Baby showers come around every now and then for most ladies, until you reach a certain age, then they seem to become a monthly occurrence. Gift opening most often seems to be the highlight of the day with many oohh’s and aahh’s as the tiny outfits and other gifts are put on display. BUT what does mom really want for her expectant baby and more importantly, what are those items she really needs? The ones she is going to use regularly and appreciate? I had my first baby shower in 2014 and decided on doing a registry with my mom and two sisters. Besides it being a ton of fun, it was a complete guess of what I would need for my little boy. I already had the big stuff, the cot, compactum, car seat and pram. Everything else seemed confusing. Now that I am getting ready for baby number 2. It seemed like the perfect time to put together my list for my little girl. All those things I have found to love. Hopefully this helps you too.
Baby shower gifts for mom
Pillows! Don’t underestimate the power of a good pillow or two. I love the Frankie Beans Maternity pillow It is great to use under your bump, between the legs, to support the back or even in the car.
The long cuddling pillow as I like to call it.Will become almost part of you at sleep time. I like to wedge it between my legs and under my tummy. Giving me some awesome support and some well-deserved sleep.
One of the best possible gifts an expectant mom could get is a massage. No jokes! It is one of the only things that can make you feel better when carrying all the extra weight. (Well that and sitting in a pool). The benefits for circulation are great and it can also relieve back and joint pain. Anxiety during pregnancy can be over whelming and regular massage can assist with managing your anxiety and even depression by regulating your hormones. When anxiety during pregnancy occurs, and is not treated it can increase your chances of having post-partum depression when baby is born. Make sure when choosing were to go for your massages that you pick someone that is qualified in pregnancy massage so they can support you and look out for indications such as possible blood clots and varicose veins. Remember to always check with your Dr before receiving a massage if you struggle from hypertension, pre-eclampsia, severe swelling or are considered a high-risk pregnancy.
Tips:
- Don’t lie on one of those beds with the holes cut out for the tummy. They can cause uterine ligaments to stretch.
- Make sure you lie on your side with support for your tummy and between your legs.
- The therapist should always use safe oils for pregnancy.
My favourite spot for preggy massage is Mommy wellness. They are focused on treating pregnant moms and even moms with tots. Do yourself a favour and check them out.
Pregnancy is also an important time to review your skin and hair care products. It is not often that we look at the ingredients that are found in our products but during pregnancy, we should really stick to as natural as possible. Avoid retinyl palmitate, retinaldehyde, adapalene, tretinoin, tazarotene and isotretinoin as they may cause birth defects. Hydroquinone is used to lighten the skin but this these treatments should be put on hold until baby is born. Formaldehyde is found in some hair products and nail polishes. Try use Formaldehyde-free products whenever possible.
Lilian Terry offers natural alternative to the harsh and sometimes damaging chemicals in everyday products. They use a combination of homeopathy and aromatherapy. A lovely add on for the preggy mom is their Lillian Terry Stretch mark oil and the Lillian Terry Vascu Flow for water retention
Milk screen is definitely a must for your nappy bag too. They are fabulous, easy to use test strips that test for alcohol in Breast Milk. Giving you the confidence to know when you are able to feed your baby after having a glass of wine.
Baby Shower gifts for your little one
ShooShoos are the best.
They come in a variety of sizes and colours are are super easy to slip on. They are available from newborn to 24 months.
Great skincare is vital for baby from day one. Being a wellness coach and having over 15 years’ experience in Health and wellness and specifically skincare this is something I am very passionate about. I would like all parents to be understand what is inside of their products but also know what they are putting on baby’s skin. Email admin@bitsandbobsformoms.co.za for a free copy of my Ebook: The natural way, a guide to skincare and natural therapies for babies and children.
Pure Beginnings tick all my boxes for kid’s skincare. I love the toothpaste, body wash and bath bubbles. I have also recently tried out the pro-biotic lotion on my little boy. Even with his eczema it has worked wonders.
Sleep sacks were always necessary for my little boy in winter. He hated blankets from day 1 and kicked them off every night. The sleep sack kept him warm and cosy. I have one for each stage of growth and really recommend them for kiddies that kick their blankets off. I didn’t actually buy any and was lucky enough to be given all of mine but Moo Moo has some options that are pretty reasonably priced
Baby Shower gifts for the breastfeeding mom
Breastfeeding your new baby can be such an amazing, fulfilling experience. It can also be exhausting and at times tough. Another support pillow, can really help you keep your posture and avoid back ache. I used this one that was very similar to this one and really loved it.
Prepping the breasts for baby is another controversial topic. There are loads of old wife tales out there, that sound like pure pain. My suggestion is go to the experts for advice. Get yourself a lactation consultant or contact La Leche League for the best advice. We asked a qualified lactation consultant her thoughts on the topic and she explained that a woman with flat or internal nipples can benefit from nipple formers from https://www.bitsandbobsformoms.co.za/products/medela-nipple-formers in pregnancy to help pull out the nipples. Everyone could benefit from moisturising with a breastfeeding safe cream will cream them supple. We love MEDELA Pure Lan. Regular massage of the breasts in the shower is a great way to remove lumps and bumps. You might produce some colostrum (yellow and sticky) even before baby is born. Don’t worry about this it is completely normal. You can use some disposable bra pads to avoid leakage.
Baby Shower gifts for the mom on the move
In the beginning, you may wonder if you will ever leave the house again with a new-born. It is tough!!! How will you pack and remember everything you need? What will you do if baby has a meltdown in the middle of the mall. I guess you just try and if you reach breaking point you leave. Some adult conversation and getting out the house regularly kept me sane during my maternity leave. I loved Moms and Babes classes and Clamber club. It really does help knowing you are not the only one have sleepless nights and tough days. Bub Hub also has a number of different classes for moms and babes.
Baby wearing, I wish!!! If you are lucky enough to have a baby that will go in a baby sling, then use it. Baby will love being close to mama and you then open your arms for doing other things like making a cup of tea. I have a couple of slings but never used any of them. I have heard great things about a couple of them and I am holding thumbs my little girl will like them.
Your nappy bag/baby bag will almost become part of you, following you everywhere you go. Pick one that is big enough, has practical pockets and make sure it fits in with your lifestyle. I love my Kate Spade nappy bag that I got as a gift but the Doona from Baby Group is also really nice.
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