21 Gifts for New Moms They Never Knew They Needed
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Postpartum Checklist for New Moms
The transition into motherhood is a milestone.
For me, experiencing each pregnancy and birth was like witnessing a reinvention or my own life force. It’s one of those life events that marks the beginning of a very focused phase of existence, and it’s definitely challenging.
Looking for gifts for new moms is a great opportunity to support them through the transition to motherhood. Many first-time-mom essentials lists give suggestions for the baby and baby care, but this article is all about mom care! Many new moms don’t know to ask for some of these postpartum items because people don’t always talk about the struggles of that fourth trimester. Ask your friend if they’re interested in a postpartum care kit. If they are, this list has all the essentials to help you choose the right items! If the mom-to-be would rather purchase these items herself, send her the link to this article ASAP.
Whenever I work with a pregnant client, I encourage them to get post-birth supplies ready when they enter the third trimester. It’s hard to come home exhausted, responsible for keeping a brand new tiny human alive, and have no supplies ready to help you recover. If you’re coming from the hospital or birthing center, the care assistants will often try to send you home with a few things. However, you’ll likely run out and it may be minimal. If you’re birthing at home, you definitely want to get prepared early.
Here are suggestions for postpartum items that make splendid gifts. Also included - a printable checklist of essentials to help new moms get organized and stay more comfortable during postpartum.
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Breastfeeding
Nursing pads - Washable, organic bamboo, overnight use. These are a lifesaver, particularly as your body adjusts its milk flow. *Pro tip - keep a spare top and pair of nursing pads in your car. You’ll thank me later.
Lanolin cream - Breastfeeding can be painful for first time moms. Even if you’re “doing it right” which is not as common as you think, you can go through a break-in period. Lanolin keeps the abrasions and the scabbing at bay while you and your baby find your groove.
Hot packs - Help with letdown and relaxing the milk ducts to avoid clogging and developing mastitis. If you get mastitis, it’s important to keep the area warm to expel the milk. Hot showers and these little guys will be immensely helpful.
Perineal Care
Tucks - MAGICAL witch hazel wipes that soothe and cleanse throughout the day (and night…)
Perineal spray bottle - You may not be able (or want) to use toilet paper for a while. Fill this amazing little bottle with warm water and use it like a portable bidet. It’s fantastic.
Perineal ice packs - There could be some swelling and tenderness after birth and perineal ice pack pads will help without being too cold.
Herbal-infused pads - The Honey Pot pads are ahhhhh-mazing. They are infused with mint, lavender, and aloe. You might use these for a while. It’s nice to know they’re 100% natural and very soothing.
Sitz bath salts - Whether you use an actual sitz bath seat, or just sit in a shallow pool of water in the tub, sitz bath salt is wonderful. It’ll soothe, cleanse, and speed up the healing process.
Organic mesh underwear - As you recover, your uterus is shrinking back to its pre-pregnancy size. There will be lots of activity happening and you might want a disposable underwear option. Mesh underwear has gotten a lot more comfortable, less boring, and will allow much needed airflow.
Clothing
Comfortable, supportive underwear - Many of my friends rave about Kindred Braverly underwear. I recommend undies designed for c-sections. Not only are they comfortable for your belly, but if birth doesn’t go as planned, it’s nice to have some comfort measures for cesarean recovery.
Belly band - Your rectus abdominis muscles stretched to the max and they will be weak as you begin recovery. A belly band will provide support for both your belly AND your lower back so you can lift your tiny human safely.
Bamboo or modal cotton clothes - It’s tempting to hope you’ll look like your old self postpartum, but that all takes time. You’ll be home a lot trying to rest and comfortable lounge wear is a MUST. Modal cotton is durable, breathable, soft, and not prone to shrinking. Get yourself some comfortable robes, tanks, tees, pants, shorts, socks, whatever… You deserve it all!
Nursing tank - I am a proponent of the nursing tank over the bra because it cuts out the step of moving your shirt out of the way for the wee one. Since you’ll most likely be home, it’s all about convenience, baby.
Special Extras
Essential oil patches - Diffusers and other essential oil products are great, but these little patches are super convenient. The calming effect of essential oils, particularly for sleep, is worth trying them.
Treats - All moms need their favorite treat! Mine is dark chocolate. Healthy family meals that reheat in the oven are also a tremendous help.
Postpartum tea - Pink Stork makes a great organic tea that’s caffeine free with herbs to support recovery.
Ember mug - These are the coolest! You can sip your Pink Stork tea in your fancy new mug without it getting cold because of the temperature control base.
Portable charger - You may be glued to the couch feeding baby around the clock for the first couple weeks. A portable charger allows you to keep your kindle or phone charged so you bring them with you easily. Hospital rooms sometimes don’t have outlets near your bed so this is essential if you need to stay connected.
Hydro flask with a straw lid and handle- This one is definitely a must. You need to stay hydrated to keep up with milk production and speed your healing process. Why a straw lid with the handle, you ask? Because you now only have one free hand most of the time. Hold the baby with one, drink all that delicious water with the other.
Frida Mom Hospital Kit - This kit is fairly new. It wasn’t around when I had my first daughter and I definitely would’ve been all about it. If you’re looking for an easy gift that covers all the basics, this is it. Your new-mom buddy will thank you.
Be sure to download the full checklist below and comment with any of your favorite mom-care essentials. I update all my checklists every few years and I’d love to include some of your ideas. Whether it be for a friend or yourself, happy gifting!