New Mommy Care Kit and #howsmama

Having a new baby is probably one of the most exciting things in the world!  New babies are so sweet and cuddly and they just smell so good.  In all the excitement, I think it's really easy to overlook the new mommy.  Today, I wanted to show you the little kit that I bring when I go to meet baby for the first time.  

(This post is NOT sponsored but I am using affiliate links and will get a small cut if you decide to purchase using the links.  Most of these items can be found at your local grocery store but I'm adding links for anyone who prefers online shopping.  Thank you for any support you give to my blog!)  

Being a new mom is absolutely exhausting!  I don't remember most of it because it was just a blur of constant exhaustion and hunger, especially when I was nursing!  I think the most important (obviously) thing to bring Mommy is snacks!  Here are the items that I like to bring:

1. Fruit and nut bars.  These are semi healthy and have good fats in them to hold Mommy over while she's nursing or rocking the baby without access to hot food.  These bars Fruit & Nut Bars by NutriGrain are a nice choice.  Mommy can get them with one hand while feeding baby at the same time or she can throw them in her diaper bag and have a snack while in the car between all those newborn appointments.

2. Nuts.  Healthy fats are not only a great way for a new mommy to stay full, but they can also help her body to create rich milk to help baby regain that usual one pound loss after being born.  My favorite (it's a local company so I'm biased) is Blue Diamond Lightly Salted Almonds.  I usually like a lot of flavors on my almonds BUT if Mommy is nursing, the baby might not like any wasabi or habanero that might get passed into the milk.  I think lightly salted is the perfect choice since there's a little flavor but not overly salty to make Mommy even more thirsty.

3. Trail Mix.  Again with the natural fats and fruit adds a nice sweetness without being an unhealthy treat.  I love the Second Nature ones since they are all natural.  But you could even get ones with chocolate chips or little chocolate candies for a treat.  I love snacks that require no refrigeration and are very portable!  Mommy can even leave this bag in the nursery and have a handful in the middle of the night if she needs a little boost of energy.

4. Oatmeal cookies with flax.  These filling little treats are great for a nursing mom!  Oatmeal and flax seeds are two ingredients that boost milk production.  If I have time, I will make lactation cookies for my mommy friends but my life gets really hectic and I love that these Kashi Oatmeal Raisin Flax Cookies are an alternative.

5. A yummy snack.  I know that everything else has all these nutritional reasons behind it but I like to add a nice yummy (usually crunchy and savory) snack too.  I mean, who doesn't just like a crunchy snack while watching TV?  I like Pretzel Crisps because they are flavorful and crunchy without too much guilt.  And they are good for dipping too if you are so inclined.

6.  A little something for baby.  Obviously you came to see baby and baby items are just so darn cute. I added these cute little football leg warmers to my kit for baby.  Stuffed animals, an outfit, little mittens, or burp clothes are all great little gifts too.

Optional items:
~ For nursing moms I like to give Medela Nursing Pads (they are the only brand that works for me) and Lansinoh cream.
~ A cute water bottle or insulated cup would be nice as new mommies get so thirsty.
~ Dinner or lunch.  I cannot stress how amazing pizza is because you can eat it with one hand and not worry about getting it all over baby!
~ A homemade gift certificate for free babysitting by you!

While you're there, don't forget to ask these questions (supplied from Also Known As Mama):
1. I know baby's great, but how's mama?
2. How are you REALLY doing?
3. Are you feeling overwhelmed?
4. Do you need any help?
5. Have you touched bases with your doctor/midwife since the baby was born?

I was so overwhelmed and depressed after having my oldest son.  My "friends" took my overwhelmed and hopeless comments to mean I was ungrateful or didn't want a child.  I had no idea that I was suffering from Postpartum Depression!  I thought it was the baby blues mixed with being tired.  I was so sad all the time.  I felt helpless and trapped.  I felt like I was failing as a mother.  I cried constantly.  I never want my friends to think that they have to suffer through this alone.  Ask you friends if they need help and REALLY mean it.  You could LITERALLY be saving someone's life.

If you are reading this and you feel like you have no one to turn to, you're wrong.  You have me.  Email me and I will help you through.  It's not all magic and sunshine like people make you believe but that's ok!  Just hang on and seek help!

Help spread the awareness!  You can print out this sign on Also Known As Mama's post and share your story or share a tip about helping a new mom or just share a picture of yourself holding the sign on Instagram so that your new mommy friends know that you care how they are doing.  It's the tiny little gestures that mean a lot when someone is low.  Go be a beacon of light in someone's day!


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