The months before giving birth can be one of the most precious times in a person’s life, and for many moms, one of the most exciting traditions is the highly-anticipated baby shower. In preparation for the baby, all of the mommy-to-be’s close friends and family will get together to show their support with gifts—from blankets and baby bottles to strollers and toys.
While I’m a huge fan of baby showers (I remember mine fondly and absolutely love spoiling my girlfriends at theirs!), one thing I have found myself thinking about lately is why we traditionally have these celebrations before a baby is born and not afterward. Because, after all, a new mother’s needs after her baby is born are quite different.
Let’s face it—most of the gifts an expectant mom receives at her baby shower are for the baby. But what about mama? Parents generally have enough onesies, burp cloths, and bottles to last them years. The time after you give birth is arguably one of the most challenging times: being sleep-deprived, over-touched, sore, and hungry.
Babies, on the other hand, sleep often (if we’re lucky) and live in onesies and diapers. Besides the boob or bottle, there isn’t much more they need. Moms need a lot in order to keep up with the baby, so I’m sounding off on what I think are the most important gifts for a postpartum mama.
If attending a baby shower is on your calendar this year, instead of a cute gift for the baby to wear or play with, consider giving the new mom a present that promotes rest, relaxation, and self-care and makes their life easier. Not sure where to begin? Here is my postpartum mommy registry of items that a new mom will thank you for after giving birth. Or, if you’re an expectant mom creating your registry right now, consider adding these items to your list!
Creating your baby registry can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help with editor- and expert-approved picks for everything you need for your new baby (and for you!) with our second annual Baby Registry Awards. Click here for our top picks for everything from bouncers to baby bottles.
For Labor and Delivery
The ultimate luxe gift for a new mom, this set comes with:
– A bamboo brief with no elastics or labels against the skin
– A bamboo, nursing-friendly nightgown
– A matching bamboo robe
– A pair of comfy grey socks made in Italy by HATCH x Maria La Rosa
The ultimate care pack, this editor-favorite set from Frida Mom includes all the essentials for labor, delivery, and postpartum healing—from a delivery gown and peri bottle to padsicles and postpartum undies.
Read our full review of the Frida Mom Kit here.
These comfy spa sandals are perfect for the hospital and home—not to mention the flip flop style can accommodate swollen feet during pregnancy and postpartum.
Make sure your phone charger can reach your hospital bed with a 10-foot charging cord like this highly-rated set of three cords from Amazon.
For Postpartum Healing
Postpartum Care Kits
Yes, they give you most of these items in the hospital, but what I like about these kits is that they are a bit of an upgrade from the freebies. Buying elevated mesh panties and clean and fragrance-free products are worth it—trust me.
This smaller, convenient set comes in a caddy with:
– 4 pairs of disposable underwear
– 4 iced maxi padsicle Pads
– 24 perineal cooling pad liners
– 1 bottle of perineal healing foam
This Care for Birth Box from Bodily comes with 11 helpful and research-baked products and two guidebooks (one for you and one for a supporter). It’s an upgrade from a classic labor bag.
Similar to the Care for Birth Box, this Scheduled C-Section Box comes with a variety of helpful goodies, including a compression belly band for post-abdominal surgery.
Healing Products
From healing down under to taking care of sore and cracked nipples from first breastfeeding or pumping, you’ll be glad you have these tried-and-true favorites on hand.
The right nipple cream can make all of the difference between painful patches and minor temporary soreness as your body adjusts to feeding another human. Earth Mama’s Organic Nipple Butter is non-GMO, lanolin-free, and made without petroleum or parabens—so you don’t have to wash it off before feeding your baby.
For care down there, register for this soothing organic perineal spray.
Pelvic Floor Therapy/Acupuncture
Birth does a number on the body. Whether you’re recovering from a cesarean section or vaginal birth, your body takes a beating. So many women forgo treatment and just excuse the pain as part of the process. Remember that if something feels off, contact your doctor. There are so many resources to help your body recover.
For instance, four months after having my son Liam, I started having terrible pain in my wrist. After a week of pain, I went to the doctor to find out I had and still have (it came back with my second baby) Mommy Thumb. With the help of acupuncture and physical therapy, I’m on the road to recovery.
Postpartum Wardrobe Essentials
Nursing Bras & Tanks
Comfortable nursing bras with easy access for breastfeeding or hands-free pumping are key postpartum. Here are four highly-rated favorites.
Kindred Bravely’s newest hands-free pumping and nursing bra, this design offers a seamless and supportive silhouette perfect for pregnancy and postpartum with comfortable fabric, adjustable straps, clip-down cups, and stretchy fabric.
Designed by two moms, the Larken can easily be used to pump and nurse and has no elastic, snaps, zippers, or awkwardly placed holes. Plus, the stretchy fabric adjusts to your changing breast size.
A nursing bra go-to, this standard pick offers support, comfort, nursing ease, and pumping functionality. But why is it called a “cooling bra”? The fabric wicks moisture away, dries fast, and reduces the temperature of your skin to keep you more comfortable.
These basic tanks can double as a nursing bra or first layer under other clothes from reader- and editor-favorite brand Old Navy.
Postpartum Underwear
Comfort is key during postpartum recovery—from leggings down to the underwear you wear. Once you’re done with the disposable undies, these will be your new go-to pairs.
If there was ever a time you deserved a comfy pair of undies, it’s now. This full-coverage panty includes all-day support with light sculpting compression.
For the moms with scheduled c-sections or who are healing from c-sections, this pair includes a built-in silicone panel to cushion your incision area.
Postpartum Robes and Pajamas
Whether you want to pack for the hospital or keep it at home, you’ll appreciate this soft postpartum robe, especially during those late nights and early mornings.
The perfect maternity and postpartum PJs, Lake’s pima cotton is super breathable for those postpartum sweats. Plus, the snaps make the top easily accessible for breastfeeding or pumping.
Maternity Leggings
I basically lived in leggings during my postpartum phase. The high waist of maternity leggings gives your tummy support without feeling tight at all.
These leggings are buttery soft, and—I promise you—you’ll wear them long after your baby is walking. They are made of spandex jersey and are for both pregnancy and postpartum.
A favorite of The Everymom readers and editors, these Zella leggings include a stretchy, supportive panel for maternity wear and postpartum.
Nutrition and Hydration
The First Forty Days Cookbook
We are trained to examine everything we put into our bodies while pregnant, but many forget the importance of helping your body recover after pregnancy through nutrition. The First Forty Days is a book that revives the lost art of caring for a mother after birth. The book includes 60 simple and delicious recipes for healing soups, replenishing meals and snacks, and calming lactation-boosting teas, all formulated to support the unique needs of the new mother (and to feed hungry partners, too).
In addition to the recipes, this warm and encouraging guide offers advice on securing help during the postpartum period, navigating inevitable relationship challenges, and honoring the rite of passage that is pregnancy and birth.
More than just a recipe book, The First Forty Days by Heng Ou offers advice on the postpartum period and nurturing the connection between mother and child in the first few weeks after birth.
Food Delivery
Low-prep food delivery is key for postpartum parents. Consider registering for (or gifting a new mom!) fully prepared meals or convenient smoothies.
Prepared by local chefs and delivered to your door, meals from Territory Foods are healthy and ready-made, making it easy for moms to get the nutrition they need with the limited time they have.
Grab a gift card so new parents can customize their meal order.
Not many things can warm you up like a cup of soup. Spoonful of Comfort delivers a hearty portion of delicious soup along with rolls and cookies.
As a new mom, it’s easy to forget to eat during a time when it’s incredibly important to be nourishing your body. Daily Harvest delivers delicious food and smoothies made with whole fruits and vegetables.
Food Services From a Postpartum Chef
Now, I know this seems like a bougie luxury, but hey, that’s why you should put it on your baby registry for people who can get it for you as a group. While researching postpartum chefs, I found The Culinistas, a full-service, in-home, private chef company that can grocery shop, prepare postpartum recipes, and even clean up. Can I get a hell yes? Of course, it’s only available in certain cities, but freshly-made food delivery is still a great gift. If this feels too indulgent for you, ask your friends for a food train of healthy meals. Trust me, the last thing you want to do is prepare food when you haven’t even had a chance to shower.
A Giant Water Bottle
And since we’re on luxury items, the social-media famous Stanley Cup and Owala Tumbler seem like they were made for postpartum moms, who need an easy, one-handed way to get the extra hydration they need to recover.
Trust us when we say that we wouldn’t recommend yet *another* tumbler unless it was really worth it. Our editors have been singing the praises of Owala water bottles all year, and this 40-ounce option (which comes in six adorable color combos) is the perfect size to keep a postpartum mom hydrated.
Like the beloved giant cups of ice water they give you at the hospital, make sure you have your own at home like this 40-ounce tumbler, which includes a convenient straw to sip through.
Mental Health and Newborn Support
Coaching or Therapy for Transitions
Motherhood can bring you to your knees, and for a first-time mom, the transition can either be smooth or a little bumpy. Personally, I struggled with a loss of self and lifestyle as I entered motherhood. It can change so many aspects and relationships in life, which is why I highly recommend gifting a coaching or therapy session to a new mama you know. Even if it’s just a consultation, it might just be the encouragement she needs to get the help she wants.
Pediatrician Support
Nothing can replace your regular check-ins with your pediatrician, but giving mom the gift of a trusted service you can text with all your medical questions in the newborn phase is a huge help. I remember the first night at home, I had a million questions: Is the baby eating enough? Should I supplement? Summer Health is a text-based service that allows you to text a trusted medical provider all of your questions (with pictures if needed!), and you get a response in less than 15 minutes. At $20 per month for a basic plan, you can gift a new parent up to a year of this service.
Mom Support Group
These are often called baby groups, but they are so much more than that—they’re a lifeline for a new mama. It gives you the ability to connect with other moms, share resources, and build friendships. And if you can’t make it in person, there are virtual options like Mysha.
Newborn Sleep Course
The hardest part of newborn life can be the complete lack of sleep. Taking a newborn sleep course can teach positive sleep habits, like learning about wake windows and sleepy cues for tired new parents.
Founded by a certified sleep consultant and social worker, Peaceful Littles offers sleep hygiene resources, hands-on tools, a video consultation and more so you can create the ultimate healthy foundation of sleep for your newborn.
Night Nurse Care
I can’t express enough the toll that consistent lack of sleep takes on your body. If you have a group of girlfriends who can split the bill, do it. You can hire a night nurse for two days or six weeks. Anything is appreciated, and mama will have peace of mind knowing her little is being taken care of by a professional. No need to wake up in a panic to check if the baby is breathing. Someone is doing that for you!
A convenient way to add helpful services, such as a night nurse, car seat installation, newborn photography, etc., to your baby registry. Click here to add it to your Target registry!
House Cleaning
Whether you offer to come over to do the cleaning yourself or you hire a service, the cleaning must be done. A few tips for offering to clean: Let your mommy pal know she doesn’t need to interact with you or maybe even offer to come while she’s napping! Laundry, dishes, and bottle-washing are all welcome.
Doula Support
Doulas can help with a range of things pre- and post-pregnancy. Some will even leave with you from the hospital or birthing center or attend your home birth.
The Best Books for New Moms
The postpartum period is a time of transition, and these four books focus on different parts of the process: becoming a mother, early parenting, shifting relationships, and returning to work after baby.
This was one of the best books I received, and Amazon has informed me I have ordered it seven times. Nurture is “A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood, and Trusting Yourself and Your Body.” Not only does it cover everything a new mom will wake up at 3 a.m. thinking about, but it also delivers the information in an open and nonjudgmental way. Completely empowering the mama-to-be.
With so much parenting advice out there, it can be hard to follow. Emily Oster’s refreshing look at parenting in the early years takes an approachable and data-driven approach in this bestseller.
If the title makes you feel seen, you’re not alone. A baby will affect your relationship—for better or for worse—and Dunn offers humorous and helpful tips for new parents.
To quote Brody, the fifth trimester is when the working mom is born. This editor-favorite guide is all about how to successfully go back to work after baby—from ramping up after maternity leave to setting boundaries.
I am a firm believer that taking care of a mother will help her take care of her baby, so why not show them support both before and after giving birth? New moms will definitely appreciate gifts that make their hectic day-to-day more manageable and comfortable. These suggestions are just the beginning—there are tons of items that will help a new mom thrive in her new role.
Whether it’s Mother’s Day, her birthday, or your very own version of a push present any day of the year, let’s normalize keeping the support for new moms coming well after the baby shower and birth.
