First-time moms know about the big things that they will need to make life with babies easier. However, it is the day-to-day items that they will need that may be more of a mystery until the very moment it becomes apparent that the particular product is needed. And that is why there are things that new moms need that they do not always ask for.
What each new mom may need with their babies can vary. However, there are some standard things in their possession that help to make life just a bit easier. Not being privy to those items though until after the fact can make things interesting, to say the least. That is why any advice veteran moms can give about postpartum essentials is much appreciated for those who are just starting out on their motherhood journey.
Here are things that new moms need but do not always ask for.
10 Baby Chair
Mothers always think that their babies will be in their arms. If they are not, then they will be sleeping. But, as it turns out, babies need a place to go that is safe when moms need their arms free.
As much as new moms want to have their babies in their arms, there are times when it just is not convenient to hold them. When that happens, a place where they will be protected and no harm will come to them is needed. And that is why a baby chair is something new moms need that they do not ask for.
9 White Noise Machine
In the middle of the day when there are tree trimmers outside, excessive traffic, or even kids playing, the noise can keep babies from getting in their necessary z’s. To prevent this from happening, a white noise machine is a necessity that no new mom knows they need until they have one. Life if forever changed once one has been used.
8 Nursing Pillow
It does not matter if new moms are breastfeeding or not. A nursing pillow is a necessity.
According to The Pulse, nursing pillows come in handy for babies who are bottle-feeding to make sure their heads are properly supported. They are also helpful for babies suffering from acid reflux.
Therefore, even if not breastfeeding, nursing pillows are a must.
7 Nursing Bra
It may appear on the surface that nursing bras are the same as regular bras. But in reality, they are so much more.
According to WebMD, nursing bras allow for easy breastfeeding by just unhooking a latch from the front. Furthermore, for those mothers who are suffering from engorgement, they provide extra support. And for any new mom who has suffered from this, support is a wonderful thing to have.
6 Nipple Cream
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New moms do not need nipple cream until they NEED nipple cream. As such, it always pays to have some on hand to use if the occasion arises. And if it does not, then new moms should consider themselves fortunate to not have experienced dry, cracked nipples.
5 Breast Pump
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Many new moms who have chosen to breastfeed exclusively do not believe that they will need to use a breast pump. But if engorgement or mastitis occurs or if moms just want the opportunity to go out without babies in tow, having the ability to express some milk is something that will come in handy.
4 Heating Pad
During the first few days postpartum, new moms will experience some pains in the midsection as the uterus begins to return to its normal size. When this happens, putting heat on the area will help to alleviate the pain.
According to The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, the pain that women can feel in the uterus after babies are born is akin to that of cramps during a period or even contractions. Neither of which is comfortable to deal with.
But, by putting a heating pad on the site, per publication, the cramps can be alleviated. And being pain-free, or close to is something that all new mothers will be grateful for.
3 Lounging Clothes
Because new moms will be spending a lot of time making sure that their newborn babies are comfortable in the first days and weeks after delivery, having nice, comfy lounge clothing is a must. Not only will this keep new moms from feeling bound up in tighter, ill-fitting clothes, but it can make them feel pretty on days when they may not feel their best.
2 Water Bottle
In order to keep their energy up and produce the milk they need to feed their babies, new moms need to drink a lot of water. Sometimes, that is easier said than done when holding a newborn. As such, a water bottle is key to being more successful at drinking water.
Because moving water around the house can be something that makes for a spill factor, having resealable water bottles or even those with straws are likely the best bet for new moms. This way if the bottle topples over, there will be less mess to clean up and happier mamas as a result.
1 Breast Pads
No new mom thinks that they need breast pads until they have their first leaking breast incident occur. Then, it becomes apparent just how necessary breast pads are.
It may feel inconvenient to put breast pads into bras but when letdown happens at inconvenient times such as when running errands, at a company function, or when out with friends, new moms will be happy they chose to put them in their bras as protection from embarrassing situations occurring. And because of this, they are one of the things new moms need that they do not always ask for.
Source: The Pulse, WebMD, The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists