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New mommy must haves - mommy edition!

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Hey y'all, this is a list of recommendations I have for new mommies & soon to be new mommies! These are based on my own experience. This list is catered toward the mother, I have another list specifically for products geared toward baby :)
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During pregnancy

 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
Belly creams and lotions really help with itchiness as your belly grows and stretches. The creams do not prevent stretch marks (they are determined by genetics), but they can relieve the discomfort caused by them!
Belly Cream/Lotion
 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
These really helped me during pregnancy. It took a lot of the pressure off my lower back and helped me keep the weight of my belly from making my entire body ache, especially in those last couple of months.
Maternity Belly Bands
 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
Sleeping while you're very pregnant is already difficult enough, why not take as much pressure off as possible? Rather than layering pillow upon pillow, a pregnancy pillow is designed to give you rest and comfort where you need it most. Definitely he...
Pregnancy Pillows
 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
I drank this every day during the last few weeks of pregnancy, they say it helps tone the uterus to prepare for labor!
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea: Pregnancy, Benefits, and Side ...
 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
This is my favorite prenatal vitamin brand - specifically the gummies. They're fun to eat so I don't dread taking them every day, and packed full of the necessary nutrients.
Spring Valley - Prenatal Multivitamin Multimineral
 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
Your partner will thank me.
Breathe Right Nasal Strips, Drug-Free, Stop Snoring
 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
It is a total game changer to have a postpartum kit on hand! I had one of these but ended up needing a c section, but there is a c section version too!
Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit ...
 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
I was so touched to see that frida mom made a c section recovery kit as well!
C-Section Recovery Kit – Frida | The fuss stops here.
 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
I thought I would have a small belly during pregnancy because I'm a small lady… nope. That idea was proven wrong very fast! I fit my husbands clothing well about halfway through my pregnancy, and he's twice my size. Enough said.
Nursing Tops

Postpartum care

These things were helpful to me as I was healing and recovering after having my baby!

 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
Great for breastfeeding mommas. This product really helped when things got sore/cracked… if you know, you know.
Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream, Safe for Baby
 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
The premade kits are handy when you don't know what to get yourself. I didn't end up using my fridamom kit because I had a surprise c-section, but many mothers swear by it.
Premade postpartum kits
 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
With breastfeeding comes outrageous hunger. I recommend getting snacks that are packed full of nutrients and help you eat enough to have enough energy through the day.
Breastfeeding Snacks
 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
ESSENTIAL!!!! I have so many of these, they're so much easier when it comes to nursing. They're a lot more easily accessible than normal bras and you can even use them to pump.
Nursing Maternity Bras
 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
This helped my baby learn how to latch properly in the hospital.
Nipple Shields for Breastfeeding: When & How To Use Them
 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
Comfy postpartum underwear was necessary for me because of my c section - basically soft, stretchy, high waisted undies that didn't touch the incision spot.
Postpartum Underwear
 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
I used these for the postpartum bleeding - they were very helpful especially since I had a c section, it was very hard to do all the movements associated with properly placing one of those giant postpartum pads.
Incontinence Products for Women | Depend® US
 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
Nursing-accessible clothing is a must.
Nursing Dresses
 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
Again: NURSING TOPS!!! I base my wardrobe around how booby accessible my clothes are!
Nursing Tops
 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
I'm gonna be honest, postpartum is rough, especially the newborn stage. You sacrifice your every moment to taking care of your little one, so personal hygiene is… more seldom. Satin scrunchies saved my hair when I had to get up and go quickly, especi...
Satin Scrunchies

Relaxation

These products help me in my daily mommy life while promoting relaxation or just taking something off my plate :)

 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
Super helpful if you drink warm coffee or tea - I find that I have to microwave mine multiple times every day because the time just sneaks away from me. This has definitely been a coffee saver!!
Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer for Coffee and Tea ...
 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
I found that lavender lotion really helped me relax, especially when I was touched out and overstimulated from learning how to adjust to mom life.
Suave Body Lotion, Lavender Calming 18 oz ...
 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
Maybe this sounds a bit silly, but a nice soothing eye cream feels great when you're dealing with those dark sleepless circles.
Eye Creams
 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
Rocking the baby, walking around the house, getting up in the middle of the night… sometimes it's just nice to have some extra comfort and warmth.
Comfortable Slippers
 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
Just trust me, earplugs are probably going to help you... there's no shame in quieting the room to help you calm down when baby won't stop crying. It's normal to be frustrated and to need help.
3M Orange Disposable Foam Earplugs (80-Pairs)
 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
Lavender may help you calm down. Bonus points if it's a bubble bath.
Lavender : Body Wash & Shower Gel
 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
Hair protection is for EVERYONE. We all know postpartum time is hard on hair; it falls out, being busy limits how much we can do with it, honestly hair takes a backseat when it comes down to priorities. I highly recommend getting a nice bonnet that w...
Hair Bonnet
 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
Having a baby definitely aged me over the year and a half. Aging is NOT bad, but if you want to take measures to minimize it, cream with tretinoin and retinol is a phenomenal start.
Tretinoin Cream
 
Brandi Smithhisler profile picture
TREAT YOURSELF! NO, seriously. Do it! You deserve it. I know it feels like you couldn't possibly take half an hour to take care of yourself in this hectic time, but trust me, your mental health depends on it. Baby needs a relaxed mama, and self care ...
Spa Sets