Mama Must Haves
From pregnancy to postpartum, here are all the things that worked best during my journey. Some were baby shower gifts that we loved and others were items we discovered. So add them to your registry or pick them up when needed. Hope they help!
Pregnancy
These sour little candies immediately helped with any nausea I was experiencing during pregnancy and they taste pretty good too!
This bracelet acts as a mini TENS unit, sending tiny shocks into your "nausea sensor" in your wrist. Similar to the pressure point sea-bands, this device sends signals to your brain to stop you from feeling queasy. Worked like a charm!
There are different sizes available depending on your measurements and belly size, but wearing these helped my back tremendously and also helped keep my belly up, which to me meant less pull on my skin (but that's my logic). Be sure to read when and when not to wear these bands for yours and baby's safety.
This handy dandy tool holds up your gallon ziplocks so you can easily fill your meal prep bags with your ingredients - less mess!
These plastic liners help keep your ceramic crockpots clean. Making serving and cleaning a breeze, saving you valuable time.
Compression socks have been proven to help with swelling and blood flow. Check with your doctor before wearing these, but they can help you tremendously with your swollen ankles both during pregnancy and during your postpartum recovery. If you sit or stand for long hours, especially when traveling in car or plane, I recommend investing into several pairs.
Nursing
This manual pump helped to get milk flow started for our newborn when needed and usually got more milk than electric pumps.
Strong and long lasting battery pump allowing milk collection on the go. Large capacity and comfortable to wear.
Comfortable, wire-free, long lasting batteries, etc. These helped so much when out of the house and on the go. Only complaint is they do not stand up without being held up, they can only stay lying flat which might allow milk to leak out. So once done pumping pour into a bottle right away to prevent mess.
Comfortable and convenient milk collection that can be used after an incomplete feeding or in between feedings so no drop is wasted.
Large capacity, good suction and effective, but can't be worn unless stationary. Not sturdy but is convenient because of the cover.
Much more convenient than standard Haakaa because can be worn in your bra. Not as comfortable as the Trove, but still large capacity and effective. No lids, so immediate pouring into a bottle will be needed, but does stand on it's own well.
These silicone shields cover your nipple in order to help protect and elongate to help baby drink easier without pain to mama.
Heat and vibration massagers to help break up stuck milk ducts, providing relief and comfort for tender boobies.
Heat and cold packs that are placed around the breast to help with discomfort and tenderness. Can be worn while feeding too, but must be careful with contact and the baby.
So much better than disposable pads. These are soft, comfortable, absorbent and reusable. Keeps your bra and shirts dry for hours!
Organic and soothing, this spray helps you get full proper placement and suction in your pumps for a better pumping session.
Pumping on the go made easier with these cleansing wipes. Designed to clean your parts for another use without having to put them in the dishwasher.
Pumping away from home - this bag becomes a steamer for your parts. Popped into the microwave for a quick cleaning.
The best quality milk storage bags we found. Close tightly and strong material. Be sure to lay bags flat for easy organization in freezer.
Sleeping with a bra can be comfortable with this bra. Not supportive but easy open for feedings and less pressure on your tatas when they may be tender. I wore these basically all the time when not out of the house. Buy several, trust me!
Thin, double layered, and easy access breastfeeding shirts. Don't shrink and super comfy. Variety of colors available - buy many!
Similar to the T-shirts, but more "dressy". Perfect for going out. I loved these and even wore them after stopping breastfeeding.
Perfect "going home" outfit! Comfy and easy access for feedings. Looks like a cute summer sun dress, but nursing friendly!
Labor & Postpartum
Fashionable and functional delivery gown allows you to wear your own clothes instead of the hospital's gown.
Similar to the other gown, but different style and with velcro instead of snaps. These can be worn once home too!
Very similar to period panties, but with higher absorbency. Much more comfortable than wearing diapers or large pads and many styles are available on the Thinx website. Only downside is you will be unable to recognize the amount of blood collected, which may need to be monitored. So may be best to be worn after a few days of initial recovery - speak with your healthcare provider for feedback or advise.
3 separate compression belts that be worn all together or separately. These tremendously help retrain your tummy back to normal and support your tired back at the same time. Be sure to read the instructions regarding wearing frequency and precautions.
Long wear use and comfortable silicone patches help keep your "stitch-free" scar healing smooth and healthy. Read all details.
Castor oil is considered nature's fix all medicine. It can help with healing scars and other skin needs. This should NOT be used while pregnant due to labor inducing properties. Speak to your doctor before use, especially if you're nursing.