Mommy Essentials After Having A Baby

Have you ever thought about how much focus new babies and their needs get?

But what about the ‘new mommy’ who in a sense is also born?

It’s so natural to forget yourself and focus on your new bundle of joy but I think it’s equally important for every new mom to be prepared with the essentials below to make the transition into parenthood (a little) smoother and easier.

The list below is a follow up to this post: C-Section Hospital Bag Checklist And The Stuff I Actually Used After Delivering Two Babies In Bangkok.

Baby Essentials for the First Year – Survival Kit for Bangkok

Breastfeeding Pillow

A breastfeeding pillow is essential. It adds additional support for your arms while holding and feeding the baby so you don’t tire quickly. Another option is to let baby (if they are big enough) lie directly on the pillow while feeding so you don’t have to hold them the whole time. Some pillows can also be used as a lounger for babies once they are bigger. There are lots of different kinds available, be sure to see what suits you best.

Rocking Chair / Barcalounger

Invest in a high quality rocking chair with good back support. You’re going to be spending a lot of time sitting with your newborn either feeding or rocking so you’ll want a chair that is extra comfy. I personally prefer the barcalounger style rocker because it offers more padded support than a traditional wooden rocking chair and it’s something I can sit in for very long periods of time.

Button Down Outfits That Also Work With Pumping

I find that most nursing / breastfeeding dresses don’t necessarily work for pumping; it’s because they are designed to let you nurse from either breast and don’t open wide enough to reveal both breasts. So my hack for this is to find button down gowns, dresses and tops, which have buttons that open all the way. This way you can both nurse and pump wearing the same outfit.

H&M Lycell MAMA Dress
Blooming Marvellous Maternity Gowns

Double Electric Breast Pump

Having a good double electric breast pump on hand is a good idea because you never know what your breastfeeding / feeding journey will be like after baby arrives. And you don’t want to be scrambling around at the last minute looking for a pump. There are lots of different ones available. I tried the Medela Pump in Style Advanced Start Breast Pump and the Spectra S1+ Breast Pump. Personally, I like the Spectra S1+ because it is more efficient (provides maximum output for the time spent pumping) and it’s a closed system, which means that it is easy to buy second hand (all you need to do is buy a new set of parts i.e. flanges, valves, bottles, tubing).

Spectra S1+
Medela Pump in Style

Pumping Bra

A pumping bra holds up the flanges and bottles while you pump allowing you to be hands-free. Definitely get one to make your life a lot easier. There are lots of different kinds available. I use the Simple Wishes Signature Hands Free Pumping Bra pictured below and it’s lasted me through two rounds of pumping.

Simple Wishes Signature Hands Free Pumping Bra

Nipple Cream & Moisturiser

Nipple cream is a must-have because nipples get quite sore and sensitive from feeding and pumping, especially in those first few weeks. This nipple cream from Earth Mama Organics is very nourishing and completely newborn-safe, which means you don’t have to wash it off before breastfeeding.

I would also recommend using a good hydrating moisturiser like the CeraVe Moisturising Cream because skin can get quite dry and dehydrated while breastfeeding (this cream works great for face and body).

Portable / Handheld Fan

The one thing nobody told me about life after having a baby is how the hormonal changes in my body would result in having hot flashes (around the neck area while feeding / pumping) and night sweats during the first 4-6 weeks. So I highly recommend keeping a small portable fan near you to cool off. I got a small one from Miniso Thailand and it works great but there are lots of different options out there.

Miniso Fan
Handheld Fan from Amazon

Diaper Bag

Every mama needs a cute diaper bag for her new bundle of joy. There are so many different kinds available. I used both the shoulder strap style bag and the backpack style bag; I prefer the backpack style because it frees up both hands to handle baby and baby’s gear i.e. stroller, car seat etc.

Inside the diaper bag keep wipes, extra diapers, a diaper changing pad (most diaper bags come with one built in), 2-3 changes of clothes for baby including socks / hat / mittens, a soft blanket, a muslin cloth (can act like a nursing cover, stroller cover, sun shade, a cover for any surface you lay baby on etc), formula (if you need it), boiled cool water for formula, and a swaddle.

Water Bottle & Snacks

Keep a water bottle full of water near you at all times and be sure to drink it throughout the day. I find that I need to drink water before, during and after feeding because I feel so dehydrated all the time. I also have a little small snack bar near the nursery so I can quickly access healthy / lactation-friendly snacks like fox nuts, lactation cookies, granola bars, toasted cumin seeds etc whenever I get hungry, which is pretty often.

Whole Earth Organic No Caf Coffee Alternative

If you’re a coffee lover like me and the idea of giving up caffeine while breastfeeding is making you feel sad, then you need to get the Whole Earth Organic No Caf Coffee Alternative (available on Lazada). Note: Giving up coffee temporarily is a personal choice I made. Please check with your doctor what is adviseable for you.

The Whole Earth Organic No Caf Coffee Alternative is basically like an instant coffee mix but without any caffeine; it’s made with all organic ingredients like barley, figs and chicory to give the look, feel and taste of coffee. And I think it does just that. I prefer to have it hot with milk and a spoon of sugar. It also tastes great as a blended iced coffee.

These are some of my personal must-haves for new moms. Of course, the list is subjective and based on my own personal experience and serves only as an informational guide.