If you're a mama planning your baby registry or a friend shopping for a registry, then you'll want to stick around. As doulas, we're on a mission to change the registry game by spreading the good word that registries aren't just for baby gear; they're for mama's healing, too. A new mama's body will require lots of warm nourishment and love as she heals during her postpartum period. Gifting holistic postpartum essentials will provide her with comfort, support and essential care. As experienced doulas, these are our top ten must-have postpartum items for every new mama's registry. You can find all of these items and more on our Amazon Storefront.
1. Nursing Pillow
A nursing pillow is a lifesaver for new breastfeeding mamas. One of the most important factors in having a positive breastfeeding experience for mama and her baby is an effective latch. A breastfeeding pillow helps position the baby properly and more comfortably for a proper latch, which also reduces strain on the mama’s back and arms during the countless feeding hours. It's versatile, doubling as a support pillow for tummy time and for when the baby begins sitting up. Our favorite is the organic My Breast Friend!
2. Postpartum Herbs (Tinctures and Soaks)
Herbal soaks are a necessity after vaginal childbirth as they offer soothing relief and promote healing during the perineal recovery phase. Sitz baths are a great way to incorporate herbal healing, and also putting the steeped herbs in a peri bottle is a favorite doula hack of ours. Oral herbal tinctures also aid mama’s recovery with blends specific to hormone rebalancing, pain relief and milk production.
3. Comfortable Underwear and Nursing Bras
Stretchy, supportive nursing bras make breastfeeding easier and more comfortable. They give mama quick access to feeding while providing necessary support. Look for bras with soft, breathable, natural-fiber fabric and adjustable straps. The same goes for underwear. Think high-waisted, breathable and stretchy! Comfortable disposable underwear for the early days can also be nice when bleeding is still frequent. Pact and Boody are two of our favorite organic fiber brands.
4. Robe and Slippers
Robes are both comfy and functional. They offer easy coverage while mama does skin-to-skin with her baby and frequent feedings. Matching slippers can be a nice way to make mama feel cozy and cute. An added benefit is that warm feet are directly correlated to a warm and healing uterus.
5. Baby Carrier
A baby carrier allows mama to keep her baby close while keeping her hands free. It promotes bonding, makes baby feel like they're safe inside the womb again and can be incredibly helpful for soothing a fussy baby. Look for carriers made of comfortable fabrics, like the Solly brand.
6. Tallow Balms
Tallow balms are so versatile! Postpartum mamas tend to be dry, and balms are a great way to keep her lips, nipples and skin nourished. Tallow is a natural animal fat, so it's safe and gentle on the baby’s delicate skin. It offers an effective diaper balm without any unnecessary, toxic ingredients.
7. Bed Tray
Mama will be spending lots of time healing and resting in bed in the early postpartum days (we encourage postpartum mamas to spend at least two weeks in bed). A bed tray offers a way for her to comfortably eat in bed without having to get up, and it also can be a sweet space for her to journal or write her birth story with her baby still nearby.
8. Journal and Pen
A beautiful journal and pen set can be a cherished keepsake gift for a new mom. It's a place for her to document her journey, capture precious memories and process her thoughts and feelings during her transformative postpartum time.
9. Large Insulated Water Bottle with Straw
Staying hydrated is crucial for postpartum moms, especially those who are breastfeeding. An insulated stainless steel water bottle with a straw makes it easy to drink from while she takes care of her baby and encourages regular daily hydration to promote her overall health and well-being. This can also double as an insulated "cooler" to store letdown milk on her bedside table without having to make frequent trips to the fridge.
10. Meal Delivery Service
Gift a meal delivery service specifically geared towards postpartum (mama-meals.com is one of our favorites) to ensure mama has warming, nutritious and easy-to-prepare meals during the healing postpartum period because healing starts from the inside out! This thoughtful gift will be a lifesaver, providing one less thing to worry about as mama and her partner adapt to their new normal.
By gifting these postpartum essentials, all found on our Amazon Storefront, you're offering useful items and you're showing up in an impactful and thoughtful way for the new mom. These items help in the recovery process and make daily life a bit easier as she transitions into motherhood. May these gifts offer a way to say, "I’m here for you.” Take it a step further in your support for the new mama and contribute to a postpartum doula fund. We love that modern-day registries include funds that are practical and often go beyond gifts alone. If you aren't familiar with all that a postpartum doula can do for a new mama, check out our services. Finally, if you wish to support the new mom in non-financial ways, you can help with household chores, cook meals, run errands or simply be there as a listening ear as she needs. These essential postpartum items, coupled with the emotional and hands-on support of a caring village, ensure the new mom feels loved and supported during one of the most beautiful, transformative times of her life.
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