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Doula-Approved: My Go-To Items for New Moms and Babies


With so many expectant mamas in my life currently, and over a decade of watching the evolution of baby products, I thought I’d share some of my go-to baby shower gifts- as well as a couple that I’m not so fond of!
When you begin your search, you'll run into an overwhelming number of options. So, when you're holding that scanner at Target or adding items to your Amazon cart, I hope this list will be helpful!

For Mom:
  • Comfy slippers: I love gifting an expectant mama a soft pair of booties with non-slip soles, perfect for wearing while she's healing and bonding with her new baby at home.
  • Bath soak: I like to spoil my mama friends with a lavender bath soak they can enjoy before baby arrives and again once it’s safe for them to submerge in the tub postpartum.
  • Nursing bras: A supportive, well-fitting bra is essential-just make sure it’s not too tight and has no underwire. I personally loved nursing sleep bras. They were so convenient and breathable, that I continued wearing them long after I stopped breastfeeding.
  • Nursing pads: In the early days of breastfeeding, your breasts may leak unexpectedly     due to the hormone oxytocin and your body adjusting to milk production. Both disposable and cloth pads are available to slip into your bra. I used both but found myself reaching for disposables more often because they were more accessible. My go-to brand was Lansinoh.
  • Microwavable heating pad: I didn’t have this during my postpartum days, and I wish I did! One of my clients had several around her home and used them to relieve tension and stress. She would ask me to warm them for about a minute before using them on her breasts, which helped with milk let-down during pumping sessions. The brand she used was Bed Buddy, and after getting one for myself, I’ve been gifting these ever since!
  • 3-in-1 breast therapy packs: Lansinoh (and other brands) make these, and the moms I’ve gifted them to swear by how helpful they are, especially in the early breastfeeding days.
For Baby:
  • White noise machine: This is a must-have for soothing babies, especially in those early days when they're transitioning from the comfort of your womb. The sound mimics the noises they heard in utero and can help drown out background noise that might disrupt their sleep. I used mine with my daughter until she was about eight years old!
  • Boudreaux’s Butt Paste: This is a family favorite! It was a lifesaver when my daughter was a baby, and I always gift a tube at baby showers. Aquaphor is another great barrier cream for everyday use.
  • Boppy pillow: Yes, they still exist! I loved my Boppy pillow when I was learning to breastfeed. I've used them for years for bottle-feeding my doula babies as well. They're great for support, though they aren’t meant to be used as sleep devises.
  • Bassinet for rooming in: While a crib is important, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends rooming in with your baby for the first six months. I don’t have a specific brand preference, but I suggest choosing one with a firm mattress. I recommend avoiding bassinets that strap the baby in or rock, as they can set up unrealistic expectations for sleep. Your baby just needs a safe, simple surface that adheres to safe sleep guidelines—nothing fancy! Plus, having a bassinet in your room makes nighttime feedings much easier, reducing the amount of time you're up and moving around.
What You Can Skip-though the choice is always yours:
  • Bottle warmers: I find these unnecessary. It’s easier (and more sanitary) to warm a mug of water in the microwave for about a minute and place the bottle or breastmilk storage bag in it. This brings the milk closer to room temperature, which is similar to breast milk. Plus, it’s more convenient when you’re on the go, as your baby won’t expect warm milk every time.
  • The Baby Brezza: A "baby latte maker" that dispenses ready-made formula may sound convenient, 99% of my clients who tried it either stopped using it or only used it to dispense warm water. While the Baby Brezza offers convenience , It often dispenses incorrect formula-to-water ratios, which could affect your baby's nutrition and hydration. As a postpartum doula, I’ve seen these inconsistencies firsthand, so I always encourage clients to do their own research and make informed decisions!
I'm not here to criticize any companies or play brand favorites. I’m simply sharing my experiences and offering honest advice to families. I hope you find this helpful!

If you’d like to download my free postpartum planning guide, which includes a list of healing products and tips to support your recovery, click here. And if you know a new or expecting mama who could benefit from postpartum support, we offer gift certificates and proudly serve the Houston, San Antonio, and New Braunfels areas! 

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