If you’re a new mother (or will be soon), catering to your baby’s needs is probably the highest thing on your priority list. It’s easy to get lost in the midst of diapering, feeding, bathing and cuddling, but don’t forget that you’re in for quite a ride, physically and emotionally! Having been a mother ten times over, I’d like to share my list of the top five needs that often get overlooked.
Support
Your place is with your newborn, but that can leave a lot of other things undone. So line up the help you’ll need in the first few weeks. If you’re someone who’s looking for ways to support a new mother, here are some ideas:
- Bring a meal (ready to eat or frozen)
- Run an errand, or take a sibling to an appointment
- Take siblings on an outing (even better, have a sleepover with extended family and Mama can avoid the bedtime rush for one night)
- House cleaning (you can do it, or treat her to a maid service)
- Stay home with the newborn so Mama can go out for a while
- Hire a postpartum doula (chip in together with your friends)
Hydration
I’m one of the world’s worst when it comes to this one. But surely I’m not the only woman who tires of being told to drink water constantly from pregnancy to postpartum. I never reach for water unless I’m really thirsty. But dehydration is disastrous when you’re nursing a newborn full time. For me, the game-changer was finding something healthy, and tasty, that I actually wanted to drink. Something that could deliver more than just plain water but not be loaded down with sugar and additives. That beverage is Greater Than. Made with organic coconut water and natural super food ingredients, Greater Than’s wonderful taste is derived from fruit juices, so there’s no coconut flavor overload. I got to sample Orange Mango, and it was balanced and refreshing. There are five flavors you can choose from.
More details: 40 calories, non-GMO project verified, gluten-free, vegan, organic, paleo & keto-friendly
Besides basic hydration needs, nursing mothers may suffer from low supply and low energy. Greater Than isn’t just a healthier option; it can actually provide support for these issues. And right now, you can get 20% off your purchase of Greater Than electrolyte drink with code GT20!
Nursing Supplies & Support
When it comes to nursing, I always hope for the best, but nearly every time I’ve had to resort to using a pump for one reason or another. And a good one is a lifesaver. Thanks to my pump, I was able to overcome everything from mastitis to thrush.
I wish I had known then about Pumping Essentials. It’s a a free service that helps new mothers access the breastfeeding services and supplies that may be provided free by their insurance companies. You’ll find trusted brands like Ameda, medela, Lansinoh and more. Pumping Essentials was founded by a group of women with over 20 years of combined experience in the nursing and lactation industries.
Avoid the hassle of phone calls with your insurance provider and take advantage of Pumping Essential’s 24-hour online order center, plus fast and free shipping. Their service reps are also available to help you out Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST. You can even schedule one-on-one time with a lactation professional at little or no cost.
Speaking of nursing essentials, a comfortable bra is definitely one of them. You’ll wear it day in and day out, for as much as two or three years. So it needs to be durable, comfortable and reliable.
The Simple Wishes Foundation All-in-One bra checks all the boxes. Designed by mothers, for mothers, it’s got a price tag of just $24.99. This is an investment that’s easy to afford, and it’s loaded with features:
- Designed for nursing and/or hands-free pumping
- Easy open and close upper nursing clasp
- Soft fabric and wireless cup
- Removable thin padded lining for shape and coverage
- Soft, stretchy, seamless fit
- Straps that convert from racerback to tank
- Wide range of sizes, with a built-in extender
- 100% money-back guarantee
Right now, you can get 20% off sitewide with code SPRING20. That means the Foundation All-in-One bra is just $19.99!
Essential Baby Gear
The number of stroller choices is staggering, but after many years and many models, I can attest that reliability and user-friendliness rank high on the features list. I love how easy it is to get fresh air and exercise with the Baby Delight Go with Me Dart Ultra Compact Stroller. Features include a lightweight but sturdy frame, 5-point harness, a roomy storage basket and retractable canopy. When you’re all done, it folds up with one hand and stows compactly in a carry bag.
It took me under five minutes to get our new stroller out of the box and up and running for Camille. The padded straps reclining seat offer customized comfort for all of our essential outings. Recommended ages 3 months to 3 years, the Dart stroller can accommodate children up to 50 pounds. And when it’s folded up inside the carry bag, it weighs just 14 pounds and is a mere 23 inches high.
And if you’re looking for a safe, secure and affordable sleeping solution, consider the Baby Delight Portable Rocking Bassinet.he house. Designed for portability and small spaces, the bassinet has mesh walls for visibility and air flow, plus an optional canopy.
A Gift Certificate
A new mother might be hesitant to tell you exactly what she wants and needs. It’s just a woman thing, I guess, arising from those pesky guilt feelings that plague us and the desire to be seen as a capable mother. So if you’ve got a friend who’s holding back and insisting that there’s nothing you need to do, a gift card works every time. It could be very practical (grocery, big box store, cloth diaper shop) or fun (spa, coffee shop, book store). And a Visa gift card will cover pretty much anything.
What did you receive as a new mother that was most meaningful? What are your top postpartum gift ideas?
This post is a sponsored collaboration with Chatterbox Brands.
Brianne says
These are excellent tips all around. Staying hydrated is key to overall health, and a good bra is so appreciated when you’re a new mom.
Celebrate Woman Today says
Beautiful and powerful things that always work. Support in these areas when you just have a baby is so welcome. It’s not always available.
jill nunn says
These are some great tips! It can be so overwhelming!
Sherry says
Having someone to help you when you need it is always awesome. Those nursing bras are really stylish.
Catalina says
These are the right thing that a new mother needs! Especially a good and comfortable bra!
Lisa Joy Thompson says
These are great tips and items to add to a gift list! Motherhood can be overwhelming and having someone gift you with a meal or a gift certificate makes life so much easier.
Toni says
This is really helpful for new moms! Thank you for sharing!
maryanne says
Fantastic tips for helping each other! I could have used these things when I was a new mom.
Kristen says
I love the recommendation of a gift certificate. And I totally agree that frozen meals are so helpful. (Or even just snacks.) I totally wish more people had offered to help with meals after the birth of my children.
Kathryn says
Oh I love this list! Great tips. Having support is so vital for new mothers.