Free Teacher Survey

My daughter is in school for the first time ever - woohoo! She has some amazing teachers and I’m looking forward to giving them something for the holidays. My daughter didn’t start school at the beginning of the year so I’m unsure if they sent out anything like this to the parents (I’ve heard that some schools do) so I decided to make my own instead. If this one isn’t your style, you can buy similar ones on Etsy. I customized mine to include questions that I thought would be relevant for gifts that I might give throughout the entire school year. For example - scent is helpful if I ever decide to pair a gift card with a candle. Scents can be so polarizing so I didn’t want to give a vanilla scented candle to someone who hates vanilla, ya know?

After asking you guys on IG stories what teachers want most, the overwhelming answer is GIFT CARDS, so I made sure to ask questions that would allow me to choose the right store for each person. I’m also a crafty mom so I asked other things that would allow me to craft a potential future gift basket, personalize something, etc. The music question was purely to find out if anyone was a swiftie - haha!

I also know that a lot of teachers end up using their own money for school supplies so I added a classroom wishlist on there as well.

Lastly, I want to note two more things that I heard from teachers. First off, no more cups lol. Secondly, a hand written card is so meaningful so if dishing out extra money right now isn’t possible, remember the power of words. A simple card letting them know how much you appreciate them goes a long way.

The graphic is 300dpi 8.5” x 11” so perfect for printing on a standard size sheet of paper.

HOW TO DOWNLOAD:

If you’re on your phone, click the “download here” button below. The graphic will pop up. Hold down on the screen and select “save to photos.”

If you’re on a computer, click the “download here” button below. Right click the graphic and select “save image as.”

Source: teachersurvey

MY BREASTFEEDING AND C-SECTION RECOVERY MUST HAVES

I’ve officially been a mom for 5 weeks - hooray! I have listed my “must haves” for breastfeeding and c-section recovery. By no means do I think everyone needs all of these items, but this is everything that I could think of that I used in the past 5 weeks! My c-section was unexpected so if you do have additional recovery items waiting for you at home, I suggest waiting to open them until after birth. I was able to return several unopened items to Target that I had purchased/been gifted that I thought I would use after giving birth vaginally.

BREASTFEEDING MUST HAVES:

For reference, I exclusively breastfeed and have not pumped since giving birth (yet). I did practice using my Motif Luna with battery pump that I got for free with my insurance through Aeroflow (with my Midwifes permission) at 38 weeks for about five minutes which I highly recommend doing if you’re allowed because the sucking sensation is bizarre and uncomfortable at first. I also started using my pump again for short periods of time (10-20 minutes) to try and induce labor around 39 weeks and again at 40 weeks. The sensation became more normal feeling by 40 weeks and made me feel more comfortable putting her to the breast for the first time after birth. Always consult with your own OB/Midwife before doing these things.

  • Nursing Pads (washable and disposable) : I use these for daytime because they are soft, I use these for overnight (not as soft but hold a lot more), and I have these disposable ones as backup but I prefer to use washable.

  • Nipple Butter : This Earth Mama (at Target or Amazon) was my everything until I got a nipple shield. I used this in the hospital and at home.

  • Button Down Nightshirt : I personally did not like ANYTHING over my c-section incision for several weeks so I wore button down nightshirts (here, here, and here) in a size large or a robe when visitors came to see the baby.

  • Breast Care : During the first few weeks my nipples and boobs hurt (and this was even after seeing MULTIPLE lactation consultants who said we had a fantastic latch) so I recommend having these things on hand to help as much as possible. Give your boobs some TLC because they are working hard and are experiencing a constant sensation that they have never felt before. I used Medela breast soothing pads, Frida Mom Lactation Massager, a fillable ice pack (a fillable one doesn’t melt all over you and you don’t have to wait for it to freeze), and 3 days after Quinn was born my lactation consultant recommended these nipple shields and they saved my entire breastfeeding experience (without these I may have quit or just been absolutely miserable).

  • Haakaa : The Haakaa is great for using on the side you’re not nursing on. You will be shocked by how much leakage you can save and put in the freezer that would otherwise be totally wasted.

  • Breastmilk Storage Bags : These storage bags come with an organizer so you can keep them tidy in your freezer.

  • Burp Cloths : I actually don’t use these to burp her because she doesn’t spit up (at least she doesn’t right now) but I reach for these muslin burp clothes over all of my others every single day by my bed and on the couch to clean the milk off the nipples shield, clean her face, and to clean up any dripping or leaking from my boobs.

  • Nursing Tanks to wear under clothes to easily feed using the “two shirt method.” I have 3 different brands and I like them all - Leaxy tank comes with my favorite breast pads and is a small company that gives back to Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association, I also have this pack from Amazon, and this cami from Target.

  • Nursing Bras : I LOVE these for sleeping, this one is my favorite wireless, soft, and most normal looking/pretty bra, this one from Lively is also nice and neutral, and this pack is just your boring but comfortable nursing bras that serve their purpose but aren’t the cutest.

  • Nursing Pillow : I have the Boppy with a waterproof cover and these regular covers that fit over it for easy washing. I also have the MyBreastFriend which is more comfortable but I only just started using it after my c-section incision started feeling better and I only use it during the day because the Boppy is easier to slip on and use in the middle of the night.

C-section POSTPARTUM MUST HAVES:

  • Adult diapers : I used both the Walgreens ones and some from Target - loved them both! I used these when I got home and skipped the giant pads and mesh undies I wore in the hospital. I did roll them down because I didn’t like anything on my c-section incision for a few weeks.

  • Pads : When the blood gets lighter I switched to Always Thin Pads

  • Belly Bandit : A Belly Bandit was recommended to me from my doctor as I was laying on the table getting a c-section - haha! I ordered this one and they so kindly gave me a 10% off code for you guys - MAELUTZZ10

  • Flushable wipes or a peri bottle - you want to feel as fresh as possible with all of that blood. I used the hospital provided peri bottle in the hospital and switched to flushable wipes at home.

I hope this list helps some of you! Remember we all experience birth differently, experience breastfeeding differently, and heal differently. These items are what I used, but trust me I have even more than this that I didn’t end up using. However, when you’re in pain you’ll be happy to have a selection to choose from when it’s 3am and you just need SOMETHING to make you feel better. My biggest tip is buy what you think you might use and don’t open it until you need it. This way you can return whatever you don’t use. Good luck!!

CLICK HERE TO READ MY FIRST MONTH NEWBORN MUST HAVES

Image by Jason Holland

NEWBORN MUST HAVES (FIRST 4 WEEKS)

I’m back again with a complete list of items we used in Quinns first month of life! Every parent is different, and every baby is different but these are the items we have used in her first four weeks. If something is straight forward I’ll just link the item, but if we use an item for a specific reason I’ll list why so you can see if that scenario seems right for you as well.

NIGHTTIME/SLEEP

  • Arms up Swaddle : We switched to this one on night two at home because she could roll on her side and it scared the heck out of me! She was born with a large head (don’t worry she is back down to 52 percentile - haha) and the arms up swaddle keeps her head from rocking her to the side.

  • Halo Bassinet with this mattress cover (x2) and the SOFTEST sheets : She sleeps in her bassinet exclusively at night and I LOVE it. It swivels 360 degrees, has mesh sides incase she were to ever get pressed up against the sides she could still breathe, the side comes down to place her in, and the adjustable height allows you to have baby right next to you in bed.

  • Hatch Sound Machine : I know this seems like an expensive purchase but I love it so much. You can make multiple custom settings so all you have to do is tap the top. For example, I have three settings set up for nighttime feeding - sound + brighter light, sound + dimmer light + and sound with no light. You can also use it when they are older and make a setting for colorful lights to come on and off to tell them when it’s time to get up.

  • Owlet Sock : Lots of controversy around this item but we are big fans.

  • Zipper PJs : Double zip PJs or magnetic Pjs all of the way!

  • Travel baby monitor : I use this baby monitor when she naps in her bassinet during the day and will take it when we start traveling. No wifi needed!

  • Books : I highly recommend asking your baby shower host to do “books instead of cards” because we have a great library of books now and reading to her at night is our favorite time of day! I also got a library card and have stocked up on more books to read to her because that’s how much we love it.

  • Crib / mattress / sheets: she has technically taken one nap in her crib so I’m listing that, the mattress, waterproof cover, sheet, and monitor (I don’t love the monitor to be honest).

BATHTIME

  • Bathtub

  • Water Thermometer : This gives me peace of mind knowing the water is the right temp. We use it every time.

  • Shampoo : Your choice on what you use, but this is what we currently have.

  • Swaddle Blanket : We use a swaddle blanket in her bath and she loves it. She screamed before we started doing this. This is my favorite swaddle brand here but any swaddle blanket will do!

  • Rinse cup

  • Spout Cover

  • Kneeler and Elbow Rest

  • Toy Bin for bath toys that drains the water out.

  • Bathtoys

COMFORT/PLAY

  • Solly Wrap : These wraps take some learning to use, but I love them because it keeps baby warm and snuggled up against you like they were in the womb. Perfect especially when they are super new.

  • Ergo Carrier : We only started using this now because she is getting used to life outside of the womb and is more aware.

  • Boppy with Covers : We use the Boppy, the waterproof cover, and the regular cover for feeding and to prop her up for tummy time.

  • Bouncer : Hands down my most used item!! It’s incredibly compact, can be folded flat, and she loves it!

  • Swing : Not her or my favorite item (because it’s massive), but we occasionally get her to use it.

  • Lovevery playgym : (shop here or on Amazon) This gets used EVERY day - we love it so much I have this extra sensory strand to go with it! I know it’s pricey but it comes with mirrors, black and white cards, tons of sensory items and can be turned into a tent.

  • Oball Rattle

  • Safari Block from WeeGallery

  • Mombella Mushroom

  • Musical Star Toy

  • Crinkle Book for entertainment out and about

DIAPERING

  • Diaper rash cream : We tried several but are liking this one the best so far.

  • 2 sizes of diapers : Find what diapers work best for you but hold off on opening your newborn ones until you know for sure your baby can fit in them. Quinn was 9lbs+ so she used newborn diapers for a veryyyy short amount of time. You can exchange any unused diapers at Target.

  • Diaper Cream Spatula : We keep the large one at her changing table in her nursery and the smaller one in the changing basket in our room. I’m about to buy another small on for my diaper bag.

  • Ava + Oliver Changing Mats : We love these vegan leather changing mats! So easy to wipe clean. We have three of them!

  • Wipes : So far Water Wipes and Sensitive Wipes are our favorites.

  • Ubbi Diaper Pail - We have no issues with smell and you don’t need special bags.

  • Wipe Dispenser from Ubbi

  • Plum and Sparrow Changing Basket : This is the one in her room.

  • Diaper Caddy : We keep this in our room for middle of the night feeds and change her on our bed. During the day we change her in her room at the changing table. It holds our diapers, diaper cream, diaper cream spatula, changing mat, and wipes.

TRAVEL

MISC

  • Nail Trimmer : Using clippers is scary so I recommend this nail trimmer 100%!

  • Neeva Sanitizer : You definitely don’t need a sterilizer this big, but I do use it often and like it.

  • Newborn Milestone Discs : I use these for cute photos.

  • Burp cloths : I have several but these are my favorite so far.

  • Booties : I use these booties from Amazon and these booties from Goumi (code MAE for 15% off) way more than socks.

  • Hats : babies need to stay warm and I used these hats - here, here and here.

  • Thermometer : this one and this rectal one.

  • Fan : We used this fan when it was still warm outside. Mostly for me, haha, but I plan to attach it to her stroller when it gets hot again.

CLOTHING

FEEDING

MAMA RECOVERY ITEMS

  • See this blog post for a complete list of my c-section recovery items!