If you saw my recent newborn essentials post, you know I’ve been in full first-time-mom trial mode, figuring out what actually gets used daily, what makes my life easier, and what is worth it versus what just looks good on a registry.
With Mother’s Day this Sunday (and my first one), I wanted to share a more personal edit, the things I’ve been using regularly or found I love the most that make me feel a little more put together, supported, and make me feel a little more human again.
Not everything is “baby essentials.” A lot of this is really mom essentials, comfort, recovery, routine, and small things I’ve found helpful the most.
Getting Out and About
These are the things I rely on when I’m leaving the house with a newborn and trying to keep things simple.
The BÉIS Convertible Stroller Caddy has been one of the most useful add-ons. It keeps everything I actually need accessible, like phone, keys, bottles, snacks, without digging through a full bag and its chic enough to double up as a handbag too!
If you’re not into a stroller caddy this amazon cup & phone holder for $10 is super functional!
The Mina Baie Harlow Midi has replaced a traditional diaper bag for me most days. I’m just not fully sold on traditional diaper bags. This one feels more like a normal everyday bag but still fits everything I need for short outings with A LOT of pockets to help keep things organized.
For longer days or trips, I switch to the Mina Baie Emmy Carryall, which fits basically everything without feeling chaotic.
And of course, the Ergobaby Embrace Carrier is still one of my most-used items. It keeps me hands-free and she usually settles and falls asleep almost instantly in it.
Comfort at Home
Living and working from home, I want to be comfortable and so these items really help make a difference.
The Eberjey Gisele PJ Set was a treat to myself and they are so comfortable. It’s one of those small upgrades that changes how you feel day to day. It’s soft, easy, and something I look forward to putting on as the day ends, or more like don’t want to get out of them to start my day. ;)
The Eberjey Silk Eye Mask has been helpful for grabbing whatever sleep I can get, whenever I can get it.
The Butterr Nursing Pillow is also a frequent item I’ve been using for feeding. It supports both of us and makes longer feeds much more manageable.
I started pumping around 3 weeks once my milk had established. I’m lucky to have been gifted a couple of pumps which has been nice to test out. I have the momcozy M5 & M6. Both are so great because they’re portable. I also have Spectra which works great as well. I just find myself using the momcozy more because it’s portable.
I’ve also been wearing:
- MOMANDA Nursing Sleep Bras (comfortable enough to sleep in, which matters more than you think postpartum)
- Luxe Nursing Bra + Do Anything Bra for everyday support
- This comfy top by Embrace with a built in bra
Postpartum Recovery + Body Care
Since pregnancy I’ve found a few items I’ve now included for postpartum care.
The NĒMAH Nourishing Belly Oil has become a small nightly ritual and it’s fast-absorbing.
The NĒMAH Revitalizing Stretch Mark Cream is something I’ve been consistently using as my body continues adjusting postpartum.
Since I had a C-section, the Pure Mama C-Section Scar Care Kit has been really helpful to have on hand, especially in those early recovery weeks.
I’ve also been using:
- NĒMAH Firming Body Serum
- MEPITAC Silicone Tape for scar support
For a little “reset” moment:
- THE SKINNY CONFIDENTIAL Hot Mess Ice Roller (something I’ve used for years for puffiness + fatigue in the morning)
Hair, Skin + Feeling Like Yourself Again
Postpartum hair changes are REAL, I feel like I’m shedding all day long! My secret weapon for hair-loss is this organic shampoo I found on amazon, it WORKS! Its called the PURA D’OR Anti-Thinning Shampoo + Conditioner.
For scalp care:
For face hydration + support:
- Ritual Hyacera
- Chebula Eye Patches (quick recovery moment when I have time)
Nutrition + Supplements
I’ve also been taking the Needed Collagen Protein for months, before, during and after pregnancy - I do one scoop blended into my morning coffee and it gets super creamy while also providing collagen and protein. I’m on my 6th tub already, I rarely go a day without it!
Plus, here’s the supplements I would recommend that I’ve been using to support my body.
A few I love: