Building Your Values-Based Baby Registry: The "YOU" Section
Time to start building your registry! I’m going to break my recommendations down into sections. First things first: YOU! Oh my gosh, yes, YOU need to be taken care of throughout this pregnancy and after having your baby. Here are a few things that you will be so glad to have and your friends and family (especially those that have had babies themselves) will be HAPPY to gift you.
A Hospital Gown
Motherhood Maternity Women's 3 in 1 Labor, Delivery, and Nursing Gown - $20
Skip those scratchy two-tie hospital gowns and upgrade to a comfy set that can double as nursing pajamas when you’re back home.
Nursing/Pumping Bras (3+)
Kindred Bravely Sublime® Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Bra - $50
If you're planning on nursing, nursing bras are a must. If you are going to pump, I’d just opt for pumping bras. Kindred Bravely was started by a mom and gives back to many organizations that support other mothers. I was very happy with the quality of their bras & clothing. Available on Amazon.
Nursing Tank Tops (2+)
Kindred Bravely Maternity and Nursing Organic Cotton Tank Top Cami 2-Pack - $35
I wondered if nursing tanks/shirts were really going to be worth it. I also wasn’t sure how long I was going to be nursing for. Then, I was gifted a few and -wow- I was so grateful. These really make things so much easier. Granted, I do live with teenage boys so it also allowed for a bit more discretion while nursing.
A Maternity/Nursing Nightgown
Kindred Bravely Betsy Bamboo Henley Nursing Nightgown | Long Sleeve Maternity Nightgown - $50
I loved the comfort of nursing nightgowns! If you don’t really like nightgowns, skip it. This one in particular has a built in bra which felt like a bit of a relief from the constant bra-wearing. (I hadn’t thought about the fact that I would be wearing a bra 24/7 for the entire duration that you’re breastfeeding so I considered this a ‘little win’ - not sure it would be supportive enough for my bigger breasted friends though.
Postpartum Undies (~5)
Bodily All-In Panty: 5-Pack $58
I had an unexpected C-Section. I was not prepared for just how “high-wasted” I’d really want my undies (and pants!) to be. Bodily has some great options that will be comfortable from pregnancy to postpartum. (And made from non-toxic OEKO-TEK 100 Certified materials, thankyouverymuch.)
A Super Soft Cardigan with Pockets
Gap CashSoft Boyfriend Cardigan* - $47
Just trust that this is a clutch thing to have to toss on at any given moment, or even sleep in. Know that from this point forward, you will always want pockets.
*I do not have this exact sweater, I have an oldie from Aerie that was/is my bff sweater. This one looks like it’d be a good option though!
Washable Nursing Pads
Amazon 14-Pack Organic Nursing Pads - $16
If sustainability is something you’re after, grab some washable nursing pads. However, you might not be doing *your* laundry as frequently as you’d like, so definitely get some disposable options for when you’re in a crunch. (Or if you’d rather just go that route all together!) I definitely did both.
Emily Oster’s Series
Snag these from your local book store… or Amazon, if you must. ;)
Emily Oster is a gift to our generation. Get all of these and read them as you go. (Expecting Better during pregnancy, Cribsheets in your last trimester/early days postpartum and The Family Firm when they are getting close to school-age.
The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing The New Mother
Amazon link - $18
This book was gold. I would recommend reading toward the second half of pregnancy. Share with your partner. It was a gift of knowledge, love, and permission to receive help, take space, and nourish your body.
Baby Book/Journal
Promptly Journals: A Complete Guide to Childhood History from Pregnancy to Age 18 $40
This was a perfect option for me. A prompted journal beginning with your first trimester. Bite sized opportunities to write your story as you begin your parenting journey. There are also spots for photos and special keepsakes like your baby’s footprint.
Doula Services
Gift Certificates
Gold Coast Doulas - $50 increments
Wow. I was SO grateful some of my pals pitched in to cover some doula support. Many people hire doulas to help them in labor, which is amazing, but we actually ended up having a doula come and help us after our baby was born. She came over multiple times to help answer questions, watch/change/feed the babe and provide some light support with household tasks. Doulas provide classes, overnight support, and so much more. Highly recommend this option. I’ve linked to the local doula team that I worked with but if you’re not in West Michigan, you could certainly look into what’s available in your area.
Other items you may want to consider:
Postpartum Bellyband - I didn’t use one but I know some people swear by these!
Comfy high-wasted lounging pants - my maternity pants ended up working fine for this. Comfy is key!
Nipple Balm - They gave me free samples of Lanolin in the hospital that ended up tiding me over. Would recommend asking the Lactation Consultant you meet with at the hospital for some! Earth Mama is also a good brand if not.
A Pregnancy Pillow - There are a wide variety - from organic “Moon Womb” body pillows to “The Big C” - I don’t have any strong recs here other then you might want this before you have a baby shower. ;)
Belly Oil - If you’re going this route (and why not? It can’t hurt and kinda feels like your giving your lil’ babe a massage!) - start while you’re pregnant to keep that skin moist while it’s stretching not just after the fact. [Pipette Belly Oil $18]
