Most people spend a lot of time thinking about what the baby will need, but it’s also important to consider what the new mama needs, especially in this all-encompassing and extremely important transition in her life.

 

Pregnancy
You are going through an enormous change, physically, mentally and emotionally, in preparation for your role as a new Mama.

  Morning sickness/heartburn remedies (teas, lozenges or anti-nausea bands can help)

  Transitional nursing bras (1-2 – purchase 6-8 weeks before birth – these stretchy, expandable bras will grow with you.  They are useful even beyond the first few weeks.  Check out our Bra-Fitting Guide for more information.)

  Nursing tanks (1-2 – purchase 6-8 weeks before birth – a nursing bra is built-in to each tank.  These tanks are great on their own, as a lounge top or as a layer piece in cooler months.)

  Stretch oil (although there are many theories about why stretch marks appear, we feel it must be due to your skin’s hydration.  Drinking water and applying oil may help the appearance of stretch marks – if not, at least you smell good!)

  Bella bands (1-2 –this little band can extend the life of your regular pants as belly grows)

  Maternity support belt (if you’re having lower back pain or under belly pain, a support belt can help to alleviate some of that pressure)

  Belly cast kit (a fun way to preserve your beautiful belly forever)

 

Birth
So worth it once you see that little face!

  Birth ball (this can be a helpful tool for laboring in a variety of positions, as well as afterward to bounce on while soothing Baby, and for your own personal exercise)

  Massage oil (for your support team to rub your back or feet during labor)

  Nursing pajamas/lounge set (for easy nursing access and discretion at the hospital or at home when receiving visitors)

  Birth CD (guided relaxation during labor)

  Heated pad or rice sock (localized heat to relax muscles)

   A labor doula (a woman who will be you and your partner’s support during labor.  Studies have shown that having a doula can exponentially decrease the need for birth interventions.)

 

Post-Partum
It’s very important to take it easy those first two weeks.  Let everyone treat you like the Queen – after all, a human being(s) came out of your body and you deserve some rest!

  Mini Shower (a hand-held bidet works far better than the squeeze bottle you get from most hospitals, because it’s still too painful to wipe.  The adjustable settings allow for you to more comfortably use the washroom – and, if you’re using cloth diapers, it’s a fantastic diaper sprayer)

  Sitz bath (whether it was a vaginal or c-section birth, an organic sitz bath can help to expedite the healing process.  Bathing with Baby is also a wonderful way to bond and sitz baths can help to heal Baby’s umbilical cord as well.)

  Loungewear/PJs (1-2 sets – receive visitors in loungewear or PJs.  They need to know that you are not there to entertain them.  If they ask if they can help, say, “Yes!” and point them to a pile of laundry to fold or dishes to wash.  Ask them to bring you a glass of water or sandwich.  They need to take care of you, not the other way around.  Don’t worry, most friends are thrilled to actually help.)

  A post-partum doula (a woman who will be with you after Baby comes to help with breastfeeding assistance, household duties, baby care and more.  A doula can make all the difference for first time parents as they make their transition into parenthood.)

 

Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is one of the most natural, healthy and beneficial relationships for both Baby and Mama.  However, most new mothers haven’t grown up seeing women breastfeeding, so it’s important for you and your partner to read or attend a class about breastfeeding prior to birth, as well as attend your local La Leche League meetings.

  Nursing bras (3-5 - these can include your transitional bras.  If you nurse on demand, around 2-3 weeks, your breasts will settle into their size.  That is a good time to get fitted for a nursing bra.  See our Bra-Fitting Guide for more information.)

  Nursing tops (3-4 – they’re cute and functional!  Nursing tops help you to breastfeed with confidence and ease, no matter where you are.  They are particularly useful if you are going back to work and need to pump.)

  Nursing dresses (1-2 – useful for special occasions, work or a night on the town)

  Breast pump (if you’re returning to work, a double-electric is quickest and easiest; for part-time work or occasional use, a single electric might work for you; and if you rarely pump, but want something around or in your bag, a manual pump might be a good choice)

  Nursing pads (because you don’t know if you’ll be a leaker until after you’ve had Baby, we recommend getting a box of disposable pads at first – if you don’t use them, you can pass them along to a friend – and then switch to reusable pads after you’ve finished the disposables)

  Nursing pillow (to help place Baby at the right height for ideal nursing positions)

  Nursing stool (for comfortable seating position for mama and to help lift the baby for ideal nursing positioning)

  Nipple cream (we recommend organic, non-lanolin based nipple creams, which are safe for Baby and good for your skin)

  Breastfeeding aids (if you have difficulty breastfeeding, items like soothers, soft-shells, galactagogues and supplemental nursing systems can help)

 

 

 

 

©Be By Baby! 2010