Doula Approved Prime Day Deals
Well, you’re about to have a baby and there are some things needed in the home. I know everyone around you is showering you with baby things; crib, bassinet, stroller, monitor, etc. But what about the items needed for the mother? You know, the person carrying the baby, taking care of the baby. The one that…BIRTHED A WHOLE HUMAN OUT OF HER BODY! Yeah, that person.
Well, here is a list, broken up into different categories, that I see (as a postpartum doula, lactation counselor, prenatal/postnatal nutritional coach and mother of 5) needed the most in the scared transition into parenthood.
NOTE: When reviewing this list, please take note I am a doula, lactation counselor and nutritional coach, not a medical provider. All content and information shared on this blog and website is for informational and educational purposes only, and does not constitute as medical advice. Although we strive to provide accurate evidence-based general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in the area for your particular needs and circumstances prior taking or making any decisions that could impact your health and/or your baby’s health.
Let’s start nutritionally. Getting your hemoglobin and iron levels increased in pregnancy is important not only to ensure you do not feel too fatigued in pregnancy, but also preparation for postpartum healing and a vital function for milk production. So, to ensure you have hemoglobin levels that are in the normal to higher range, consuming iron rich foods is very important. If you feel that you are not able to get enough iron rich foods through your diet, then a supplement is helpful. Specifically from liver, as liver includes many other vital nutrients for pregnant and postpartum bodies. Here is a favorite beef liver capsule to add into your supplement regime.
Powdered Collagen is a must-have in postpartum to support your healing body. Throw a scoop into your coffee, smoothie, bone broth mug or any beverage!
In a previous blog post, I talked about how to make jello to get more collagen in your body to support it in healing in postpartum. Well, of course there is an amazon prime deal on Beef Gelatin Powder that is needed to make your own healthy postpartum jello. Grab some now!
If you’re going to stock up on any one supplement in pregnancy and postpartum, please let it be DHA/Omega-3s. There is SO MUCH EVIDENCE behind the importance of taking adequate DHA/Omega-3s to impact and support your baby’s brain development in utero. Plus, adequate levels of DHA/Omega-3s also makes a big impact in how fatty/creamy your breastmilk is, which helps to pass along DHA/Omega-3s to your baby to continue supporting their brain development-all through your amazing breastmilk! Our brains are about 60% fat, and fatty acids like DHA/Omega-3s are among the most crucial molecules that determine the brain’s integrity and ability to perform. So talk to your healthcare provider TODAY about the max you can take of DHA/Omega-3s and stay on top of it (kinda like your baby on your bladder).
The last nutritional item to mention is electrolytes. It is important to get those trace minerals into your body as you are growing baby in pregnancy, and especially important to get them into the body during days you are hot and sweaty. As you sweat, you lose some of these trace minerals, but with proper hydration with electrolytes you can restore them. Plus, the reason I also love electrolytes like these in labor is because evidence supports how it can help support your labor pattern and move things along nicely. Here are four flavors of IV Hydration: lemon/lime, tropical punch, strawberry and concord grape.
Next we have my top favorite items for laboring mothers and immediate postpartum items:
Laboring Gown - Love this gown! Bonus, it has access to the back for those choosing an epidural. And, I absolutely love how the front unsnaps to get baby skin-to-skin ASAP, upon birth.
Stroller Fan - You get HOT in labor. Especially during pushing. So get that stroller fan early and use it in labor. Plus, now you have one ready for those beautiful MN summer walks with baby.
Massager - Sometimes we need to work to help your baby find the path of less resistance as they move through your body in labor. And some muscles have not received the memo that they need to soften, to allow baby space to move down. So, I love having a massage tool like this during labor to help loosen up tight spots my hands cannot adequately soften.
White Noise Machine - Maybe your labor is starting with an induction, and if starting with a cervical ripener you end up waiting for labor to start. During that waiting, you will need to sleep to conserve energy for when labor really starts to move. But, I have yet to meet a parent who has slept well in a hospital without one of these white noise machines. Great to drown out the noise in the hallways, either in very early labor or on the postpartum unit/floor. Plus, the benefits of having a portable one as you have your baby in the car, on a walk, or at a brewery as you explore life outside your home with baby, a white noise machine is a must.
Frida Postpartum Recovery Kit - Ice packs galore in this kit! Yes to all the cooling to your sweet, sweet bottom in those first few days. Your labias will thank you for this later.
Angled Peri Bottle - THIS IS A MUST! Again your perineum, vagina and labias will thank you for having this on hand. If you have more than one bathroom in your home, get one for each bathroom.
Epsom Salt - Help restore and soothe those sore muscles in postpartum with epsom salt baths. Dissolve 1-2cups of epsom salt into a full tub of water as warm as you like to help decrease the risk of infection on your healing vagina/perineum/labias, decrease swelling of your vagina/perineum/labias, and decrease discomfort of hemorrhoids. I’m a big fan of 2 baths a day in the first week and then once a day during the second week. That’s why I choose the largest tub of epsom salt to have on hand once you’re home. Again, your bottom will thank you later.
Alrigtht, onto breastfeeding!
Colostrum Collection Kit - Prepare for breastfeeding and start collecting colostrum, prior to the delivery of baby. For more information about how to do this, please reach out to me at alexiathedoula@gmail.com to schedule a pre-lactation consult to ensure you start breastfeeding smoothly.
Breastfeeding Pillow - I like how this one is high and firm to keep baby in place and close to your breast. Always bring baby to your breast not breast to your baby, that will cause more back aches.
Jade Facial Roller - Having trouble keeping baby awake to empty your breasts adequately and transfer milk well? This fun little trick came from a client that had the same issue and saw this on her dresser, grabbed and started rolling it up and down her baby’s back to keep them awake through the nursing session. Use it baby to keep them going through nursing, and then use it on yourself too!
Haakaa - What a great way to passively begin collecting breastmilk for baby’s first bottle. Don’t use this too much, as it will cause oversupply issues. So once a day on each side is great to start collecting your breastmilk for storage.
Ladybug Milk Catchers - Love these to catch all the milk leaking each time you nurse baby one side, the other side is quite a leaky faucet. Catch it and start storing!
Nursing Pads - Breasts leak even when you are not nursing. What?! Yep, they do that. So, to not have two large wet stains on the front of your shirt when out and about, throw some nursing pads in your bra to save your shirt. Love these bamboo ones - so soft!
Momcozy Hands-Free Pump - Are you an exclusively pumping mom? Have an active job where you are not able to go and pump while away from baby? Then you will probably love having a hands-free pump. Great reviews for this one and many clients have loved not being corded down.
Pumping Bra - Have a regular pump like a spectra or medela, but still want the convenience of hands-free. I’ve got you chica! I also love my hands free pump bra as I often pump while eating my lunch/snacks or while driving from one client’s house to the next. Hands-free is amazing no matter how you achieve it!
Spectra Backpack - Need a bag to carry your regular pump, like a spectra? I love backpack options and especially when there is a compartment to place a cooler for all the milk you pump while away from baby. This one caught my eye and is definitely sitting in my cart.
Nipple Hydrogels - Must have in those early breastfeeding days when nips are sore from all the new action of baby latching on. Get a handful of these and place them in the fridge. Your nips will thank us both!
Silver Nipple Cups - Nipple trauma? These will help encourage healing while you wait to see your lactation counselor/consultant. Not sure you’ll have nipple trauma, that’s okay, neither are we. But, we are the type of folks that like to be prepared in any circumstance, so get them and have them on hand for just in case you need them. Because when you do need them, they don’t seem to arrive fast enough. And say you don’t need them once baby is here and breastfeeding is going better than anticipated, wonderful! Return them or pass them along to another mom in need. In my book, these are a great purchase no matter what.
Cold Packs - This pack of cold packs come in various sizes to help with engorged breasts and/or clogged ducts/mastitis. Plus, once you are out of the breastfeeding stage of life, they make great boo boo healers for the littles.
Amigas, you have quite the list now. So, go forth and get your amazon shopping on! Make sure to grab a treat for your delivery person when they begin delivering all these amazing items to support your pregnancy, labor, postpartum and breastfeeding journeys.
*Yes, these are affiliated links. I am a mom of 5 and took time away from them to ensure my clients and supporters of Hola Postpartum have information and education around the popular items and the validity of them in the parenthood transition. The little commission I get from these links helps pay for new shoes, after-school activities and connection dates with my sons. Your support of me and my family is greatly appreciated!
