Becoming a new mom can be exciting but overwhelming, so knowing what things new moms need for themselves could make everything easier for you. This is especially true if you’re a first-time mom with no prior experience to reference! As much as you can learn from other people’s experiences, you never really understand the demands of caring for a newborn until you go through it yourself.
While caring for a newborn, it’s not uncommon for moms to neglect their own needs and prioritize their baby. As admirable as that is, taking care of yourself after giving birth is just as important as taking care of your baby. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup. That’s why it’s important to know what things new moms need for themselves after birth, some of which are listed below.
Things new moms need for themselves after birth
Help from loved ones
There’s a popular saying that goes, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and it couldn’t be any truer for a mom than right after giving birth! There are a lot of moving parts and things that need to be taken care of immediately after welcoming your little bundle of joy, from admin to essentials, it always helps to have a few extra hands.
This is possibly one of the more overlooked gifts, but sparing some thought and time and assisting a new mom is fulfilling a need for just about any new mom.
Postpartum recovery kit
There are a lot of things new moms need for themselves that can be packaged to form a postpartum recovery kit. These include perineal spray, postpartum maternity pads, nursing pads, perineal irrigation bottles (peri-bottles), and thermal packs.
If you’re lucky, the hospital may give you these items because of how essential they are, if not, it’s best to gather these and keep them close by because they will come in handy. You can also seek guidance and advice from a medical practitioner, draw from your own experience if you’re not a first-time mom, or ask close friends and family when putting this together.
Water bottle
This might seem like a very basic need, but it’s extremely important for a new mom. After giving birth, it’s important to stay hydrated for various health reasons, including breast milk supply if you’re breastfeeding.
If you want to challenge yourself each day, you could get a water bottle that indicates how many liters you’ve consumed. It’s also a great way to keep yourself motivated and track yourself.
Comfortable clothing and bras
Much like during the pregnancy stage, comfort is key! New moms typically opt for loungewear and loose-fitting clothes because they are the most comfortable. Similarly, well-fitting underwear is essential, especially breastfeeding bras if that is something that you will be doing.
As a new mom, you need clothing and underwear that is both functional and supportive.
Sitz bath or sitz bath salts
Childbirth can be a taxing and traumatic experience for some moms, and the body as a whole. One way of caring for yourself postpartum is with a sitz bath or sitz bath salts. Both of these options can help soothe and heal the perineal area.
Postnatal vitamins
To be the best mom possible and care for a new baby, you need to take care of yourself first. This means prioritizing your recovery and giving your body what it needs to perform at its optimum again. Prescribed and recommended postnatal vitamins can help you through that phase.
Sleeping plan
While most new moms would probably argue that there’s barely any time to sleep when there’s a newborn, a sleeping plan or routine shouldn’t fall by the wayside. Getting enough sleep is a crucial part of your postpartum recovery and you shouldn’t neglect it.
Stool softeners
Pregnancy can cause several changes, not only physically, but also in how your body functions. From stress or anxiety to reduced movement and an increase in your medication consumption, these could lead to postpartum constipation. Stool softeners aid in relieving surgical soreness and can make your bathroom trips a bit more bearable shortly after giving birth.
Prescription pain relievers
After childbirth, your boy can experience a variety of pains. Medical practitioners can recommend the best pain relievers based on your individual circumstances, so you can go about your day without being too limited or restricted by any pain you might be feeling.
Access to motherhood resources
Some new moms prefer books, others prefer listening to podcasts or subscribing to motherhood magazines for additional guidance and information. Many moms will tell you that motherhood can sometimes feel like a never-ending journey of learning and discovery, which is why access to resources is among the things new moms need for themselves.
Baby monitor
Whether you prefer a good old monitor or a modern smart monitor, as a new mom, this will put you at ease – to some extent. Stressing about your baby is natural after giving birth, especially if they are out of sight. That is why a baby monitor is one of the things new moms need for themselves. It’ll save you from a lot of anxiety and endless trips to where your baby is, meaning that you can go about your day knowing that your baby is safe and sound.
Nipple cream
If you’ll be breastfeeding, then nipple cream will be your saving grace. Breastfeeding can be sore and lead to chapped nipples, which is why investing in a good nipple cream can relieve you of that pain.
It’s always best to opt for a nipple cream that contains ingredients that are safe for your baby to ingest, as they will probably get a dose of it during feeding time! The good news is that nipple cream is a multi-purpose addition to your list of necessities, as it can also double up as a lip balm.
What to give a new mom after birth
If a loved one recently became a mom, you may be wondering what to give a new mom after birth. When people think of gifting a new mom, they often think of buying things for the baby! While that’s all good and well, sometimes spoiling the new mom with something specifically for her is the best way to go about it. New moms don’t always voice their feelings or what they need, so it always helps to be surrounded by thoughtful people around.
Meal service
Healthy and nutritious meals are things new moms need for themselves, but they might not always get around to preparing them while caring for their newborn. That’s why a meal service voucher as a gift is sure to be a winner.
Cleaning service
Just like meal services, a clean and neat house is something that a new mom needs but might not get around to during the day. Whether you decide to do the cleaning yourself or hire a cleaning company to work their magic, either way, a new mom will appreciate the thoughtful gesture.
Gift card
Although new moms may have similar postpartum needs, no two women and their experiences are the same. There are things that only they know they want or need because of their personalities and what they enjoy.
Getting a new mom a gift card from their favorite shop (hopefully one that delivers too) can be extremely helpful. It will allow them to get whatever it is that they feel they need, instead of somebody else deciding for them. Chances are, they might end up buying something for the baby, but hey… it’s a good way to put the deciding power in their hands.
Photo album
If you managed to capture some timeless moments from the pregnancy journey or the arrival of the little one, then a photo album is a great gifting option. Not only is it sentimental and thoughtful, but it’s also the perfect way to freeze those special moments in time for the new mom to cherish forever.
Baby journal
If the new mom enjoys journaling, then a baby journal is the ideal gift to get her. She can document all the special moments and be honest about her feelings. Just like a photo album, a journal can be a great way to freeze those special moments that you want to keep with you for a very long time.
A journal could even pass as a series of love letters from the new mom to her baby, It could also be shared as a present from the mom to the child as he/she grows, as a way for the mom to play open cards about how life-changing it was to welcome her child into the world.
Bedside rolling cart
Gifting a new mom with essentials for herself means finding ways to make her life easier after giving birth, and a bedside rolling cart is a fitting choice. Having a newborn means there are a lot of little things that you’ll need at any given time.
To make your life easier, getting a bedside rolling cart will help you keep everything together. From your personal snacks to baby bottles and a breastfeeding pump, this is a nice addition to the list of necessities for a new mom.
Alone time
All new moms could do with some alone time, whether they admit it or not. Caring for a newborn can be extremely demanding, especially with their own body still being in a state of recovery. So, when it comes to things new moms need for themselves, some alone time should be right on top of the list!
By relieving a new mom and looking after the baby, you’d be giving them the gift of alone time. Alone time will give the new mom a chance to recover and recharge, which could ultimately make them a better mother in the long run.
Stylish diaper bag
The days of new moms having to carry boring diaper bags that are only functional are long gone. Nowadays, new moms are spoilt for choice when it comes to diaper bags that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It’s a must-have for those days out with the baby.
Pamper pack
Getting a new mom some of her favorite things, both edible and non-edible, can make her feel loved and appreciated, but most importantly, make her feel like her old self again. It can be quite therapeutic for a new mom to have the healthy snacks and pamper items that she loves most at arm’s length. It can be as modest or as extravagant as you want, just as long as you personalize it for the new mom.
Spa treatment
If you’re thinking that this might be a bit of an inconvenience because new moms might not be in the mood to step out and roam around the mall, think again! Nowadays, there are options to bring the spa experience home. Because a new mom needs a little bit of TLC and pampering, book an at-home spa treatment to help them unwind and relax. They’ll thank you for it.
Things New Moms Need For Themselves Final thoughts
As a new mom, investing in necessities and little luxuries can go a long way. Not only can this make the transition into motherhood a little smoother and more comfortable, but it can also do wonders for your overall wellbeing. While caring for your little one, it’s important to not neglect yourself in the process. Once you get the basics sorted, you’re bound to enjoy the daunting yet beautiful journey of motherhood just a little bit more!
Special thanks to author: Sannie Nkosi is the founder of Four-Leaf Consulting. After a few years in journalism, she ditched the newsroom to write about things that really matter (like family, finances and travel). On a regular day, you can find her creating content, listening to podcasts, or engaging with small business owners.