Things I regret or would do differently

Looking back on my postpartum care and the first couple of weeks and months, there's so many things I now think I should have done differently and one in particular I really regret. 

First off, the birth. I was adamant we would be able to film it on the go pro to keep forever. When the anaesthetist came in and said we couldn't, I was so upset and angry that, I didn't even think to take my phone for photos! The first photos we have of the boys are the ones taken when I got back into the room after the section looking quite clean and fresh (I wanted dirty naked ones of them getting weighed)!! I'm sure none of you will, but please don't be stupid like me. If you're having a planned section - take your phone. If you don't, you'll regret it forever just like me!! 

Your orange book of notes - PHOTOCOPY THEM BEFORE YOUR MIDWIFE SIGNS YOU OFF. No one told me this and I'll always always always think - WHY?! When your midwife signs you off and transfers your care over to the health visitor, they take the book with them. I literally could have cried when my midwife took mine and refused to let me keep it for a couple of extra hours or days just to photocopy them. All the details of my maternity care, birth and postpartum care have gone to a hole in the hospital somewhere and I'll probably never see them ever again. I'm a sucker for keepsakes and this would have been the perfect one for the babies. 

Now onto things I should have done differently. 

After a csection, you can get (and I did get) the most HORRENDOUS trapped air. They say drinking peppermint tea helps which I tried, maybe just a little bit too late. Start drinking it the second you can. Take the tea bags with you so that you can start ASAP. Don't let the air get too 'trapped' as quite honestly, that was more painful for me that the recovering of having my stomach cut open (until my infections and having a hole in my wound)! I tried everything and nothing worked. Burping was my only relief but I had to make myself burp which in turn added more air into my stomach by sucking it in, to burp it back out. Confusing right? Basically, just drink the tea as soon as possible. 

Maternity pads - everyone says buy thousands, you'll need them. I listened to this advice and now wish I had just stuck with normal sanitary towels - the thick ones though of course. In addition to my infections and the hole in the scar, I had thrush - TWICE. Personally I believe this is down to the thickness of the pads and the fact they constantly have moisture on from the blood. I didn't bleed half as much as I thought I might so if you do bleed heavily, maybe the maternity towels would be good for you. 

Tummy cream for stretch marks. I had a few clear stretch marks prior to falling pregnant but I gained a sh*t load more. I mean - did you actually see the size of my bump?! I was absolutely huge. All I kept saying was 'I've got them already, who cares if I have more!?' Now, this is very true. I honestly don't mind that I have them, they're my mummy marks, but they can be quite itchy now and again. Maybe if I had moisturised more frequently and properly, I wouldn't have that issue? I guess we'll never know! Until next time ;)!!

Lastly - buying clothes for the boys. I went stupidly overboard and they've hardly worn any of their clothes. Most days we stay in and I don't even bother getting them changed; it would only mean more washing for me! I have a few items of clothing which I love and they mainly wear them! Get the essentials and a few bits but until baby is here, you never know what size will fit, what will look good and what won't suit them! I know it's hard but try hold off on going mad! 

Do you have anything you regret or wish you had done differently? Let me know if Instagram to help other mums prepare!