Postpartum Essentials for New Moms (Great Ideas for Gift Baskets!)

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small compensation if you choose to purchase any products linked below at no extra charge to you! Click here to view our disclosure policy.

As a first-time mom, it’s hard to know exactly what you need postpartum, especially for those first few days and weeks after baby is born. For me, I was lucky to have a sister who had gone through the postpartum experience twice by the time I had my first child and let me tell you: She was a lifesaver!

My sister had the best tricks and items for postpartum and knew exactly which items were the holy grail of postpartum or were total duds. After going through the postpartum period myself, I was able to find my favorite items that helped me the most after we arrived home from the hospital.

Between the two of us, we’ve nailed down exactly what new moms need to get through the first two weeks postpartum.

Enjoy my favorite tips below for what you need for those days, weeks and months after baby is born!

Top New Mom Essential: The Diaper Caddy

I’m not kidding when I say this diaper caddy was the most-used item after my son was born… And I didn’t even keep diapers in it!

Our son slept in his room once we were home from the hospital and all of our bedrooms are upstairs, so we did a lot of “traveling” from floor to floor and room to room during the day! This caddy made it easy to bring all of my most used supplies around the house those first few weeks.

Personally, I used this diaper caddy. It’s sturdy enough I could put a large Tervis cup of water in, along with all of my other essentials. I breastfed for a year and I used this caddy every single day while I did!

What I kept in my diaper caddy on a daily basis:

 

A Postnatal Bathroom Kit

This is the list your friends or family members may not tell you about. But hey, we’re friends, and I want to do you a favor so you are totally prepared.

Trust me when I say, you NEED to have this prepped well before your due date. I’m talking at least a month prior, because if you go into labor early, you will not want to be assembling these boxes when you get home from the hospital at 10 p.m. I know by experience!

I kept one of these bathroom kits in our master bathroom and one in our downstairs bathroom. Why? No matter what type of labor you had, you will not be wanting to go up and down stairs several times a day just to access your bathroom kit! And you’ll likely need this kit for at least a week postpartum.

And note, that even if you have a c-section, you will bleed after birth. So keep plenty on hand!

Also, if you have your child in a hospital, don’t be shy about asking for extra underwear or pads. They’re honestly the most comfortable and they’re usually more than happy to give you a few extra to take home with you!

What to keep in your postnatal bathroom kit:

  • Frida Mom bottle (the best!) or regular Peri bottle
  • Witch hazel and cotton rounds or witch hazel pads
  • Pads of all sizes
  • Incontinence or postpartum underwear
    • They’re great to wear to the hospital if your water breaks and are as comfortable as the hospital underwear for after delivery!
  • Sitz bath
  • Dermoplast or natural pain relief spray
  • Nursing pads (I would often switch these out during bathroom breaks!)

 

Ice it down

Postpartum essentials to keep in the freezer

Again, there are some things your friends or family may not share… This is another one of those categories.

Like everything else on this list, I highly recommend you have these ready before you have your child! Like they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Padsicles

You have a few options for what us moms call “padsicles.” Personally, I didn’t use these since I had a c-section, but all the moms I know say these are a lifesaver! You can make them yourself or they now have them premade from Amazon. Pop them in the freezer for a few hours and you are ready to go.

Nursing ice packs

I also highly recommend nursing ice packs. These can be heated (great for clogged ducts) or popped in the freezer for an hour or two to help with the breast pain from the first week or two, whether you’re breastfeeding or not. These were a HUGE lifesaver for me and used them all the time.

As a bonus, after you’re finished using them for nursing, they make great little moldable ice packs for your toddler’s booboos! Way better than the stiff ice packs, especially for heads, elbows and knees.

Premade meals

One last thing I recommend keeping in the freezer: Premade meals! I’ll be detailing my favorite meals we prepped in advance to keep in the freezer, but some quick suggestions are:

  • Casseroles
  • Soups and chilis
  • Precooked and seasoned meat (tacos, shredded or grilled chicken, etc.)
  • Egg bites

We even pre-made dozens of quesadillas on corn tortillas and they were one of the easiest snacks or meals: We simply popped them from the freezer into the microwave for a minute or two.

It was one of the things I was most grateful we prepared for before our baby was born, because when you have a newborn and running on little sleep, cooking is the absolute last thing on your mind.

Best nursing bras and clothing

In the first week or so after you have your child, you will be so sensitive up top, whether you’re nursing or not. You’ll want the softest, most comfortable nursing bra around.

If you’re able, buy several bras, too. It’s not a matter of if you leak, but when.

Also, be sure to avoid underwire bras while you’re nursing as much as you can. They can cause clogged ducts!

Personally, I lived in this sleeping nursing bra when we were just hanging out around the house. After a week or two, I would only wear that one at night and would wear one of these bras:

Most comfortable postpartum clothes

Everyone is different, but I lived in a combination of leggings and nursing tops or dresses; however, after my c-section, it was incredibly uncomfortable to have anything on my stomach for several weeks, namely any kind of pants, even high-waisted ones.

In fact, when we took our son to his first pediatrician appointment, it was freezing – temperatures in the 30s! – and I wore a dress with bare legs to his appointment, because tights and leggings were so incredibly painful those first few days!

After about a week, I felt like I was ready to wear leggings and anything with a waistband – the way they pull you in was a comfort and eased some of the pain once my incision had healed.

In the case of clothing, like most women, I wore my pregnancy clothes the first few weeks (okay, let’s be real… months).

It will be a while before your stomach shrinks down (it’s science!), so don’t jump into those pre-baby pants for a while. I say this with love and care. Your body kept another human in there, so be gentle on yourself and simply wear what’s comfortable.

Miscellaneous Postpartum Essentials

Here are a few more essentials that don’t quite fit into any other category, such as recommended medications (always, always check with your doctor and pediatrician first, as this is not medical advice!), clothing and more.

Check back soon for an interactive, printable checklist of the best postpartum essentials!

What were your favorite essentials after baby was born? Have any questions about items on this list? Leave a comment below!

The Perfect Gifts for Mamas with James Avery Jewelry

This blog post is sponsored by James Avery Jewelry. In exchange for this post, I may receive perks and/or compensation; however, all opinions are my own. Click here to view our disclosure policy.


 

While Mother’s Day has come and gone, it’s never too late to gift that mama in your life with something special. And with that something special, I am so excited to be partnering with James Avery Jewelry here on the blog. Check out the bottom of the post for a special offer, including a free bracelet or necklace!

 

James Avery Jewelry - Gifts for Mom

My story with James Avery Jewelry

One thing I love about James Avery jewelry is that each piece tells a story — everything in their collection is meant to represent your heart and to remind you of important moments, people and things in your life. James Avery Jewelry was kind enough to gift me with a few pieces to represent my story.

James Avery Jewelry - Gifts for Mom

Family trips to the beach

One of my favorite vacation spots is Rosemary Beach, Florida. My husband and I first visited when we were dating several years ago, and since then, it’s become a special place for our family. From a girls’ trip with my own mom to our babymoon last year, our trips to the little beach town on 30A signify such important seasons of my life with those that I love.

I chose a sand dollar charm to commemorate these trips to the beach, reminding me of those incredibly special memories with my favorites. In fact, each time we go to Rosemary Beach, we find at least one untouched, beautiful sand dollar. That’s a big deal for someone from landlocked Oklahoma, ha!

 

James Avery Jewelry - Gifts for Mom

Welcoming our baby into the world

Most importantly, this year I became a mama! With chronic illness, pregnancy was quite the journey, but in early March, it was well worth it and more when our son came into the world – a bit early and by surprise! – via c-section.

I chose his birth stone to mark the most wonderful moment in my life, which is also a moment shared with loved ones. His birth stone even matches his crystal baby blues, making the charm even more special.

Every time I wear my James Avery necklace with its sweet little charms, I think about the most important things in my life and it brings me such joy. I am genuinely so excited to continue to build this necklace – and my family’s story! – with each and every lovely milestone.

 

James Avery Jewelry - Gifts for Mom

Get a free bracelet or necklace from James Avery

Do the same thing for a mama in your life and help her start her story with James Avery Jewelry. It’s the perfect gift for your own mom, an expectant mother or even the mama to your cute little nieces and nephews! From simplistic styles to 18k gold and gemstones, there is something for every woman and every budget.

When you shop at James Avery through May 29, you can buy two charms and receive a charm necklace or bracelet for free, up to a $70 value. What charms will you choose to tell your story?

 

Shop the collection here!

 


*Charm promo details: *Purchase two James Avery charms* and/or pendants and an eligible charm bracelet, hook-on bracelet, ankle bracelet or charm necklace and receive up to $70 off the transaction. Customers purchasing eligible charm necklace (NK-207; $30), charm bracelets (BR-20; $40 or BR-599; $50) or ankle bracelet (BR-613; $40) will receive that item’s value only. Offer valid 04/16/18 through 05/29/18 while supplies last. Available atJamesAvery.com, James Avery retail stores, through James Avery Customer Service, at select Dillard’s Department Stores and at Dillards.com. May not be combined with any other offer or applied to previous purchases. We reserve the right to limit quantities. No cash/credit back. *Glass Enhancer Beads do not count as James Avery charms for this promotion.

2017 Father’s Day Gift Guide

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small compensation if you choose to purchase any products linked below at no extra charge to you! Click here to view our disclosure policy.


Let’s be honest: Your dad doesn’t really want a new necktie for Father’s Day. Does he ever wear neckties? Probably not anymore. Think outside the box of ties and wallets this Father’s Day and find the perfect gift to suit dads across the board, no matter his favorite hobby.

Gift for the Always Prepared Dad

Eton American Red Cross, Multi-Powered, Smartphone Charger, Weather Alert Radio and Flashlight in One
This gift covers several categories: The camper, the boy scout, the weather-wise dad… and many more! This multi-powered smartphone charger, weather alert radio and flashlight in one covers all the bases for being in the outdoors, dealing with weather emergencies or for the dad that just likes to put a little man-power into charging his phone. While it charges via USB, the cool thing about this all-in-one is that you can charge it by cranking the handle in case you lose access to power.

Gift for the Craft Beer Dad

Wooden Beer Caddy & Handcrafted Carrier
Treat dad to his favorite beers for Father’s Day, stored in a sturdy wooden six-pack holder with metal bottle opener. It features a clean, vintage design that fits in with any decor – whether it finds a place in the kitchen, on the porch, in the garage or displayed proudly in the man cave. Tip: You can mix and match bottled beer at most liquor stores – don’t forget to include a local brew, too.

Gift for the Zombie Apocalypse Dad

Zombie Preparedness Man Crate
Not only is this the perfect gift for a Walking Dead fan, this supply-filled crate can only be opened with a crowbar. Talk about a manly man gift! Complete with a Zombie Survival Guide, flashlight, first aid kit, duct tape, Spam and weapons (yes, weapons – how else will you rid the world of zombies?), you can upgrade each crate for more food and supplies like shovels and fire starters.

Gift for the Sky’s the Limit Dad

Flying Lessons or Flight Experience
If your dad loves the clear skies, is a history buff or generally loves the feeling of the wind beneath his wings, flying lessons are the perfect gift! Check out your local flight school or aviation museum for options. Many flight museums offer some of their historic aircraft for one-time flights or purchase a set number of lessons for dad to get his wheels off the ground and learn to pilot small aircraft.

Gift for the Fashion-Forward Dad

Your dad is always on time, but never responds to your messages? The Fossil Q Smartwatch is a stylish watch that can be dressed up or down and looks a bit more natural than the other smartwatch competitors. This watch can be set up for iPhone or Android, tracks your steps and can connect to texts, emails, calendar alerts and a number of different apps. Looking for a watch that’s a bit more classic and budget-friendly? Leather watches are always on trend.

Gift for the Tech-Savvy Dad

The technology on Amazon’s Echo has made leaps and bounds since it was released in 2014. Whether dad’s busting out the jams, ordering pantry items or catching up on the news that matters to him in the mornings, the Echo pairs with the most popular websites and apps for seamless information. For the father’s that’s really, really into technology, pair it with the Philips Hue Color Starter Kit and pair to with WeMo, Nest and other smart home technology for an all-in-one technology homebase. For a more budget-friendly option, check out the Echo Dot.

Gift for the Fitness Fanatic Dad

Fitbit Charge 2
Does your dad spend his weekends blazing new trails on his bike, collecting half-marathon medals or can’t go a Saturday morning without his Crossfit? No matter what workout suits his fancy, the Fitbit Charge 2 tracks sleep patterns, heart rate and displays calls and texts – perfect for when you want to remind him who his favorite child is, right? This Fitbit goes well beyond counting steps and alerts you to when you’re working within your ideal heart rate zone for fat burn, cardio and peak performance, whether he’s running, biking or weight lifting. The silent vibrating alarm is also a great feature so he doesn’t wake his better half for those 5 a.m. workouts.

Gift for the Jet-Setting Dad

Upgrade dad’s beat up suitcase with this modern, sturdy duffel. Perfect for weekend trips or business travel, this canvas and leather bag is carry-on friendly for flights and small enough for the car. Pair this bag with a gift card for and airline or his favorite out-of-town restaurant and you’ve given him the perfect excuse to put this bag to use!

What is on your dad’s wishlist this Father’s Day?