Recommendations Shop

Below you'll find products I recommend to my clients as they navigate pregnancy discomforts, foods and drinks that are great to have on hand for labor, and the tools that are in my own doula birth bag. I also have recommendations for feeding and beyond infancy that come to me from my clients' experiences.

If you're looking for a baby shower gift that the recipient will actually love and use, check out the section called Babyhood and Beyond.

You don't have to buy a bunch of stuff - look around your house, you probably have a lot of this already - use these recommendations as inspiration and ideas for what to look for.

If you choose to purchase the items using my Amazon links, I earn a small commission - but all of these are honest, genuine recommendations of products to help you on your journey.
I don't mind if you want to find them off-Amazon.

At Breast

Support Pillow

You can use normal pillows that you have at home.
What I like about this pillow is that it connects to you, promoting better ergonomics when feeding.
Leaning back and letting the pillow support baby into your body will save your neck.

At Breast

Hot/Cold Packs

These have a lovely soft fabric and seamlessly go from freezer or microwave to body - giving you flexibility for what feels soothing at that time.

Pumping

Manual Pump

Many people use these like a milk-collector, but it is actually a pump. Applied with gentle suction, it does promote let-down.

It can be a gentle introduction to pumping and collecting.

Pumping

Nipple Ruler

Most commercial pumps are shipped with an overly large breast attachment called a flange. The fit of your nipple in the flange is a large influence on your success at pumping.
A lactation specialist will conduct a thorough a nipple assessment. This ruler can allow you to measure your diameter at home to get a better fit.

Supplementation

Syringes

Supplementing breastfeeding for a newborn can be recommended for a lot of reasons - low birth weight, weight loss after birth, jaundice, etc.
It does not mean you need to introduce a bottle to a newborn. Their stomach can only handle a few milliliters at a time and a syringe in the cheek while baby is at-breast, or at rest, is sufficient.

And you can use expressed breastmilk or formula.

At Breast

Breast Massager

Using this during feeding moving toward the nipple can promote let-down and help reduce clogs that can become mastitis.

I like this one because it warms up and the texture is pleasing

(You could use your own "personal massager" to get the job done.)

At Breast

Milk Collector

When you are feeding your baby from one breast, it is common to leak from the other - use a milk collector to take advantage. Either storing the collected milk for later, or feeding it to baby in the same sitting.

You can also wear it during early lactation when spontaneous leakage is common.

Pumping

Electric Pump

Thanks to the ACA, electric pumps are covered by insurance and Medicare. But that doesn't mean you need one.
Electric pumps can fill a gap if you expect to be separated from your baby. You do not need to pump on a schedule from birth to "establish supply."
Another note on pumps - "hospital grade" has nothing to do with the strength or quality of the machine - it refers to the separation of machine and milk-parts, allowing it to be used by more than one patient.
This Spectra 2 has a long standing reputation of excellence. Handsfree pumps should be reserved for the experienced lactator.

Pumping

Flange Inserts

Once you know your nipple diameter, you can purchase an insert to give you a better fit with the flange that came with your pump. Some pump manufacturers also offer additional flange sizes.

Some Inserts come with differing rigidities that are better suited to some nipple types.

Supplementation

Tube System

If supplementation will be a longer term effort, you might consider a tube system. This can utilize pumped breastmilk or formula and support the breastfeeding relationship.

Breastfeeding

Feeding your newborn will be a challenging and rewarding journey. Whether you decide to exclusively breastfeed, pump and bottle feed, or supplement breastmilk with formula - you will be managing lactation. The following are some things to make that journey more enjoyable.

Nausea

Ginger Candy

Ginger is a time-honored remedy for nausea and The Ginger People is a trusted brand.
Carry these in your purse, keep some in your car, and stash a few in your desk at work.

Pelvis Pain

Hip Belt

Pelvic pain or instability is common in late pregnancy. You can stabilize the joints of the pelvis with an SI belt. Worn across the pubis and around the bum, it can help support your whole pelvic girdle.

Postpartum

This list is aimed at your postpartum experience when you are home recovering from birth. If you are not delivering at a hospital, your midwife will have recommendations specific to your immediate postpartum period. If you are delivering at a hospital, they will provide you the items and instruction you need for those first 48 hours.

Ice Pack/Pads

Depending on your delivery, you may only benefit from ice on your perineum for 12-24 hours, or you may prefer to continue for up to 4 days.

Your hospital may send you home with extra ice pads, but in case they don't - you can find them on Amazon!

Comfy Button Top

Your first weeks at home postpartum should be focused on being comfy. But they may also be focused on breastfeeding your newborn. I love button-front tops for this period because straps and snaps can be a pain, and they close more reliably than the other style.

Mesh Undies

These are a postpartum classic for a reason - they're disposable, they're breathable, and they have a gentle high waistband.

Your hospital may be able to send you home with a big pack of these, but in case they don't - you can find them on Amazon.

Cozy Robe

You can ditch a shirt altogether and just wear some maternity leggings (or pj pants) and a soft robe.

Labor Nurishment

Labor is a marathon and you have to fuel your body. Below are some ideas for hydration and snacks - but you should be eating meals as long as you have an appetite. In the hospital, that might mean having something delivered, rather than relying on the provided food.

And if you're planning to have an epidural, or even just might, I recommend bringing "clears" of your own - the hospital provided clears are often sugar-free or overly salty. I've provided some ideas below.

I've included a mix of sweet and savory, lean toward what you love. What's not below are fresh foods like dairy, eggs, or cut fruit, but those are amazing options. Pack enough for both the laboring person and the support team, these will be long and unpredictable hours.

Hydration

Water Bottle

I know we all have a zillion water bottles, but here are my criteria for labor - not too big (they get heavy), must have a straw (drink from any angle), soft mouth piece (no one needs to bonk their teeth).

If yours doesn't meet that, consider this one.

Hydration

Electrolyte Add Ins

There are a zillion of these and some taste better than others. Find one you like - even good old Gatorade - and get the full-sugar version. Your body needs that fuel.

Savory

Pickles

Pickles are crunchy and salty and more interesting than a chip. Bonus, they have electrolytes. And these ones are true-fermented, so they have gut benefits! Extra good if you'll need antibiotics during or after labor.

Savory

Nuts

All nuts are great in labor, but these are conveniently packaged and interestingly flavored.

Sweet

Peanut Butter

Put it on a sandwich (with or without jelly, honey, or banana), put it on crackers, on apple slices, on celery, or just on a spoon (or a finger). Fats and protein for sustained energy, and plenty of sugar.

Justins brand has some awesome flavor options in single-serve packs.

Savory & Clears

Bone Broth

Warm broth in a mug (don't use a spoon for this, folks) can center the whole room.

Bone broth has electrolytes for labor and minerals to help with recovery after birth.

Bonus - it is a Clear and tastes way better than instant bullion!

Tool

Travel Kettle

Do you need a kettle with you in the hospital? No. Will it make 3am so much better, definitely.

Consider it.

Or bring your electric kettle from home.

Hot & Savory

Instant Meals

You could do Cup'o'Noodles or the like, but these have lentils and veggies and taste of something more than salt.

Hot & Savory & Clears

Sipping Broth

These are some of my clients' favorite things in my birth bag. Especially the Thai Lemongrass flavor.

They work like a tea bag, but they are savory and complex in flavor. And vegetarian!

Hydration

Bottle Long Straw

Or you can take any commercial water bottle and many reusable ones and stick this long hose into it and make it excellent for labor hydration.

Hydration

Coconut Water

A perfect hydration beverage straight off the tree. The flavor isn't for everyone, but if you're looking for a natural alternative to sports drinks, this is it.

Savory

Olives

Another salty and flavorful snack. Electrolytes, appetite motivating flavors, and conveniently small serving sizes for fickle laboring tummies.

Sweet

Aussie Bites

If you've never had one, you're in for a treat - they are made up of whole grains for sustained energy in two-bite size.

Find them locally at Costco, or order online.

Sweet

Toddler Squeezables

Ok, hear me out - these are incredible in labor. Easy to eat, even quickly between close contractions. The flavors are aimed at toddlers, so they aren't too intense. And they have sugar and fiber to keep things fueled.

Consider a trip down the kiddo aisle next time you're at Target.

Sweet & Clears

Gummy Bears

Yep, you read that right, gummy bears are a clear! Just like Jello, all gummy candies become liquid in the body, making them clear-friendly. One of the only things you can chew when you're on a clears restriction.

Plus - Fun!

Hot & Caffeine

Good Coffee

Hospital coffee is... poor. Delivered coffee is invariably cold. Instant coffee is often lacking.

Enter - Copper Cow. Single-cup pour over coffee. Just add hot water. They even come with sweetened condensed milk to complete the picture.

Hot & Sweet

Oatmeal

If you're bringing instant oatmeal, bring one that comes in a bowl or bring a bowl or risk disappointment.

These are nice because they pack flat and won't get crushed in your bag.

Hot & Sweet & Clears

Tea

Any tea - caffeine is completely fine. Milk and sugar, also fine. I like this one because it is mild and sweet without sugar and does well without milk.

But bring your favorites!

Hospital Bag

If you're moving to a hospital or other location for birth, it is important to personalize your environment when you get there.

Think about all of your senses: what will you see, what will you hear, what will you smell, and what will you feel?
(Check out Nourishment for Taste.)

Then consider how you will take care of yourself within that environment. I like to think of it like going to an AirBnB where you won't know what creature comforts they'll have. Bring along a few key items to keep yourself going.

And don't forget - you'll pack Tools, Nourishment, and Postpartum, too! Not to mention toiletries and clothes.

See

Flameless Candles

Dot the room with these - every available surface. Then turn out all the harsh overhead lights.

See

Breathing Light

Plug this into a battery pack and put it on the tray-table creating a focal point for the room and adding some extra lights.

It has the added feature of Breathing, so you can breathe with it.

See, Hear, & Feel

Eye Mask/Ear Plugs

Block out distractions so you can focus inward.

Choose a soft fabric for your face. Avoid velcro for your hair's sake.

This one comes with simple earplugs - but I'm partial to Loops.

See & Smell

Oil Diffuser

I like a diffuser with a cool-mist function - they seem to work the fastest (and you can see when it is out of oil).

This one is also a soft light. Bonus!

Feel

Wrap Robe

Hospital gowns are rough and utilitarian - and needlessly complicated to wear.

This strapless wrap allows your arms to be free for IV lines and epidurals, its open along the front for monitor cables. And most importantly, it comes off quickly to receive baby to your bare chest.

Feel

Pillowcase

Bring your favorite pillow so you have that comfort, but protect it from the hospital and labor fluids with a waterproof cover.

Amenity

Power Strip

Power outlets are notoriously hard to come by in a hospital room. Bring a non-trip extension cord to ensure you can power and charge all your devices.

See

String Lights

Set the tone with color while keeping the lights dim.

I'm partial to a blue-green, very low light, and "breathing."

See

Water Light

Another way to add soft light, some color, and this moves like you're under water.

Hear

Speaker

Music has immense power to take us out of our body.

Use upbeat music to bring positivity to your labor. Use funny music to bring levity. Use poignant music for inspiration. Use soft music for focus.

Smell

Essential Oil

Hospitals smell like hospitals, but you can set a tone with your own scent. Choose one that you like and run it diluted so you don't get sick of it.

I like this Lavender Tea Tree blend for the soothing and lifting aspects.

Feel

Slippers

Tread socks are also an options, but I prefer to leave the floor on the floor. So wear some cozy socks and step into some slippers or sandals when you're on your feet.

Feel & Smell

Mist Bottle

Fine "continuous" mist makes for a more pleasant experience than a squirt bottle.

Bonus - add a little essential oil for a little boost.

Amenity

Power Bricks

Break up with wall-power for your USB devices - this allows you to power your diffuser or focus light or speaker from the middle of the room. Or charge your phone from bed.

Labor Tools

These are my favorite tools for facilitating labor progress and supporting coping with labor. They can be used during labor at home and come with you if you're moving to a hospital.

Birth Ball

A key tool to keep your body moving while being able to rest between contractions.

Bonus - This kit comes with a pump and a key to remove the plug.

TENs Unit

Four sticky pads placed in a large rectangle on the back provide safe and effective reduction in intensity of labor contraction pain by disrupting and distracting the nerves.

Stroller Fan

It can be stood up, wrapped around nearby equipment, or held by hand to provide a refreshing breeze during labor.

Or set it up behind your aromatherapy to increase output.

Bonus - It is designed to use with a stroller to keep baby cool.

Hot Packs

These get good and hot quickly, stay hot for a long time, and are reusable.

Simply boil them to reset the crystalline contents.

Peanut Ball

Use this to support upright and restful positions.

Can help support changing position after an epidural - not just between your legs! Use it to rest your upper body while on your hands and knees!

Mini Theragun

Relieve tension in the hips, thighs, back, and even shoulders to keep you moving smoothly through labor.

Bonus - your partner may find it helpful after sleeping on the hospital guest bed.

Cooling Towel

Paper towels and face cloths can do the job - but this towel keeps its cool longer and refreshes quicker, saving your support person from running back and forth to the faucet frequently.

Wooden Comb

Gripping a comb creates a counter-sensation to labor contractions and can help you cope with early/active labor.

A wooden comb is strong enough to stand up to your fiercest grip.

Newborn

Swaddle

Many newborns sleep better when they are wrapped securely across the arms. This can be hard to achieve, especially sleep deprived yourself. Enter the velcro swaddle. Designed to stay loose through the legs for health hip development, these are an excellent tool.

0-3mos

Wrap Carrier

Keeping your infant close to your chest has been shown to improve baby's health and sleep. An excellent way to achieve this is through baby-wearing. These simple fabric wraps are less complicated than lots of clips and buckles once you get the hang of it.

3-9mos

Mesh Feeder

A great first step toward eating-independence is self-feeding with the safety of mesh. Put a soft piece of food inside the cage (like avocado) and let baby explore mashing in their mouth and enjoying the puree that comes out.

Newborn

Owlet

Much of a new parent's sleep deprivation can be distilled down to care-anxiety - Is Baby Ok? This sock has a built in pulse-oximeter, keeping track of your baby's heartrate, respiration, and oxygen levels - and alerting you if anything needs attention. Allowing you to actually sleep when baby is sleeping.

0-6mos

Nose Frida

Its gross - but much of parenthood is kinda gross. And there's no safer way to clear your baby's stuffed nose than gentle and responsive mouth-suction. This tool has a filter that catches anything that may come out of your baby's nose.

6-12mos

Easy Spoon

The next step in eating-independence is using utensils. These spoons have large grips for developing gross motor skills, like getting the food from the table to your mouth