Mom Gear Deep Dive

Disposable nursing pads
Recommended: PureTree Organic Nursing Pads* or Bamboobies (large box)
Whether or not you plan on breastfeeding, your breasts will leak after your milk comes in. During the early weeks I preferred disposable over reusable ones; they were easier to change throughout the day, and I didn’t have to keep up with washing them. I primarily used Bamboobies which have a top sheet made from natural bamboo. However, they are not organic, so I would also consider trying out the PureTree brand.

Reusable nursing pads
Recommended: Kindred Bravely Organic Nursing Pads (1-2 sets)
Once my milk started to regulate, I liked reusable nursing pads. They were a little softer and are definitely a more sustainable option. I recommend having one set on hand to see which you prefer.

Breast comfort
Recommended: Lansinoh TheraPearls (2 sets), Silverettes* (1 set)
I was definitely underprepared for how painful the first few weeks of breastfeeding were with Miss F (due to both Miss F’s latch issues—helped by a Lactation Consultant—and by milk levels regulating). If you plan to breastfeed, having a few comfort measures on hand is wise. The Lansinoh Therapearls can be heated or frozen and provide a lot of comfort. Silverettes are essentially nipple covers to shield your sensitive nipples from your bra or nursing pad. An added bonus is that silver is naturally antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal, making it naturally soothing. While I did not know about Silverettes when nursing Miss F, I have now heard incredible reviews of them and am confident they’re worth the investment.

Nipple cream
Recommended: Mama Natural Nipple Cream, Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter* or, as needed and approved by pediatrician, pure lanolin
If you do plan to breastfeed, your nipples will go through an adjustment period with a little (or in my case, a lot) of soreness. Lanolin is often touted as the very best option for soothing and protecting sensitive nipples. When nursing Miss F I tried several options and did find that lanolin was the best solution for me. However, I now know that even pure lanolin is typically contaminated with a lot of nasty chemicals. Lanolin is made from wool, and unless sheep are organically raised, they are sprayed with pesticides to mitigate mites. Lanolin can also be distilled with chemicals that you likely wouldn’t want ending up in your baby’s mouth. You can read more about the dangers of lanolin here. Now, with that being said, lanolin may be the only thing that works for you for the first few days, and I honestly would be willing to use it for a short amount of time. However, with Miss E I used the Mama Natural Nipple Cream from the start, and it worked great for me. I love that it includes probiotics to help repair and restore damaged nipples!

Water bottle
Recommended: Stanley 40 oz Adventure Quencher
The hospital will likely provide you with a giant water cup, and it’s a lifesaver while you’re figuring out life as a new mom. Its two key features are a handle and a straw, so you can easily drink one-handed. It’s also quite large, so you don’t have to refill it very often. However, it’s also plastic, and while microplastics are probably the last thing on your mind in the early sleepless days, it is a great idea to reduce your exposure, especially while your hormones are regulating. Stanley makes a fabulous stainless steel tumbler that has all the same key features—handle, straw, large volume—so I recommend having one of these on hand (and even taking it to the hospital with you).

Additional postpartum care
Recommended: Frida Mom peri bottle, Rael diapers and pads, unscented witch hazel* and large organic cotton rounds* (or Tucks), Earth Mama Herbal Perineal Spray, unscented epsom salts, Burt’s Bees Sensitive Facial Cleansing Towelette Wipes
No matter how smooth of a birth process you have, you’re still going to be sore and have likely a little trauma “down there.” While the hospital will likely provide you with some supplies, like the stereotypical mesh panties, they’re typically not non-toxic or convenient options. Rael makes great organic cotton diapers and pads (traditional ones have lots of icky chemicals), and the Frida Mom peri bottle is angled perfectly (much easier to use than the standard hospital-issue version). Unscented witch hazel with organic cotton rounds are soothing; I personally used Tucks after both births as they are “natural enough” for me. Earth Mama’s Herbal Perineal Spray is a good substitute for Dermoplast. My midwife also recommends epsom salt baths to promote healing (be sure to clear these with your own midwife or doctor, though). Finally, I loved Burt’s Bees face wipes for days when I didn’t have time to fully wash my face.