Part of my role as a postpartum doula is to provide insight into which practical, physical items might make your journey into parenthood a bit smoother! Please know that some of the following descriptions include affiliate links that help me continue to provide support to as many families as possible!

Pregnancy

  • Yoga Blocks - For shapes such as “reclined goddess” for savasana, “standing psoas release,” and other weight bearing postures that require blocks, I recommend a sturdy cork block! (Manduka makes so many wonderful products, but I’d steer away from their bolsters!! See below for a different recommendation.)

  • Body Ready Method - Rachel is a certified Body Ready Method Pro, and incorporates these teachings into each and every group and private yoga class she teaches! However, if you’re looking for more, we simply cannot recommend these online programs enough. We do have a coupon code for these programs as well - please reach out if you’re interested!

  • Bolster - Please skip the bean-filled or soft bolsters!! These thick, heavy and supportive bolsters are where it’s at.

  • Yoga Ball - Please be sure to check the sizing chart!! Pregnant folks should size UP so that hips can always be in line or above knees - never below! Here are 10 ways to use this ball during pregnancy!

  • Small Exercise Ball - This smaller ball is a fantastic tool for Pelvic Floor and Core Exercises and Breath work! Reach out to learn more about how you can use yours!

Breastfeeding

Establishing a healthy and long-lasting breastfeeding relationship can be a complex, challenging and beautiful process. I highly recommend seeking support from a local IBCLC (lactation consultant) through The Lactation Network, PRIOR to your baby’s arrival. For local breastfeeding support groups, you can connect with La Leche League, or reach out here for further support.

  • Nipple Damage: Silverettes - We now know that “wet healing” is an important way to bring expedited healing to sore, damaged nipples. Simply express a small amount of breastmilk, and insert these Silverettes into your bra!

  • Nursing Bras: For smaller breast sizes, I recommend Bodily. For larger breast sizes and more support, I recommend Kindred Bravely! I often find that folks who have strong feelings of commitment to their breastfeeding journey can benefit from utilizing a nursing/pumping combo bra, rather than a bra that solely supports nursing. This way, you have the option to pump or use a Manual Haaka Breast pump on one side while nursing on the other without worry about baby kicking it off! I recommend having a minimum of three nursing/pumping bras: “One to wash, one to wear, one to spare!”

  • Managing Oversupply: Please work closely with lactation support! Sunflower Lecithin is a natural supplement that can help prevent or alleviate clogged milk ducts.

  • Catching Breastmilk:

    • Antenatal Expression: Work closely with your healthcare provider to know if expressing colostrum during pregnancy is safe for you. Read here for more information. It is a great idea to get familiar with hand expression of your breastmilk BEFORE baby is born. Not everyone will produce enough colostrum to collect it prenatally, but it’s a great idea to have a way to store it in case you do, such as these Haakaa Collectors! (Bring these to your birthing place to supplement for your baby if needed.)

    • For folks who are handling a more robust breastmilk supply, leaking can be a huge inconvenience, and a waste of that precious milk. I highly recommend the Haakaa Ladybug catchers (much easier to pour without spilling than the Elvie Catch!!). Keep in mind, a suction-free catch option like this is great for handling an oversupply while not wasting milk.

  • Manual Pumps:

    • The Haakaa is one of my most highly recommended products! First, it can serve as passive suction on one breast while you are feeding your baby on the other side (yes, it can tend to fall off while repositioning/with a wiggly babe - try wearing a pumping/nursing combo bra!). Second, it can serve as a gentle manual pump all on it’s own. No motor, no hands needed, easily adjustable suction - GREAT tool. YES you should get the newer model with the suction bottom and lid included!!! As with all recommended products, work closely with an IBCLC and be mindful of how often/how much you are stimulating your breasts in order to avoid overproduction.

    • Medela Manual Pump - Did you know that simply increasing your participation and intentionality to your pumping session by choosing a manual pump like this, which makes the experience more similar to how you would pay attention when breastfeeding, can significantly increase your milk production?! Another great option for on-the-go quick pumping sessions!

Bottle Supplies

Many bottles that are heavily marketed toward new parents LOOK like a human nipple (Comotomo, Boon, Philips Avent), which seems like a good idea, but in reality these can often cause more challenges. It is best to use a very pliable, gradually sloped, wide shouldered nipple with the slowest available flow. We use the slowest nipple flow possible so that babies still need to “work” as hard at the bottle as we need them to be willing to “work” at the breast.

  • Bottles/Nipples:

    • Lansinoh/Spectra - So many of my clients use Spectra pumps, and these Lansinoh Slow Flow Nipples are perfectly compatible with the Spectra bottles, nearly identical to the nipples that come WITH your Spectra parts except they’re slower, and are in my opinion the best choice of nipple shape and flow for breastfeeding babies.

    • Dr. Brown’s - We’re huge fans of Dr. Brown’s! Most packs come with #1 nipples, but I HIGHLY recommend purchasing the even slower Preemie Nipples, even if your baby is full-term! Offering the slowest available flow to a breastfed baby will ensure that they still need to “work” at the bottle, just like we need them to work at the breast. Be sure to double check whether you’re using narrow mouth or wide mouth before you order! Truthfully, no preference between narrow or wide, glass or plastic - trust your gut!

  • Bottle Cleaning:

    • Brush: My favorite Silicon Brush Set. It is critical to use a separate cleaning brush for your baby’s bottles, and your pump parts. Bacteria that grows in our sponges and dish brushes can be toxic to babies.

    • Drying Rack:

      • Vertical: Nice to keep things out of the way!

      • Horizontal: Another great option but does take up more counter space.

      • Wooden Option: For a simple, pretty counters!

    • Bottle Soap: You do NOT need specific baby bottle soap! ;) You can use whichever soap you’re already using for your own dishes as long as you are thoroughly rinsing. I do however, recommend using a natural, fragrance free soap.

    • Sanitizers: Here’s the thing. It is recommended to sanitize your bottles and pump parts before first use, and depending on your baby’s immune system, relatively frequently while in use (think 1x/day for immunocompromised or premature babes, 1x/week for babies under 8 weeks, 2x/month for older babies). BUT. You still have to wash your bottles/pump parts every single time before tossing them in the sanitizer. So.. big sanitizers on your counter are likely going to be more in the way than they are helpful. I recommend the old-fashion way of boiling a large pot of water, tossing your parts in and leaving them for 5 minutes. Reusable microwaveable sanitizer bags can be helpful as well, but I still generally think less is more in this particular instance!

BREASTMILK STORAGE

The CDC’s recommendation of 4-4-4 (Breastmilk is safe for 4 hours at room temperature, 4 days in the fridge, and 4 months in the freezer) is a highly conservative blanket statement, meant to keep in mind the varying levels of cleanliness available in different parts of the world. Very likely, and unless your little one is immunocompromised, feel encouraged to use the older 8-8-8 recommendation instead. Keep in mind that the temperature and disruption of these various locations matters! Colder is always better for longevity, for instance: keep milk in a cool shaded spot on the counter vs. where the sun is brightly shining on it; keep milk in the back of the fridge vs. in the door; consider keeping your freezer bags at the bottom of a deep freezer vs. in the door of an upright freezer.

  • Storage in the fridge: Raising children can create SO much plastic waste. It’s my recommendation to skip the single-use plastic bags for fridge storage, and instead opt for bottles! Yes, either the bottles you intend to use to feed your baby, or a milk pooling container such as this Baby Brezza with a mixer so that you can easily reconstitute the fat as it separates, or this simple glass jar!

  • Labeling milk: In order to keep track of when your milk needs to be used or transferred to the freezer, we need a way to label it! Again, to avoid creating waste, I recommend skipping the masking tape tip, and instead opting for Wet Erase Markers that will come off easily with water, but not get smudged by your hand! Write the EARLIEST date that you put milk into the container. Continue adding your milk to this container throughout the week, but you must use or freeze all of the milk within 8 days of the written date. Wash, and repeat!

    • If you want to get fancy, Medela makes this wonderful bottle organization system with lids that can adjust to indicate the day and time!

  • Storage in the freezer: Milk can absolutely be frozen in bottles! Of course be sure to leave room for expansion, and if using glass bottles, leave slightly unsealed until frozen, then fully close the lid. If using plastic bags, try laying the bag down flat until frozen, then stack upright in a container like this. Because thawed breastmilk must be used or thrown away within 24 hours, and most breastfed babies will not need more than 4-6oz of breastmilk in one feeding, it’s a good idea to freeze in smaller amounts rather than large quantities. Some folks even freeze in 1oz portions for ease of quickly giving baby a bit more! Read more information here regarding how much breastmilk your baby needs.

Newborn care

Laundry

  • Garment Bags - Velcro and soft muslin blankets DO NOT mix. Be sure to throw all those fabulous velcro swaddles into a garment bag both for washing and drying.

  • No recommendations for type of laundry detergent, as long as it IS completely fragrance free! No fragrance in dryer sheets either, my friends (Are we still using dryer sheets?? Try these dryer balls instead.) - your newborn will smell divine all on their own!

  • Stain Treatment - Now, when it comes to exclusively breastfed baby poop - THE SUN is your magic stain remover. Rinse the garment with some cool water, stick it out in direct sunlight, and watch the stain literally disappear; for heavy duty messes, you might need to run the garment through the laundry once (do not dry), then stick out in the sun again. For formula and/or fed babes and for all the other lovely stains of postpartum, we need a little more assistance, and that’s where this Stain Eater comes into play!

Hygiene

  • Bath Thermometer - There’s nothing more heartbreaking for me than sharing with my clients that… that first bath probably is not going to be as magical as you’ve been picturing. The best we can do is make the environment as peaceful as possible - lights low, calm music, a warm towel waiting (yes I throw the towel in the dryer during bath and send partner to go get it when we’re ready), and the right temperature!! Getting that water temperature just right is so tricky when you’re giving baby their first few baths! We’re looking for right around body temperature: 98.6-100.4 degrees; this thermometer will use red or green lights to let you know you’re in the right zone!

Lounging

  • Snuggle Me Lounger - It is so important to have safe spaces to set baby down, you know, so you can do things like shower and use the restroom. I recommend purchasing at least a couple covers so you don’t have to go through the hassle of throwing the whole lounger in the laundry, although it IS machine washable.

  • Baby Bjorn

  • Lovevery

This page is constantly growing! If you have specific questions as I continue to add to this list, please do not hesitate to reach out!