine (00:00.142)
Hi, mama. Welcome back to the Postpartum Better podcast. Last week, we had a little bit of a scare with baby number two. And my goodness. Holy moly, did it put a lot of things into perspective. I'm and appreciative to share that both me and baby are healthy and at least

at the time of recording this, they're still cooking in there. Much more to come on that in the Pregnancy Diaries series when I share an update on week 33. But I'm feeling inspired right now from our experience to share the bare bones punch list for prepping your environment to be most supportive for you during recovery.

Because while I panicked that my hospital bag was not packed, nor were my pump parts washed, I have to say we weren't really that far off from being quote unquote nested and nourished as my best friend asked. So if the word nesting brings up images of deep cleaning and folding baby clothes until every onesie is perfectly aligned in a drawer,

Today, I'm gonna decrease any overwhelm and items on that never ending to-do list by sharing a realistic list of rooms to focus on in your home that will make the biggest difference once your little one arrives. So here are my top three rooms to prioritize when nesting and simple ways to prep them so you'll feel ready for whatever postpartum. And let's be real, pregnancy slash birth throws your way. Let's jump in.

chelsea barbine (02:02.014)
Welcome to Postpartum Better, the go-to podcast for expecting a new mom's navigating life after birth. Hi, I'm Chelsea Barbine, wife, mama, yogi, postpartum health coach, and your new mama friend. Together, we're covering topics like postpartum recovery, maintaining your mental and emotional health, finding your identity as a new mom, and rekindling your relationships. Get ready for expert tips

actionable advice and heartfelt conversations with other moms who just get it. The health and happiness of the world resides in us mamas. It's time to postpartum better.

chelsea barbine (02:51.158)
Okay, let's start with what I think is the most overlooked room in postpartum preparation, the bathrooms. Whether you deliver vaginally or via cesarean, trust me, having these spaces fully stocked will be a game changer during your postpartum recovery in those early weeks. First things first.

I recommend prepping one bathroom per floor of your home. Yes, even if that bathroom on your main floor will be used by guests too. And I know that that can be perhaps like a little off putting, right? To like have your peri-bottle and pads and like extra underwear in the same space in which you're welcoming guests in and out, right? But here's the thing, point blank.

Who cares if there is a visitor coming into your space during those first few weeks where you are perhaps at your most vulnerable, like physically, mentally, emotionally, and you don't feel comfortable with them going into a room because there are items in there that are supporting you.

For you to avoid taking unnecessary flights of stairs, they're probably not your people, at least in this very short window and season of life. Now here's what to stock in this space. Pending the area that you're working with, storage will be bio individual. But I would suggest making sure you have a peri-bottle, extra pads, mesh underwear, or just backups. I mean, even a pair of backup pants is helpful.

witch hazel pads, maybe even some pain relief spray. If you're helping an older child adjust to potty training, make sure you have a comfy seat like a cushion or a padded toilet seat cover that you can set on top of a small stool to actually sit on yourself when you're helping them so then you're not squatting or having to sit all the way down on the hard floor. And if you're like me and have neglected your bathroom,

chelsea barbine (05:12.534)
in your list of home renovations, consider adding some nurturing touches. Think calming elements like lavender-infused soaps, soft towels, a new rug, even a little plant to brighten up the space. A pro tip is to make a cheat sheet for ease in restocking your care products. After having Frankie, I will never forget

It was within like the first few days of being home. No joke. I ran out of the witch hazel pads from the hospital. after Colin made three trips, like to different pharmacies and multiple brands, lesson learned, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Make a list of your favorite care products with links.

on where or how to purchase so you or a loved one can restock as soon as needed. Trust me, your vagina will thank you. Next up is the bedroom. Whether you're recovering from birth, feeding the baby in the middle of the night or sneaking in a power nap, this room, you just, you want it to feel like a supportive retreat.

I would suggest starting by setting up a postpartum like little caddy either within or on your nightstand with essentials like a water bottle, snacks, because let me tell you, middle of the night feeding definitely sparks some nighttime hunger. Chucks pads, chapsticks, hair ties, claw clips, lotion.

for you, right, both like hand, like body lotion. If you're breastfeeding, bra inserts, nipple cream, your pump, a book even, and then a couple of things for the baby, like burp cloths, diapers, wipes, a clean onesie, you know, a backup outfit for like those inevitable blowouts. Next, if you're planning to room share, like have the baby sleeping in your room,

chelsea barbine (07:33.816)
consider the logistics of where the basset net or the co-sleeper, whatever you decide to use, like we used a pack and play, decide where that's gonna go. It is helpful to have it within arm's reach for the late night wakeups, but I will suggest to keeping it in a space that's gonna be most functional for the overall use of the room. On that note, to keep things restful, declutter as much

as possible before bringing new things in. And then once you kind of have a lay of the land, you can then start to add in some small like comfort items like cozy blankets, soft lighting, even your favorite essential oils. It is amazing how much more soothing a clear and inviting space can be. one other thing. I did mention this in my featured article with Babylist, but

consider adding a mini fridge to reduce trips to the kitchen for either pumping or bottle storage. It doesn't sound like much, or maybe even it might sound like ridiculous to sound like, why do you need this? It's just a flight of steps. But trust me, every little bit helps. Speaking of the kitchen, let's talk about that. You may not realize it, but this space is going to see a lot of action once the baby comes.

and not necessarily by you, which I think is really important to know if you are the primary user. So start by organizing the space itself to ensure that not just you, but honestly anyone can easily navigate their way around the cabinets, the drawers, the pantry, just to make it easier for others to jump in and help. Next, dedicate a space for postpartum meal prep. If you've done any freezer meal prepping, make sure that those meals are easy to find and grab.

Set up like a hydration station with your favorite water bottle, maybe some electrolyte packets, a stash of tea bags. Another must have is a snack station. Fill it with the grab and go options like granola bars, nuts, fruit, things that are quick boosts of energy that you can grab while passing through, or again, will be easy to find by others to bring to you. I also suggest creating a zone for baby bottles and pump parts.

chelsea barbine (09:59.566)
Having a space dedicated just for baby's items not only helps to manage the load of dishes, I don't know, it seems more hygienic. Speaking of dishes, we're not a huge fan of plastic in our home, but do not underestimate the contribution of disposable plates and cups during the early weeks of recovery. They may just become your MVP with how much energy they'll save you.

So there you have it, mama, my top three rooms to nest before bringing home baby. The bathrooms, your bedroom, and the kitchen. With just a little prep, these spaces can make a world of a difference in your postpartum recovery. Now, if you're feeling overwhelmed by all the prep talk, let me say this. You don't have to do it all at once. Start with one room, one small project, and go from there. The goal isn't perfection.

It's about creating ease and convenience for you and your recovery. And remember, your version of ready doesn't have to look like anyone else's. It's about what feels most supportive and comforting to you. If you're looking for more simple and sustainable ways to care for your overall health and wellness postpartum, a group of like-minded mamas awaits you in the Cultivate crew. Enrollment is now open for our next cohort. Join at corecarecultivate.com.

backslash the-cultivate-crew and get immediate access to bonus postpartum preparation and support like the nested and nourished four steps to approach postpartum with ease course. Life after birth doesn't have to be exhausting, overwhelming or isolating. I look forward to seeing and supporting you in the crew.

chelsea barbine (11:52.974)
Thank you for joining me for this episode of Postpartum Better. If you're inspired by this conversation to help yourself or another mom navigate life after birth, take a minute to leave me a review on Apple Podcast, and then share this episode with someone who could use the virtual hug. The health and happiness of the world resides in us mamas, and I'm so proud to be doing Postpartum Better with you. Until next week, with care, Chelsea.