We all love baby showers, right? Guessing games on food, names, poop candy bars. It’s the only time you’ll gather together and use twine to estimate how wide someone’s waistline, then giggle at how wildly wrong in either direction everyone is. Fun times! Ultimately, though, we want to help ensure mama is prepared before the new little one arrives.
I have three girls, ages 13, 4, and 2. As with many first-time moms, there were surprises when I gave birth to my oldest, though I swore I was prepared. I did not expect to look 6 months pregnant leaving the hospital, excruciating pain during breastfeeding, and certainly didn’t expect postpartum panties to be…fishnet stockings with the legs and waistband cut off. None of the gifts I received at my baby shower prepared or even warned me these were going to be reality.
When it came time for my second baby shower, we were starting over. I knew more about what to expect, but nothing on my registry gave any clue that these aforementioned things were going to happen again. A friend – a GREAT friend – went rogue and gifted me a Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit. It was one of the best gifts I have received, and meant so much because she was taking care of me, even before I knew I needed it.
Here’s my list of gifts I’d give my bestie if she were pregnant. These are for the women in your life that deserve to know you’re taking care of them, too. There are so many other items to add to this list! I promise your friends will thank you.
Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit, $49.95
The OG. This kit includes much comfier underwear than what you’re given in the hospital, ice packs that won’t waste your tiny newborn diapers, and two types of cooling/healing products to apply for pain relief. For the c-section mamas, there is a separate C-Section Recovery Kit available. All of these products are also available for purchase separately. I purchased replacement underwear several times because they were so comfortable. The message here is written on the box: “Trust us, your vagina will thank you.” “So you can feel like a human again.” Isn’t that how we want to feel all the time?
Lansinoh Soothies Cooling Gel Pads, $8.49, 2 ct
Thanks to my bestie for this recommendation. These were what I wish I had as a first-time mom, as someone with inverted nipples (no one talks about this). If the mama-to-be plans to breastfeed, they are a Godsend when cream isn’t cutting it. Soothies can be used up to 72 hours, kept in the fridge for more cooling relief, and are made from vegetable-based glycerin. Milk residue can be wiped off with a moist cloth until shiny. My husband called them my “pasties”. That gave us a good laugh when we tried to find them at all hours of the night.
Belly Bandit Mother Tucker Leggings, $79.95
Postpartum core support is important for stability during recovery. It helps promote overall functional fitness and reduces the risk of injury. These are ultra-high waist, hitting right under the bra line, and provides tummy coverage while nursing. There’s no rolling down, no pinching, and the material is high quality. They are also great for either vaginal or c-section births. Belly Bandit recommends sizing for post-pregnancy. For immediate wear post-partum, it is recommended you size up one from pre-pregnancy. My Mother Tuckers lasted through several pregnancies and were passed on to friends. I wore these for longer than I’d admit because they were so comfortable and made me feel like I had myself together.
Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle, $13.97
This speaks for itself. The simplicity of adding a bend in the squirt nozzle makes postpartum vaginal care SO much easier. This bottle holds 10 ounces of liquid and even helps c-section mamas reach without straining. For cost-conscious mamas (who isn’t?), there are several other options available at half the price. When I first got mine Frida Mom was the only one on the market. I was so grateful.
Lansinoh TheraPearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Packs, $12.75, 2 pk
The fact that these work for heat and cold, and come with covers, is key. For formula-feeding mamas, pop them in the freezer. They are the best shape to relieve breast engorgement or discomfort during that postpartum period. For breastfeeding mamas, microwave them briefly to encourage let down and relieve clogged ducts, and freeze them to relieve engorgement. The flexibility is perfect not only for breasts. We love them for the inevitable children’s head boo-boos. They are our children’s preferred ice packs to this day. Sometimes, even without an injury.
Newborn Insert for Bassinet, $49-57
Sleep is akin to sanity, especially in those early days. With my second, we were fortunate to have a Halo bassinet passed down to us, and it felt large for a tiny newborn. This insert creates the feeling the baby is being cradled and helps keeps them on their back. I kept wondering why no one told us there was an insert available. It clips in easily, lays flat on the bottom, and can be tossed in the washing machine. I purchased the MySnuggly. Halo also now has an official one for their products. A gift that helps your friends sleep more gets double thank you cards, right?
Squatty Potty, $24.99
Everybody poops. We all know it. No one talks about how pregnant mamas are popping stool softeners like candy just to ensure regularity, or what a normal bowel movement is supposed to look or feel like. It’s time we pulled back the curtain on what literally keeps our bodies healthy and functioning properly. From the product description: “Sitting restricts and limits both a quick and complete flow of waste. Squatty Potty is the solution. A natural squat posture…allows the colon to empty quickly and completely.” Whether you’re ready to have that conversation with your bestie or not, this is a gift for all who use the restroom. You know who you are.
LaVie Lactation Massager, $69.90
These massagers single-handedly avoided numerous clogged ducts after my third, compared to my first two children. The heating element is incredible for massaging through painful clogged ducts, encouraging let-down while pumping and feeding, and can fit into your pumping bra.
Support
Overall, what I’d gift my bestie if she was having a baby was support in healing. New mamas need a support system in place more than anything to help lighten the mental load while they’re busy adjusting to postpartum life and caring for their new baby. That can be a local support group, a walk with other moms, a friend bringing coffee and folding laundry. The gift of support can be the most cost-effective and meaningful. Let them know they are not alone, and everything they may be feeling is normal. Whatever the women in your life put on their registries, know that your friendship during this time of transition is the biggest gift.
