Breastfeeding and Pumping, Postpartum, Pregnancy

How Using Stations In The Classroom Helped Me During Postpartum Life

Teaching has taught me a lot about how to parent and what kind of parent I want to be. Patience, for sure. Keeping calm under pressure, etc. But one thing really helped me stay organized and keep life as simple as possible while in the throes of exhaustion and recovery while taking care of a newborn, and that thing was stations (or centers). Many teachers use stations in the classroom such as a reading corner, a writing table, or boxes full of materials to rotate through tables that are prepared with lessons.

I made postpartum stations subconsciously and never actively referred to my postpartum stations as “stations,” but I realize now that is exactly what they are. I realize how much easier they made my life as a first time mom with a new born while living in a tiny garage apartment. But no matter how big or small your home may be, creation stations to help organize the newborn chaos may be helpful for you as well. I set each of these up after I brought Holden home from the hospital, so next time I will be setting these up while in the nesting phase of pregnancy. I also posted some very unglamorous cell phone shots of my stations, so you can get an idea of what I am working with.

1. Nursing Station

Whether it be in your bed, on your couch or recliner . . . wherever you feel most comfortable, you need several things close by and ready to go. A nursing pillow is very helpful in the beginning. I had a Brest Friend, which I’d recommend. I passed many hours while nursing Holden with texting, watching YouTube and scrolling through social media, so you’ll need your phone and charger ready to go. If you’d rather watch TV I’d keep the remote close by as well. Keep a few burp rags, and blankets within reach for spit up, milky messes, and for when the little one passes out. Finally have some nipple cream and water on hand because self care is important too, and it will be helpful to the longevity of your nursing relationship. I love Yorba Organics Nipple Cream and the cheaper, but also organic Motherlove Nipple Cream.

2. Pumping Station

I had to start pumping at about 2 weeks postpartum because I had oversupply issues, and had to relieve the pressure. I usually did this in my bed. I had my Medela pump plugged into an extension cord (along with several other things refer to #6) with more water and nipple cream and basically everything I had at my nursing station, but set up for my pump. It made pumping more comfortable, and it was nice to have it set up and ready when I needed it. I also took my pumping habit to work with me once I returned to work after maternity leave. I have a list of pumping must haves here for you as well because pumping at work is a whole other ball game.

3. Sleep Station

While pregnant I kept my bedside table fully stocked with Tums, all the various stretch mark creams I was using, a charger, my pregnancy pillow and water. Now that I put my baby to sleep next to me I need more stuff for easy nighttime sleeping. I’m tired, lazy and don’t want to get up for anything, so I have a table as my night stand with chargers for my phone and iPad, swaddles and sleep sacks, an essential oil diffuser, sound machine, water, and pacifiers. It took me longer than it should have to realize I just needed a paci designated for my sleep station. I regularly had to (or send my husband to) get out of bed in the middle of the night and hunt down a paci in the living room. Just make it easy and have extras in stock where you need them.

4. Bottle/Pump Parts Station

I don’t have a kitchen. I have a kitchenette, which means I have no counter space. I mean zero. On top of that to make space for Holden in our room we moved all our bedroom furniture like dressers and clothes into the area in the “kitchen” where a table would go. Trust me, I will never take my future kitchen for granted, but I ended up using the top of my dresser to store all things pump and bottle related. I have a drying rack, bottle sterilizer, bottle warmer, and milk storage bags all here and ready to go as needed. Bottles and pump parts dominate my kitchen and need a place since they are used so frequently. Now that I have introduced solids to Holden as well I keep all his bibs, bowls, spoons, and baby food jars here as well.

5. Recovery Station

These items were the things I kept in the bathroom. I used a little bucket from the hospital (but it’s honestly too small so I’d upgrade to something bigger and cuter) to hold all those pads, diapers, sprays, peri-bottle and things needed to heal properly and comfortably. See my postpartum must haves post if you’d like ideas on what to stock your station with. Self-care is so important for new moms. Treat yourself and make taking care of your healing body a priority during postpartum recovery.

 

6. Changing Station

You probably have a changing table in your nursery set up. I use mine everyday now, but never touched it for maybe a month after Holden was born. Instead I camped out in my living room and changed him on the couch, or on the day bed we have stored in our living room too. If your stuff is upstairs or inconvenient to get to, it’s nice to have some supplies on hand and close by. Blow outs happen! Having items you need in your living room or at the foot of the bed just make it easier. I recommend a pad or blanket, wipes and diapers (duh), diaper rash cream and a change of clothes (or five) just in case they are needed for an emergency. As far as wipes and diapers go, I buy what is one sale, or what I have a coupon for. I can’t say I have a favorite brand, but right now I am happy with Huggies.

Stations may sound silly, but they made life much easier for this exhausted and hurting momma. I am in my 7th month postpartum and still use these stations daily. They help keep me organized in this crowded and messy apartment, and save me time as I am often in a rush to get out the door. It is all about convenience when you’re in those tough days, hopefully this can make it a little bit easier.

-Alexa