Bag it or Bin it: Pregnancy and Postpartum Essentials You Actually Need (And What You Don’t!)
Pregnancy and postpartum can feel like a whirlwind of excitement, anticipation, and let’s be honest, a fair bit of overwhelm. Between finding the right products and getting advice from every direction, it can be hard to know what’s genuinely helpful for your journey into parenthood. But fear not—I've put together a list of what you should bag and what you can bin when preparing for pregnancy and life after birth. Grab your comfy chair, a cuppa, and let’s dive in!
Bag It: The Things You Actually Need
A Sling or Baby Carrier (and some babywearing knowledge!) Okay, this one is an absolute must-have! A sling or baby carrier allows you to carry your baby close, freeing up your hands for everything else you need to do. Not to mention, it’s great for bonding and helps settle babies who crave being close to you. Whether you choose a soft wrap or structured carrier, there are plenty of options that suit your needs. But here’s the key: it's not just about having a carrier—it’s about using it right. Babywearing can make your daily life so much easier, and it’s a great way to help your little one feel safe and secure. A proper babywearing consultation can ensure you’re using it in a way that’s comfortable for both of you. If you’re in the Bristol or Somerset area, consider looking into babywearing classes or consultations to make sure you're on the right track!
Postnatal Doula Support Yes, you read that right—postnatal support is an absolute game-changer. While everyone loves to pitch in during pregnancy, the postpartum period can be a lot more challenging (not to mention emotional and physically draining). A postnatal doula offers professional and compassionate support in your home, from helping with baby care and feeding to providing emotional reassurance. For families in Bristol, Somerset, and North Somerset, a postnatal doula is a fantastic resource to help ease the transition into life with a newborn.
Nutritious Meals If you’ve just had a baby, the last thing you’ll want to think about is meal prep (unless you’re a superhero). That’s why having nutritious, easy-to-prepare meals on hand is an absolute necessity. Not only will they fuel your body for healing, but a balanced diet will also help keep your energy up during those sleepless nights. Consider signing up for a meal delivery service or prepping freezer meals ahead of time. Having meals you can grab and go (or reheat) will make a huge difference in your recovery.
Hypnobirthing Classes When it comes to childbirth, preparation is key. And while there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach, hypnobirthing is a fantastic tool to help you feel calm, confident, and in control during birth. These classes teach breathing techniques, relaxation, and ways to manage fear. They also cover ways to advocate for yourself during labour, empowering you to have a birth experience that aligns with your wishes. For expectant families in Bristol and Somerset, hypnobirthing classes are a great way to connect with other parents-to-be while learning strategies that could make your birth experience a positive one.
Bin It: The Things You Don’t Need
The Rock It Product This "innovative" product promises to rock your baby to sleep. But let’s be real—it’s not necessary! If you're looking for something to help your baby settle, save your money. Babies do love movement, but the best "rocking" comes from you! Instead of investing in something you’ll likely never use, focus on soothing strategies like gentle rocking or swaddling (which can actually be better for sleep and bonding). Plus, they’re free!
A Perfectly Decorated Nursery Don’t get us wrong, creating a cozy space for your baby is lovely, but let’s be clear—your baby won’t actually be spending much time there, especially in the first few months. In fact, the safest place for your baby to sleep is near you, ideally in your room for the first six months (at least!). Instead of stressing over Pinterest-perfect nursery ideas, focus on making your own room comfortable and safe for baby. After all, you’ll spend way more time with your little one there than in a beautifully staged nursery!
Perineal Massage Oil Perineal massage is a technique some people use in an effort to prevent tearing during childbirth, but let’s be real—any oil you have at home (think olive oil or coconut oil) will do the job. There’s no need for fancy perineal massage oils. Focus on comfort, relaxation, and listening to your body instead of stressing over buying a special oil. If you’re unsure about whether this practice is right for you, chatting with a birth professional (like a midwife or doula) can give you the insight you need.
Conclusion: What’s Actually Important for Your Pregnancy and Postpartum Journey
Pregnancy and postpartum can feel like an overwhelming shopping list of products and advice, but with the right support and knowledge, it’s so much easier to navigate. Whether it’s a baby sling, nutritious meals, postnatal doula support, or hypnobirthing classes, make sure you’re investing in the things that will truly support your health, your well-being, and your new family dynamic.
As for the stuff you don’t need, well, you can safely bin it! Focus on bonding, self-care, and the essentials—because you’ve got this, mama!
For all the expectant families in Bristol and Somerset, we’ve got your back. Reach out for more information on hypnobirthing, postnatal doula support, or anything else to support you on your journey into parenthood.
Ready to prepare for a calm and confident pregnancy and postpartum? Contact us at New Birth Club for all the support you need in Bristol and Somerset.