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the things I used every single day as a new mom
When I was first pregnant, I spent hours researching all the “new mom essentials” and “must haves for a new mom”. Pinterest was my best friend and I went through endless lists + also spent time asking advice from friends. Overall everyone will have something different to suggest, some will say “oh you don’t need anything” others will have their things they swear by.
Once I actually had my baby, navigating those first few beautiful, foggy messy weeks, I quickly realized that you truly don’t know what you are going to love or need until you are actually in it! What I realized I was most drawn to was not the most expensive, but rather the lower key comforts that made the days and looong nights calmer and more comfortable.
That being said, here is what I used on repeat in my early newborn days! Scroll down to be directed to the exact links.
I stocked up on every nipple butter possible (because I was terrified of cracked nipples), but the thing that saved me? Silverettes.
These tiny silver cups were worth every penny. I wore them constantly in those first few weeks of nursing—they were soothing, antibacterial and honestly just way more effective than any cream I tried. If you’re planning to breastfeed, don’t sleep on these!
2. Coconut Water / Electrolytes
AMAZON CANADA | AMAZON USA I’ve never known a thirst like postpartum nursing thirst. Water just didn’t cut it sometimes. I kept a stash of coconut water in the fridge and electrolyte packets by my nursing station.
3. Water Bottle (with so much ice) AMAZON CANADA | AMAZON USA Speaking of thirst, having a water bottle with a straw was truly an essential for me. It had to be filled to the top with ice (just ask my husband how many times I would call him from the other room to come do this for me while I was trapped breastfeeding).
Overall, having a water bottle you LOVE makes such a difference. Because I am extra I bought myself a new one that I didn’t use until the baby was born, as a postpartum gift to myself.
This might sound random, but I couldn’t handle the feeling of crumbs underfoot when I was postpartum. Our kitchen wasn’t been swept nearly as much as normal, and I just hated the feeling. My slippers were always on!
Sometimes I just needed a sensory break. Even if the baby was sleeping, there was still usually sounds happening in the house during that time: the laundry, the dishwasher, my husband, and I just needed to hear nothing for a few moments. I would use these for a quick sensory break to sometimes listen to nothing, just have the sound cancelling effect, or I would listen to some worship music or a podcast.
For any sensory-sensitive moms (hi, adhd girlies!) these were a must-have.
I didn’t fully get the Haakaa until I used it—and then I was obsessed.
It’s this little silicone pump you suction onto the opposite side while feeding, and it collects milk you’d otherwise lose. In those early days of engorgement and building supply, it was SO helpful. I was able to start stocking my freezer without even trying.
PRO TIP: I wasn’t able to use the Haakaa as a “pump” past 3 months once my milk was regulated a bit more, then I switched over to a Medela electric pump
This tiny night light was a total game-changer. It gave off just enough soft, warm light for late-night feeds without waking up the whole house—or overstimulating my baby (or me). I loved that I didn’t have to turn on the big light and ruin the sleepy vibe. Highly recommend adding this to your bedside table setup.
Final Thoughts
None of these things are glamourous. But they truly helped me. Little daily comforts that brought relief and comfort during the newborn whirlwind. If you’re prepping for postpartum life, add these to your checklist!
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