Prenatal Massage or Salon Gift Certificate

Aches and pains are part of a normal pregnancy, which is why she'll really appreciate an occasional prenatal massage to soothe a sore back and aching legs and feet.  Ensure if you are thinking of getting this, splurge on a place that has top notch qualified massage therapists.  The wrong place can cause harm to mom or baby (there are many no no pressure points they should be aware of) so be sure to do your research on the best places in her area. If you are unsure, opt for a manicure pedicure at her fave salon, or a Dry Bar blowout. 

robertwilsonassociates/Nursing Hoodie

When you're pregnant, comfort is foremost in your mind. robertwilsonassociates offers adorable -- and on-trend -- hoodies that she'll wear all through her pregnancy and nursing months. The game changer is that these styles even look good when she is done with her nursing days!  Ditto for an array of colorful tank tops (in both classic and "swing" styles) that feel soft and comfy and are nursing-ready! And be sure to check out robertwilsonassociates's Relaxed hoodies. (She'll want to live in them!).  Gift cards are perfect if you don't know her size. 

Tip: If you want to step it up another notch, and you know she's planning to nurse, check out our Breastfeeding Gift Basket idea. 

robertwilsonassociates Cozy Hoodies stay stylish and smart for pregnany, nursing, and well beyond. Click the image to see more.

A Monthly Beauty Package

A subscription to a service like Birchbox ($10 a month) can provide something to look forward to each month of her pregnancy and will be perfect for a time when her beauty routine -- among other things -- is likely to undergo some changes.

Foot-Pampering Slippers

Carrying around all that extra weight can be tough on a mom-to-be's feet. Why not gift her with some soft, high quality, stylish slippers to provide comfort throughout her pregnancy? Ugg has some comfy and fashionable styles like their Coquette and Pom Pom slip-on styles. They're super-cute and offer a little support too.  She will probably be using these for a very long time. 

Help Her Communicate With Her Baby

Beginning at 20 weeks, a developing baby can hear sounds, and by the third trimester, her hearing is well-developed, so why not help the new mom-to-be communicate via a recorded message or soothing music using BellyBuds speakers, designed just for this purpose?

Maternity Photo 3-Session Package

Pregnancy is such a special time in a woman's life! Why not help her to document her growing belly with a series of professional pregnancy photo shoots. Book three shoots that show her at various points in her pregnancy. This is a keepsake gift that Mom, Dad, and growing child can enjoy looking at again and again throughout the years.  The frame worthy pictures will offer endless years of memories, and she'll be thanking you each time she looks at them.

Get Her an Unexpected Book About Motherhood

Chances are, she's already reading about how to care for her new baby on all the baby apps like What to Expect, Babycenter, and The Bump, but why not inspire her with a beautiful book about motherhood itself? Especially during the third trimester she will be resting more and more so a book will come in handy.  Real Simple recommends Waiting for Birdie by Catherine Newman, a touching and funny read about a mother's first years with her child. Another of their recommendations is Bloom, which was a New York Times Best Seller, and is touted as both a beautiful and inspiring story about motherhood.  

A Grocery Delivery Service

Umm yes sign me up!  This one of our favorites.  As the big day draws near, she's probably not going to feel much like grocery shopping, and she'll feel even less inclined once the new baby's at home.  A grocery delivery service timed to coincide with the last few weeks of her pregnancy or the first few weeks of new motherhood will be a gift she'll really appreciate. (Instacart, Peapod, and Amazon Prime and Fresh are a few good ones to consider.) . She can get all that she needs without leaving her couch!

Help Her Show Her Skin Some Love

As her belly grows, her skin can become tight and itchy. Some great products to combat those problems? Mum Bub products by Aden & Anais are all natural, soothing, ultra-moisturizing and gentle on stressed skin.  100% Shea Butter always is a good go to because she will be using it long after baby arrives and it is completely natural as well as extremely effective. 

Tip: Step it up a notch and make her a DIY Homemade Belly and Boobie Butter. She will be wowed by the thought and how delicious your concoction is! 

She's sure to appreciate the fact that you took the time and effort to help make her pregnancy as comfortable and enjoyable as possible! But making her feel special, pampered and supported is your ultimate reward!

"Wearing" a baby is not a new concept. It's something that women around the world have been doing for centuries. Even here in America, we know that native American women wore their babies in papooses on their backs so that they could go on about their work while keeping their babies close to them throughout the day. Of course, wearing your baby today is more in tune with the needs of both baby and mother, with carriers that support the baby out to the knee, in the same way you do when you hold him. Plus, today's front-facing carriers hold your baby against your chest, where you can attend to him and where he can sleep against the comforting sound of your heartbeat, the same steady, reassuring sound he's been hearing throughout his nine months in utero.

Better for Baby

There are physical reasons why wearing your baby is so important. Newborn babies have curved -- "c-shaped" -- spines, which make lying them on their backs for most of the day unnatural. In fact, too much time lying flat in a carriage, stroller or table-top baby carrier can actually lead to muscle-tone problems as well as flat-head syndrome (plagiocephaly). Because it's safer for your baby to sleep on her back, you really don't have a choice at night. But it makes perfect sense to limit the time she spends her waking hours in that position.

It's also better that babies with GERD be held in an upright position and also better for them to experience your full range of motion, which some experts say will lead to fewer space-related phobias later in life.

But perhaps the best thing about "wearing" your baby is that the baby gets to see more of the world, see your face and read your expressions, and retreat into his carrier if he's overstimulated. He's also receiving almost constant "touch", which is so important emotionally and psychologically as numerous studies have shown.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with using a stroller on occasion, and car seats are vital to keeping your baby safe in the car. But the majority of your baby's time is best spent close to your heart -- both literally and figuratively speaking. But what about the fact that babies need to nurse every few hours? Can you "wear" your baby and nurse at the same time? Yes, you absolutely can, but there are right and wrong ways to do that.

Breastfeeding While Wearing Your Baby

One of the wonderful things about breastfeeding while "wearing" your baby is that you're already right there so your baby doesn't have to waste energy summoning you. Just make sure you understand how to properly baby wear your newborn and breastfeed at the same time. Here are some important tips about nursing while wearing your baby:

• Support - Make sure your baby carrier is tight enough so that your baby can snuggle close to you. Avoid the carrier or wrap to be too loose that the baby slips down.
• Baby's Face is Visible - You should be able to see baby's face at all times. In order to breastfeed, adjust and cradle your baby so he is looking more upward rather than down because that can lead to spilled milk, and no one wants that! Readjust after baby is finished.
• Keep Baby Up High - Keep your baby's head close enough to kiss just by bending your head down toward him.
• Keep His Chin Off His Chest - Make sure that your baby is not curled so much that it presses his chin up against his chest since that can restrict his breathing. Keep a finger-width space between his chest and his chin as a guide.
• Keep His Back Supported - In an upright carrier, your baby should be held comfortably but firmly close to you so that his back is supported in its natural position and his chest and tummy are close to you. If a sling is too loose, the baby can slump which partially closes off her airway. You can check his position by putting your hand on her back and gently pressing on it. She should neither uncurl nor move closer to you. If she does, you need to readjust the carrier until the back is properly supported. While you're cradling him to nurse, his bottom should be in the deepest part of the sling, which will prevent him from curling too much and pressing his chin against his chest.

Make Your Job Easier With the Right Clothes

It's essential to wear a top that's made for nursing since it eliminates the awkward need to struggle with your clothing while you're wearing your little one. It's not easy to life your shirt up or down when already strapped in a carrier or baby wrap.  It's not only easier for you, it's also easier and safer for your baby who won't be subjected to your scrunched up sweater or tee pressing against the top of her nose, at worst restricting her breathing, and at best being uncomfortable for both of you! robertwilsonassociates has a beautiful selection of American made tops and dresses that are colorful, stylish, and designed to access each breast individually (or both at the same time) to make nursing as easy and natural as possible. 

Soft nursing tees and easy snap down tanks that keep the chest covered let baby have access to his lunch anytime and anywhere. If its cold, try the Bun Cozy Nursing Hoodie for the nursing convenience and uber mama style combined.

Kudos to you for nurturing your new baby in the most natural ways possible -- by baby wearing him as you go about your day and providing him with a nourishing meal at a moment's notice!

Learn more basic tips while baby wearing here.

Keep going mama!

Practice this little by little and you will soon have it down. If you are unsure, always reach out to a lactation center with IBCLC's to help you start babywearing while breastfeeding.

'Tis the season to start turning your thoughts to all the possibly unprepared new mothers in your life. Okay, so any season is technically birth-giving season, but no matter whether you are headed to the baby shower of your best friend, or thinking of a Christmas gift for your sister-in-law who is ready to give birth, there is one present that can never go wrong for the expecting new mom - a breastfeeding basket.

If you experienced never receiving one, a breastfeeding basket is filled with all those goodies that you wish you did have when nursing.

During those precious first few weeks of life, a mom's life is pretty much only about changing diapers and breastfeeding all-the-time. When a baby is attached to you almost 24/7, having all those little conveniences within reach is more useful than all the onesies in the world that new mothers usually get at a baby shower.

A new mom will get plenty of diapers and common baby shower gifts so we're doing this our way...essentials but with lots of fun mixed in!

What to Include in a Breastfeeding Basket

It starts with the Basket

When you choose the basket try for one that she can continue to use like a cute weaved storage basket, maybe one she can store some of the baby's toys in and then the basket will be around for a very long time.  A picnic basket is also sweet and creative for future times when taking her baby to the park.  This way she doesn't have to throw away that easter egg hunt looking basket you might have chosen at first.  

Instead of tissue paper to stuff the basket, try some recycled kraft paper or if you can do it, use turkish hand towels, burp towels, or Aden & Anais muslin swaddle cloths to cushion the bottom of the basket (she'll use all that stuff).  

No plastic cellophane is necessary if you are gifting this in a smaller setting.  You can easy place everything in there neatly, tape the items down if necessary, and a cute burlap bow is the perfect last touch.  Use a vintage hang tag as your card with a little handwritten note.

While steps should be taken to give a breastfeeding basket a little personalized flair, every breastfeeding basket should have at least a few of the following:

A Water Bottle 

Nursing is thirsty work. It is like that newborn is sucking all the liquid out of your body or something. One of the more useful gifts you can include is a big water bottle that she can keep right by her nursing spot.

It should also be a water bottle that is easy to open with one hand, or try some of our favorites like the ones by Swell and YETI. These keep drinks really cold and the ice doesn't melt.  They are high quality to last for a long time, have nice designs, are sure to last and she can always throw them in her diaper bag for when she leaves the house.

Nursing Pads 

New mothers leak. Many of them leak a lot. Throw in a few nursing pads so that they won't have to change shirts every hour.

Nursing pads come in reusable and disposable, as to which to include, that is completely up to preference.  Disposable are pretty great because she needs them and also you may not know what kind of reusable ones she will like.  

Breast Cream 

This might be one of those more awkward items, but as lovely as it is to think of your friend's newly chapped nipples, a hidden tube of breast cream in their breastfeeding basket will be sure to provide them some wonderful relief later down the line.

Give a small jar of coconut oil as an idea! Coconut oil works wonders for everything so this may be a perfect add on.  Also an organic natural option is Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Butter!  Go for Lansinoh as a basic option.

A Nursing Hoodie 

You know what is infinitely more useful and never included in the literal mountain of baby clothes you get at a baby shower? Quality clothes for breastfeeding mom. Especially because she may not be thinking of this or better yet, she hasn't discovered the awesomeness of it.

Being able to unsnap some buttons with one hand, and be ready to nurse or pump is so much easier than having to take half your shirt off. If she is going to be babywearing and breastfeeding she will also really need good nursing tops that can access the breasts easily while the baby is in the wrap.

So whether it is a cozy nursing hoodie or a easy to use nursing tank top, be sure to include some clothes for mom. They are the best gifts.

robertwilsonassociates's selection is not only fashionable, but functional with classic styles that are perfect for everyday use.  Yummy soft tee shirts, stretchy tanks, and uber comfy hoodies...this is basically thee ultimate mom uniform.  Your mom to be will be swooning over the softness and the styles that don't scream nursing top. In fact all the pieces transition from bump, breastfeeding, to well beyond for long lasting uses in her closet.

While basic colors are very much needed, adding a splash of color is always fun like blue for a boy or pink for a girl.  Grab a gift certificate if you're not sure what to choose.

Yummy Snacks 

Who doesn't appreciate the gift of snacks? No one, that's who! Throw in some healthy snacks as a basket filler. This can be granola bars, nuts, cookies, or anything that is both tasty and portable. Having individually sealed packages never hurt either, open containers are how you get ants.

We love those farm/local/fresh stores like Trader Joes where they have a great selection of chia nut bars (milk booster!), individually packaged almond snacks, and dried coconut and fruit snacks. All great quality, natural, and again...milk boosting magical.

Another trendy and neat gift option is an Instacart or grocery delivery service gift card.  Mom won't have to move a finger except to answer the door and she can order all her groceries online. How cool.  How seriously convenient.

A Book 

Nursing is occasionally really tedious, so it is helpful for new moms to have something they can do during it. While it might be tempting to include a baby book, mom probably has about a dozen coming to her from other sources. Also, no Frozen books please because you know we all know every song to that movie hahaha.

A book with big print is probably best as it can occasionally be really awkward to nurse and read at the same time.

If you know they love the beach try a coffee table book with gorgeous beach photos.  If they love fitness try a few copies of Oxygen, Self, and Women's Health.  Maybe they love food so something based on great restaurants in their city may be nice.

There are also lots of hilarious "mom books" out there like Can I Sit on Your Lap While you're Pooping?  Yep. Gotta just love that one.

A few more optional Add ons:

Wipes aka pronounced (WHY-PEEZ)

Cocoa or Shea Butter Stick

Amazon gift card so she can download some music or an ebook

Milk Boosting Tea

Lactation cookies or a written recipe

More diapers

Dry shampoo

A Tip on what not to Include:

Save your money on the Nursing Pillow - Nursing pillows are a pretty popular gift for baby showers, so you might want to leave the nursing pillow out of your breastfeeding basket lest your new mother friend ends up with half a dozen of them.

She really only needs one or two, and needs a high quality one instead of lots of lesser quality choices.  However, if you have talked it over with the ladies and no one is getting her one, it is a pretty useful thing to have one of but most likely she'll receive one.  The best nursing pillows are up there in price so leave this optional piece out unless you want to add in a high quality one which she will surely love.

Ultimately, a breastfeeding basket can be customized to the new mother's needs, making it the perfect gift. It peels away just one layer of stress, making nursing the peaceful bonding experience between mother and child that it should be.  Use this list for your inspiration to choose items to go in your gift that fit your budget.  She won't forget your sweet and generous gesture and will be thanking you for it every time she needs to nurse, which is every second of the day practically.

Are you the mom to be? Share this article with your significant other. 

All products we suggest or highlight are purely Non sponsored and just love because we like them!

Shop stylish Bun Cozy Nursing Hoodies

Shop Bun "Softie" Nursing Tee Shirts

Know a new mom to be? You might want to share with her New Mom Necessities for Packing Your Hospital Bag