With all the excitement and attention revolving around the new baby, it’s easy for moms to forget about themselves. After coming home from the hospital, there are some things she’ll wish she had and some that she never knew she needed. Here are 21 things new moms need for themselves after they give birth!
When I came home from the hospital, I sent my mom to the store to get so many things I forgot to buy for myself. I really thought I was prepared for postpartum, but to my surprise there were so many things I still needed.
These are 21 things that I believe every new mom NEEDS in those early days! Whether you are looking for a new mom gift idea or just want to be prepared, this list will give you ideas of things that new moms need for themselves
24 Smart Things New Moms NEED for Themselves
Before we get into things that new moms need for themselves, you will notice that there is quite a bit of things specific for a vaginal birth and breastfeeding. I just want you to know that if this isn’t apart of your story… THAT IS OKAY!! I just wanted to include all the things that a new mom could possibly needed!
At Bless Our Littles, we like to talk about things we love and think you might enjoy too. Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links (see disclosure here). This means we will receive a commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. This is no extra cost to you. There are some products we have tried and others that we haven’t but think would be helpful to you!
1. Postpartum Care Kit
Every new mom needs a postpartum care kit. I created a bunch of these for my friends and they all were so grateful for these little odds and ends.
Some Of My Postpartum Favorites:
- Nipple Butter
- Different Size Pads
- Flushable Wipes
- Hemorrhoid Cream
[Preparing for Postpartum? Here are 16 Things I Wish I Did]
2. Reusable Nursing Pads
I had put these on my registry as a “just in case” item, assuming I probably wouldn’t need them. But to my surprise, I wish I had 2 packs of theses!!! I have the Kindred Bravely Reusable Nursing Pads and love that they are organic and washable.
3. Breastmilk Catcher
I’m going to admit that I didn’t have these during my first breastfeeding journey, but they are a MUST! My best friend had these and was able to save up so much milk. This time around, I will be using them so I can stockpile bunch of breastmilk.
[What should you do with EXTRA Breastmilk?? Try out these 14 Uses!]
4. Nipple Butter
I believe that Earth Mama’s nipple butter helped me to enjoy breastfeeding in those early days. I never felt sore or had pain because I applied this anytime I felt like I might need it! The great part is that it’s also safe for baby and can be used on baby’s skin for things like dry skin or even on your itchy stretch marks.
5. Breast Gel Pads
These are amazing for engorgement which is so common during the first three months. With my daughter, I struggled with it for almost 5 months and wished I had these. My lactation specialist used cabbage leaves, but I love that these are reusable!
6. Perineal Ice Packs
After having a vaginal birth every mom will love the soothing effect from perineal ice packs. There are several brands out there, but I loved this set from Amazon! They can also be heated up with is a huge bonus!
7. Healthy Snacks
Since my daughter was 4 weeks early, I had no snacks prepared for me. I especially needed those middle of the night breastfeeding snacks. I found it difficult to think about anything healthy and really wished that someone would have just gone shopping for me…. Hahah.
Healthy Postpartum Snack Ideas:
- Oatmeal Protein Bars
- Cheese Sticks
- Kind Bars
- Jerky
- Trail Mix
- Postpartum Tea
[Here are 12 of my FAVORITE Meals for Nursing Mamas]
8. Postpartum Clothes
This is by far my biggest regret from postpartum. I never bought clothes that fit my new body. I held onto the dream that I would fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes “soon.” Get some clothes that are nursing friendly, that actually fit, and make you feel beautiful!
My favorite clothes for postpartum are from Kindred Bravely. They are so comfortable and nursing friendly, which is a huge bonus for me! If you are looking for a gift, grab a gift card and send it to the new mama!!
9. Meals
About a week after I came home from the hospital, my best friend sent me dinner from my favorite Pho Restaurant. Not only was I beyond grateful for a yummy meal, but it was nice to not have to think about needing to heat up dinner.
If you are planning for postpartum ask for a meal train at your Baby Shower and make easy freezer meals!
10. Groceries
I love to send my friends groceries for when they arrive home. Usually I use Amazon Prime Whole Foods, but you can use any service!
You can send snacks, easy breakfast meals, quick throw together lunches, and all the ingredients for a yummy dinner. Some new moms prefer groceries, so they last throughout the week!
11. Under Eye Cream
Now we are moving into some cosmetics that new moms need. It’s crazy how much your skin changes after you give birth (thank to hormones!). I found that my under eyes became really dry!
I loved Burts Bees under eye cream, it was easy to apply, natural and felt amazing! I’ve also used Tubby Todds all over ointment and that stuff works like a charm too.
12. Concealer
What new mom isn’t tired?? Most likely they are either out of concealer or never had to wear it before! This is perfect to help new moms feel a little better about themselves and look more awake.
13. Dry Shampoo
Even if the new dad is a super hero, mom is probably not able to wash her hair as much as she’d like. Whether that’s because she can’t be in the shower for that long or she’s lazy (I’m just being honest here), dry shampoo makes a world of a difference.
14. Postnatal Vitamins
Did you know that new moms need to continue taking prenatal or a postnatal after giving birth? I had no idea. This will help to repair your body and give your new baby nutrients if you are breastfeeding.
I have loved Kindred Bravely’s postnatal vitamins. They also have a lactation formula which is amazing too!
15. Perineal Comfort Cushion
For all those moms that had a vaginal birth, they will NEED a perineal comfort cushion. These are amazing not only for pain, but to help new moms heal. They are also great for moms who are dealing with hemorrhoids or fissures.
16. No Spill Water Bottle
Life with a new baby is messy and the last thing you want to be doing is cleaning up spilled water. I switched from my Yeti to a no spill water bottle, which helped me to drink more water and also carry it around the house easier.
17. A Friend to Talk to
This may be the most valuable thing on this list. Having a friend to talk to about all these these new life changes is so helpful. Talking to a friend will help to normalize motherhood and will give new moms a moment to vent.
18. Help with House Work
I love that Babylist allows you to register for things like housecleaning or a maids service! This is something that every new mom needs. In those early days of learning your new role, having someone help with keeping the house tidy is super helpful.
19. Postpartum Doula
I had no idea what a postpartum doula was until I was talking to a friend. I really wish I had one when my first daughter was born. They are truly like your right hand man. They will help you with breastfeeding, recovery, tips and tricks on soothing your infant and more!
20. Only Love Today Book
My mom gave me this book as a gift a few years ago. It’s one that I go back to over and over again for reminders that this life is short and that we need to cherish every moment. This book is broken up into short sections, so busy moms have time to fumble through it even if they only have a few minutes!
21. Sanity Savings Tracker
The name of this journal says it all… it truly will save a new moms sanity! This book tracks feedings, diaper changes, baby sleep, and reminders for moms. It has everything a new mom will need to pay attention to in one place!
22. Monthly Phone Photos Book
My mom gifted us a monthly photo book for my daughter’s first year! We loved being able to look through memories from each month of her first year.
I tried out Chatbooks and love their minis!! They are the perfect size and are such nice quality. These would make the perfect gift for a new mama.
23. Noise Reducing Earplugs
There were nights where my daughter didn’t stop crying (and no this wasn’t during the newborn phase). Months later, I read about how noise reducing earplugs help moms with anxiety when their baby cry.
I wish I had the Loop Experience Earplugs!! They are great becuase the reduce noice by 20 decibels. This means you can still hear that baby is crying.. but it isn’t going to cause your blood to boil!
24. Streaming Service
Last but certainly not least, every new mom needs a streaming service. When mom is up at 3 am feeding her baby, trying to stay awake, she needs a show to keep her going.
I love Magnolia Network on Discovery+!!! I highly recommend getting this subscription because it has so many options, that are also family friendly.
25. The Mama Natural Baby Care Course
Being a new mama, there are so many unknowns that come up in those first few months. I loved having Mama Natural’s baby care course as my go to resource… rather than Google!
Topics this course covers:
- Feeding Baby
- Baby Sleep
- Baby Poops
- Baby Growth
- and 9 Other Important Areas
After going through this course, mom will feel confident and prepared for everything that motherhood may throw at her!
My Thoughts..
Becoming a mom is one of the most beautiful experiences of a woman life, but that doesn’t mean that it’s easy. These 23 things new moms need for themselves will help them to transition a little easier and spend more time enjoying their new little baby!
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