RaMa Mama Doula Share: Beyond Baby Gear - Tools That Support New Mothers in The First Days After Birth...

New mothers-to-be have a lot of adjusting to do once the baby arrives. Not only are they healing from one of the most traumatic experiences the body has ever had to endure, but the hormones are all over the place, they are learning how to breast feed, and they are caring for a baby full-time with needs that are still being understood. New mothers have shared with us what their most valuable items have been in the first days to weeks after birth, so we came up with a top 10 list. Some of the most important items that support new mothers in healing, adjusting, and mastering motherhood are:

1. Nursing Pillow

2. Swaddle Blanket

3. Breast Pump/Baby Bottles/Nipples

4. Perineal Care

5. Nipple Cream

6. Portable Diaper Station

7. Abdominal Binders

8. Rocking Chair

9. Frozen Meals

10. Baby Carrier

A nursing pillow helps with hip and back pain by aligning the spine while we are sideline, helps with digestion and acid reflux issues, supports the arm when breastfeeding, protects the abdomen after a cesarean section, helps to prop the baby up when hanging out together.

Swaddle blankets are square or rectangular cotton, muslin, or bamboo blankets large enough to wrap the baby in snugly. Because of the strong reflexes that newborn babies have (called the Startle (Moro) Reflex) that can cause them to wake themselves up in the middle of the night, it is suggested to use the swaddle. It is said to help babies fall asleep quicker, sleep for longer periods of time, and cry less. When these things happen, then mommy and daddy have more time to rest and experience less stress.

When it comes to breast-feeding, new mothers can benefit from having a breast pump and clean bottles for support in keeping up with breast-feeding needs, as well as nipple cream for raw or chapped nipples from so much feeding. They need to stay hydrated themselves and make sure they eat plenty of healthy meals in order to nourish both themselves and their babies. Burp cloths, bibs, bottle sterilizers, and a variety of bottle types are helpful for feeding too.

The Perineal Care Kit includes things like witch hazel pads to help the body heal quicker, Rosehip Seed Oil, recovery underwear that are disposable, icepack pads, a baking soda or witch hazel sitz bath, and a donut pillow to sit on if needed. All of these tools help the vagina to heal most effectively.

For changing diapers, new mothers can benefit from a portable changing pad to use on the go, diaper rash cream, wet wipes, and plenty of diapers. A "to go" bag with these items is helpful when on the go.

After the baby is out of the belly, the abdominal core and back can use some extra support. A postpartum abdominal binder can be a wonderful helper during the recovery time. It is a wide, supportive compression band that wraps around the abdomen for stability. Until the abdominal muscles are healed, an abdominal binder can be an extra support system to help in the recovery process.

Finally, the space and the family needs come into play. A rocking chair is helpful during feeding time, to help soothe an irritated baby, and to help regulate a baby's nervous system. A high quality baby carrier helps to preserve mama's body by having ergonomic properties that reduce wrist strain, and help distribute weight more evenly for ease when holding baby in public. Lastly, working with friends and family to develop a meal support system is vital in getting through those first few weeks after birth. Frozen meals, grocery delivery, pre-cut foods, or a meal train can all be extremely helpful in making sure that mom and dad get nutrition and don't have to worry about cooking or grocery shopping until things settle down in the home.

These are just the top 10 items, but there are dozens of other things that can also help to make life easier once the newborn has arrived. Listen to the heart and put your needs at the top of the list. When a new mother is cared for and supported, she can be more present and relaxed with both the baby and father.