Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.

Pregnancy and baby showers can be filled with so much joy and excitement about welcoming a new baby into the world, but so often new moms are left feeling unsupported after childbirth. The baby has about 25 newborn outfits (20 of which they won’t even wear), but the mom is struggling to adjust to her new body and new role as a mom. While there may not be one person to blame, I will state we can ALL do a better job about caring for and supporting the new moms in our lives by giving them gifts that are for THEM to help rest, recover and make life a little bit easier.

Physical Products

1. Cozy robe

I basically lived in my robe (still do) for the first three months postpartum. A robe is so convenient for skin to skin and breastfeeding for those who are taking that journey.

2. Cozy Slippers

Who has time for real shoes with a newborn? I certainly did not! A cozy robe and slippers was my outfit of choice for at least three months postpartum.

3. Silk Pillow Case

Sleeping on a silk pillow case can help to reduce hair breakage that typically occurs with the friction of sleeping on cotton. Silk also does not absorb hair oils, so it leaves your hair hydrated and nourished. My hair needed all of the help it could get postpartum!

4. Matching PJ Set

While getting fully dressed was certainly out of the question for my early postpartum, wearing a matching PJ set really helped me to feel put together and like less of a hot mess while caring for Ava. Those early weeks/months postpartum can really mess with your mental health, and there is nothing like a matching PJ set to improve your mood and make you feel like you have got it all together. Splurge on a pair that your friend probably would not buy for herself!

5. Body Lotion/Butter

This Body Butter by Anya can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks while also hydrating the skin to reduce itchiness and dryness. Plus, all postpartum moms deserve self-care!

6. Postnatal Vitamin

If you did not know you should be taking a postnatal vitamin, you do now. We all know taking a prenatal is imperative during pregnancy to prevent nutrient deficiencies, but so many women discontinue their vitamin postpartum because they think “oh well I’m not pregnant anymore.” But a postpartum body needs JUST as many vitamins and nutrients (if not more) postpartum to help improve mood, energy levels, milk supply, hair loss and more.

7. Magnesium Supplement

Magnesium is not only important during pregnancy, but ALSO postpartum. There are so many benefits of magnesium including: improves sleep, reduces anxiety, relieves muscle tension, improves muscle cramping and reduce stress.

8. Skin Care

During the postpartum period, your body will experience a fluctuation in hormones like progesterone and estrogen which can lead to skin changes such as dryness, itchiness and acne. I can speak to the dryness first hand. Pamper your friend with some skin care products that they might not buy for themselves, and she will THANK YOU!

9. Scalp Serum

If you couldn’t tell, I love the entire product line by Anya, so really you cannot go wrong if you purchase a gift from this brand. I personally love this scalp serum because it is breastfeeding friendly and helps to stimulate the hair follicles for new growth.

10. Cozy Blanket

No explanation needed. Everyone loves a comfy blanket. Splurge on something a new mom would not normally buy for herself.

11. Support Bloomers

12. Large Water Bottle

A nursing mom needs at least 16 cups of water per day. Now this can come from food and other liquid sources as well, but staying hydrate is so key for milk supply postpartum as milk is nearly 80% water. Even if you are not breastfeeding, most of us are dehydrated to begin with. You can’t go wrong with a water bottle.

13. Hydration Supplement

Not only is water important, but so are minerals and electrolytes to help reduce swelling and balance hormones. Postpartum swelling is real!

14. Vulva Moisturizer

Immediately postpartum estrogen levels drop which can cause vulvar dryness. Dryness can lead to itchiness, pain and a burning sensation. Think of this product like lip balm, but for your vulva. It is applied externally and helps to hydrate the tissue which can also help with pain with intercourse that may be occurring due to dryness.

15. Scrunchies

I basically live in scrunchies either in a bun or a braid because it is more gentle on the hair which can help reduce breakage. Plus, all mamas need their hair out of their face (and out of reach of those little hands).

16. Collagen Protein

Collagen protein has SO many benefits. Not only did I drink my favorite protein smoothie daily during pregnancy, but I continued drinking them postpartum to continue receiving the benefits of collagen protein (and because things you can eat/drink with one hand are clutch with a newborn). Collagen supports thyroid health, can improve sleep, aids in muscle and tissue recovery and helps build muscle mass.

17. UberEATS Gift Card

My close group of girl friends did this for me postpartum and I was SO thankful. It was so nice to be able to order food that we actually wanted without having to leave the house. Of course we also had people bring homemade meals to the house, but the option to order food was amazing.

18. Hair Blowout Gift Card

Showering, let alone hair washing (yes, they are two different things and not every shower includes a hair wash…if you know you know), can be a near impossible task between diaper changes, feeds and sleep, so a good blowout at a nearby salon is such a nice treat for a postpartum mom. I’m pretty sure it took me 10 days postpartum to wash my hair for the first time!

19. Movement Through Early Postpartum Course

During a baby’s first year of life they will get at least SEVEN pediatrician appointments just for check-ins and vaccines (not even counting the number of times you visit or call in for a sickness or question). Postpartum moms on the other hand will receive…wait for it…ONE visit from their birth provider and half the time all the provider talks about is birth control and postpartum depression (both very valid concerns, but there is SO MUCH MORE to talk about!) I developed this course to act as your pelvic floor physical therapist guiding you through the first 6 weeks (or more) postpartum covering topics like diastasis recti, pain with intercourse, low back pain, cesarean scar massage, safe early movement and more to help women everywhere recover from labor without fear. Give the gift of pelvic floor and full body recovery whether you’ve had a vaginal or cesarean delivery!

Acts of Service

Some will say acts of service are even more thoughtful than any of the gifts listed above, and I can totally agree. The key to successfully performing an act of service is initiating it rather than waiting for the postpartum mom to ask. We as women do not tend to ask for help nearly as often as we need it.

So don’t ask…just do. Rather than asking “what can I bring you” state “I’m coming over within the hour, have a grocery list ready for me.” Now, obviously make sure your friend is ok with visitors and is home, but you get the idea. Be assertive!

1. Drop off a home-cooked meal that you KNOW she enjoys
2. Schedule a time to come over and do a few loads of laundry
3. Schedule a time to come over and clean her house or even just the kitchen
4. Schedule a time to drop off her package returns
5. Grab her grocery list and go shopping for her
6. Offer to baby sit ONLY if she shows a desire to get out of the house for a lunch date, date night, yoga class, hair color/cut, etc.

What was a gift or act of service you really appreciated postpartum??