Baby Shower Registry Recommendations for Baby and You. Tips from a Pelvic Health Expert.

Thinking about baby shower gift ideas?

Researching what you’ll need postpartum?

Don’t hold back in stocking up on things for both baby AND you. You're on a journey together, after all.

I’ve curated a few things that will be helpful to your body. From a healing and/or ergonomic standpoint. These items will help you avoid straining your body. This is crucial during this time of exponential change and growth.

Important note— I am not sponsored or affiliated in any way with the products I’m suggesting.

A Sit-to-Stand Desk

In general, I’ve seen that Costco has some good options.

Neither sitting nor standing for long periods of time is beneficial for our bodies. We all know how easy it is to sit in a way that strains your body. But it's also easy to stand in a way that puts stress on your joints and cardiovascular system. Mixing it up, at least every 2 hours. Walking breaks always helps too.

Quick Pregnancy Ergonomic Checklist:

• Computer/laptop at eye level

• Elbows slightly above your wrists

• Wrists neutral

• Neutral Pelvis

Knee-high Compression socks. 

Your compression socks need to be at least 15-30 mmHg of compression strength. War them if you expect to stand or be upright > 2 hours at a time. These can help promote blood and edema from pooling uncomfortably in your feet and legs. Sockwell has some great products. 

Postpartum Pants

These are like the opposite of pregnancy pants. Instead of being elastic and stretchy at the top, they have a little bit of compression along the midriff. I don’t recommend wearing these all the time or anything. But I  love giving the body some extra support as the abdominal fascia re-approximates. Pants like these avoid putting too much pressure on the pelvic floor too soon. They are great to wear if you know it’s going to be one of those days where you're lugging baby +  car seat + gear in and out. Follow up doctor's visit days.  I honestly got all my maternity clothes for less than $50 total by thriving. But splurged on 1 pair of these pants for the postpartum era. 

Firm Breastfeeding Pillow

If you plan to breastfeed, then a firm foam breastfeeding pillow is KEY. I’m frugal by nature. I knew the infant nursing era wasn’t going to last forever. Ao, I resisted spending any money on something age-specific. But, when a friend loaned me hers- I was amazed at how much of a game-changer it was. Soft pillows just flop around and avalanche themselves around with wiggly nursing babies. Once you finally get the latch established, you end up with a totally rounded back. You're in an uncomfortable position for up to 45 minutes! A firm foam pillow makes it easier to stay upright or even recline a little bit while nursing. The My Brest Friend brand helped me so much. But any firm foam pillow would likely serve the purpose just as well.  

Cliff Bars

You can purchase these in bulk at Costco. Here’s why I love them for that postpartum era:

After your baby is born you are exhausted.

Even precooked, frozen meals take some effort to thaw and assimilate. Clif Bars have a lot of nutrients. They're simple enough to eat even when you're zombied out.An extra perk is that you can devour one quietly. If your baby falls asleep in your lap, you can eat it without worrying about the crunchy sound waking them up. Because they are soft, you don’t have to worry about crumb clean-up either.

Supportive shoes. 

I like Altra and Chaco. But honestly, any shoe with these qualities will work:

• Arch support
• Zero drop (meaning the angle of the bottom of the shoe is ground level, and not tipping you forward at all)
• A wide toe box to allow your feet to splay.

These features are great for both pregnancy and postpartum

Big water bottle with a straw. 

It’s easier to stay hydrated this way.  Just fill up a water bottle in the morning and then sip on it the whole rest of the day. Sometimes, postpartum little things like refilling a water bottle feel like a victory. But staying hydrated will help you feel better and heal faster.

3-4 Mini-Potties

This one is for your kiddo. I know it’s hard to think past the diaper stage. But I’m a firm believer in giving your kid as much agency in their own life and autonomy as possible. All kids are different, but some can have sphincter control starting around 12 months. I like this article, by Johns Hopkins Medicine. It has all sorts of tips and tricks about potty training. Once you do start the process it’s nice to have a mini potty in each main room. This allows you a greater chance to “making-it” in time. 

Home Fitness Equipment for the Postpartum Era

BOSU

This is for at least 3 months postpartum. But these things are great for total body workouts & balance training. You can work a lot of your body in a little amount of time. Feel free to reach out if you want any ideas on what to do with it. Also, babies love to climb around on them.

TRX

This is for at least 3 months postpartum. But these things are great for total body workouts & balance training. You can work a lot of your body in a little amount of time. Feel free to reach out if you want any ideas on what to do with it. Also, babies love to climb around on them.

Stationary Bike

Sometimes, your only chance for cardio is when baby naps. It's nice to have a weather-proof option. I don’t recommend hanging out on a bike seat until 4-6 months postpartum. You don’t want to restrict blood flow to your healing pelvic floor, especially if you had stitches). But it can be really nice to have on hand.

Erg

Same concept with this machine. Quick, accessible cardio while baby naps.

You Deserve It

Glennon Doyle writes about how the world needs more women who are self-full and don’t feel “self-ish.” I think asking for things for you (or even calling it a baby and mother shower) sends a sweet message. You are still you. And you may have extra needs once your little one arrives.