This post is specifically about my favorite items to have during those first few months with a newborn – FOR MOM. **This post may contain affiliate links. A small commission may be earned.**
I think there are so many great posts out there about the helpful newborn items are to have – here’s a list of my favorites. These items are usually very focused on things for the baby or things that help mom with the baby… this post I want to focus on mom and the things that really helped me postpartum.
With my first I suffered from postpartum anxiety and depression pretty badly and while they can’t be predicted, I do think I was able to mitigate my severity after my second born (and now after my third). This list is a mix of things I did for myself or had on hand to make my postpartum experience run smoothly.
1. Meal Service or Frozen Meals – We love HelloFresh (my link and code CIARAFM gets you up to 10 free meals). This was so nice to have when baby was here because I didn’t have to think about what was for dinner or have someone run to the store because we didn’t have an ingredient. Even if you just this a couple nights a week or only in the beginning of postpartum it would be so nice.
2. A good bra (or bralette) for nursing. My favorites are from Bodily. I like having a few different options depending on the stage of breastfeeding I’m in (they also make some for pumping). The Effortless Bra, Everything Bra, and the Tank are great for those first few weeks (and beyond). They are not compressive in any way which is so nice when your milk is coming in or baby is cluster feeding. The So Easy Bra is still so soft and comfortable, but gives a little more support and is meant for around 3+ months of breastfeeding.
3. Frida Postpartum Necessities Kit – You may very well end up with all these supplied from your hospital, but I always love to have the items on hand too – just in case!
4. Haakaa and Nipple Butter (if you’re breastfeeding) – I love using the haakaa from the very beginning of my breastfeeding journey. I typically don’t pump (or I use a hand pump), but the haakaa helps me to collect those extra ounces and build up a stash, even if it’s just a small one. Stash Must Haves: Milk Bags and I loved this milk storage container for the freeze! It has a spring and freezes the baggies flat (while being stored upright), so convenient!
5. Comfy Pajamas and Clothes – You deserve these! Postpartum can be so uncomfortable already, don’t make yourself more uncomfortable with clothes. I love these athletic shorts and these pajamas (this link should get you 10% off) for those early days.
6. Big Water Bottle – If you don’t already have one, some kind of large tumbler is so nice for postpartum – bonus points if it’s nonspill like these ones. Staying hydrating is so important when you are postpartum and especially if you are breastfeeding!
7. Skin Care Routine – This was the easiest thing for me to do that was “just for me” that I could promise to myself. I am so grateful (even years after postpartum) that I made the simple change to prioritize a skin care routine. As always, check with your doctor about ingredients during breastfeeding and pregnancy – but I love the Fount Society Line up (this link gets you 20% off!) and this “Botox in a Bottle” serum! If you want to check out my results from the wrinkle serum it’s here!
Your self care routine doesn’t have to take a long time, but those 5-10 minutes I take for myself make sure a difference in my day – especially in those early weeks when baby is attached to you.
I hope you find these things helpful as a new mom or a mom going through postpartum again. This stage of life is a lot, but you are going to be great. xx Ciara
