Getting Fresh Air

The best piece of advice to new moms is to get outside! It has helped me tremendously. Here's why I was out of the house on day 10 postpartum.

This photo was taken outside an outdoor restaurant we visited. Week 3 and a half after giving birth.

Since Richie Owen is my first baby, I didn't realize that I would be encouraged to stay in until he is able to get his vaccination shots at two months. Two months in the house and away from crowded stores when shopping is my favorite thing in the world to do is a nightmare to me. I mean, that has to be the reason women get postpartum. Sure, getting acclimated to his feeding schedule, breastfeeding, paying close attention to his hunger cues and mastering diaper changes did take some time and staying in for a few weeks to nail them down was essential but two months is insane. There is also the recovery. Which for me, was the hardest part. I had NO idea it would be as tough, weird and uncomfortable as it was and still is. I know that's crazy considering a 6 pound baby came out of me but I just didn't think it would hurt so bad and all over my body. Then, the dreaded baby weight. I guess it makes sense for some people to stay in since it takes 6-8 weeks until your uterus shrinks down to its normal size. Out of all people, I understand wanting to look your best but I was jonesing to get out of the house even with the extra weight. 

For me feeling good starts with the mind. Its probably the yogi in me. If I mentally have it all straight, I can figure out exactly what will make me feel better, then focus on it.  That was getting fresh air and trying to feel like a normal person. I realize now that it's not only important for me but for my baby. If I feel good then I can take better care of him.

It was only day 10 when I packed the diaper bag, put Richie in a baby carrier and got out of the house!​ ​

I'm including a little round up of places we've taken Richie Owen. They are all outdoor places where we weren't exposing him to too many germs. 

Our trips to the park. Both photos were taken the second week after giving birth.

1.) By the water - My husband and I are beach bums and we want our little man to be one too. When I was pregnant I lived at the beach and some of Richie's first outdoor experiences were visits to the beach and the bay. He loves the salt water breeze and sound of the ocean, just like we do. 

2.) Restaurants with outdoor seating - We've done this a few times. The key is to go when the restaurant isn't that busy. We have gone around 2/3pm and its been less crowded. That way, we can get a table away from other people (and germs!). We also were afraid he might cry and wanted to be as far way from other people for privacy Ha. We are new at this. 

3.) The park - Richie's very first visit out of the house was to the park. It was so nice to get fresh air and relax outdoors. We sat under a big oak tree where there was a nice breeze. I fed him there and he sleep almost the entire time at the park then on the way back home. It's amazing how much babies like to be outside. 

4.) For a walk - Anywhere. I usually plan a trip to go a certain distance and as long as my little guy is enjoying it, I will take it a bit further. My usual strategy is to feed him right before we leave the house so I have some time to enjoy before having to nurse him again. 
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