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If you’re here, you must have a wife, family member, friend, or perhaps colleague who has just birthed a fresh human and is attempting to sustain said tiny human with liquid gold — breast milk. This is a feat not for the faint of heart, especially at first. We applaud you for planning a gift for the mama, the co-star of the New Baby Show.
So what might she appreciate? Let’s get to it.
Haakaa breast pump
All I can say is WHERE WAS THIS with my first kiddo? This little silicone device pops onto a boob and uses continuous suction to draw out milk.
Especially for mamas who aren’t using a full electric breast pump, this is a perfect option to supplement milk extraction without literally hand pumping.
Over supply? Catch some milk from the side baby isn’t nursing on.
Baby fell asleep on one side? Pump a little milk from the other side to help keep up supply on both sides.
Or just stick it in your bag in case you need a little pumping relief on the go.
Definitely watch an awkward YouTube video or two of how to properly put it on. *Flip the top*, squeeze, attach and go!
Lactation cookies
If you’re feeling ambitious, whip up a batch of these absolutely delicious lactation cookies. They store super well in the freezer, so drop off a large batch and she can pop a couple in the microwave for a quick snack (I mean…lactation boost!)
My go-to lactation cookie recipe is from Bunsen Burner Bakery. She includes a great explanation of galactagogues (ingredients that boost milk supply) and other supply-boosting tips.
The recipe calls for some unique ingrediants like brewer’s yeast and ground flax seed, which I simply ordered on Amazon.
Consider including the bags of extra ingredients with the cookies and a printed recipe. Then she can make more for herself or add a scoop of flax seed to smoothies, muffins, etc.
(Or you can just buy the cookies. I originally got hooked on the Milkmakers brand)
Yummy smelling hand sanitizer
I had a cold when my second baby was born (fun times!), so I was constantly trying to quietly blow my nose and keep germs at bay while nursing. I absolutely love this blood orange hand sanitizer from Grove Collaborative to keep on my side table beside my nursing glider — cute bottle, great smell.
Don’t get me wrong, I have regular bottles or Purrell scattered ALL around the house. But a fancy hand sanitizer is a nice treat for any nursing mamas who are on a constant diaper/nurse/snuggle rotation.
Snacks
My go-to semi-healthy and filling snacks are a homemade trail mix (mixed nuts, cranberries and dark chocolate chunks), raspberry bars, and Belvita soft bakes.
One-hand operation water bottle
Staying hydrated is key to keeping a milk supply up, but I’ve always found it difficult to stop whatever I’m doing to drink water as soon as I feel thirsty. To help out, I strategically stage water bottles around the house: on the table beside my nursing rocker, in my bedroom, and various other water options for the living room or driving.
Bottom line: Nursing mamas need a lot of water.
You get really good at doing things around the house with one hand when you have kids. It’s even more challenging when nursing. A one-hand operation water bottle with a good flow is essential.
I love Contigo and this glass bottle from Target.
Nice pajama set
With my first baby I didn’t do a lot of thinking about what I would wear to nurse. This was a mistake. Especially with the grogginess of nighttime feedings, easy-access sleepwear is essential.
A nice set of pajamas that’s just the right amount of soft and light is a great pampering gift — something that helps make a new mama feel good (and even a little fancy!) when she probably feels wrecked.
Just look for anything with buttons!
Butter-soft robe
You may think a robe isn’t necessary in the summer but you would be WRONG, my friend. Especially if you sleep in nursing tank tops but still need some coziness while midnight nursing in air conditioning.
Enter, the butter-soft robe. I’ve seen a couple brands advertising similar robes, but I went for the Milkmaid Goods robe.
It fits great, feels amazing, and even has a unique sash tie system to ensure everything stays in place. Because you may live in this thing for a couple months.
BONUS if you get this before the baby arrives, it’s a super cute option for hospital photos.
True story: The hospital photographer came by my room *while I was in the bathroom* asking to take family photos. I didn’t even put on mascara, but I did put on my Milkmaids robe. No one knows that it’s concealing an open-backed hospital gown and mesh underwear!
I also love Kyte Baby as a company, so check out their robes as another option.
