The postpartum period is a bit of a soapbox for me.
I like to leave all of my birth clients with a little gift after all is said and done, and it's important to me that the little bag I leave is mostly comprised of items for mama, rather than for baby. New babies are so, so wonderful that we're often tempted to forget that birth is a life-changing experience for women, too, and that new mamas require just as much reverence as the newborn. I truly feel that the physiological, emotional, and mental health of new mamas is every bit as essential to the neonatal period. So, as much as possible, I leave things that keep mama in mind: the best locally-made nipple balm, herbal bath (above all else, herbal bath!), breast pads, etc.
But occasionally my mind wanders to what I would give to EVERY new mama - my personal favorite items, my recommendations, my "must-haves," if you will.
So here they are: a few of the things I personally consider indispensable when parenting an infant.
Sakura Bloom ring slings. If you've met me in person, odds are good I was wearing a baby in one of these at the time.
Silicone teething necklaces. The beads of these necklaces are made with food-grade silicone (and/or natural wood, and/or organic felt) and are MEANT to have baby grab, play, and chew on as mama wears them. They have safety clasps (meaning they unlatch under pressure) and are also pretty darn cute. Pictured are necklaces from Mama & Little (black and white silicone) and from local business Gum Chews (purple-toned with felt and wood), available at Fireweed Baby Boutique and Sunshine Health Foods.
Herbal Bath. Unfortunately, the blend pictured here from Serenity Grows is no longer available, but there's another great Alaska-made option from Stella of Village Herbals. Her herbal bath is hands down THE best, ever, for mama and for baby.
Nose Frida from Fridababy. Toss that snot-bulb the hospital gave you and welcome the Nose Frida into your lives. It works soooo much better.
Windi from Fridababy. My disclaimer is that I have not had the opportunity to try this relatively new product yet, BUT as I trust the company that makes it, I feel like it may just be the ray of hope (and solution) the family of a desperately gassy, unhappy baby may need. Check out the reviews on Amazon!
Also pictured: Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding and the Womanly Art of Breastfeeding: indispensable books for the nursing mama.