6 Postpartum Essentials for Mom and Baby

Bringing a newborn into the world is a life-changing experience for every parent. However, the postpartum period can be equally challenging, both physically and emotionally. To make this journey smoother and more enjoyable, we partnered with Natalist, the destination for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum essentials, to curate a list of essential products designed to support and enhance the postpartum experience for both mom and baby.

1. Owlet Dream Duo 2: Sleepless nights and anxiety are an inevitable part of the early parenting phase, but Owlet’s award-winning Dream Duo 2 baby monitor can provide parents with much-needed peace of mind. This bundle includes the Dream Sock® which wraps gently around the baby's foot, tracking their live pulse rate, oxygen level, movement, wakings and more. Paired with the Cam 2 parents can see and hear their little one at any time over a secure network, monitor room temperature and humidity, receive cry notifications, and save and share video clips. The corresponding Dream App notifies parents with lights and sounds if their baby needs assistance due to a significant shift in their readings. With Owlet, parents can take comfort in knowing that their baby is sleeping well, enabling them to get some well-deserved quality rest during those first days, weeks, and months.

2. Postnatal Vitamin: A postnatal vitamin can be a great support for infant development and maternal nutritional needs.*1-5 The Natalist Postnatal Multivitamin supplement is specially formulated to support the unique dietary needs of mom and baby during breastfeeding. It offers 20 high-quality nutrients including plant-based DHA to support baby’s brain and eye development, choline to support baby’s neurodevelopment and brain function, B vitamins to support mama’s energy levels, and iron to replenish red blood cells.*4-7 Remember to always check with your healthcare provider before starting any new vitamins or supplements to make sure it’s the right choice for you!

3. Nip & Lip Balm: Designed specifically for pregnant and breastfeeding moms, this unscented moisturizing balm with shea butter, organic cocoa butter, organic argan oil, and organic coconut oil, conditions and soothes dry, cracked nipples, and lips. It’s free from lanolin and mineral oil and is pregnancy safe so mama can soothe sore nipples without worrying about their little one. Plus, there is no need to remove this nipple butter before breastfeeding!

4. Fiber Supplement: Ingesting a healthy amount of fiber is important during and after pregnancy.*8-11 Natalist’s all-natural, soluble fiber supplement is clinically-proven to relieve chronic constipation and hemorrhoids and support an overall healthy digestive tract – and it’s safe to use while pregnant or while breastfeeding.*8-11

5. Hydration & Energy Electrolyte Drink Mix: Hydration is key for a healthy postpartum journey.*12 This drink mix is specially formulated with key electrolyte ingredients including sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, and hyaluronic acid – plus B12 to support energy levels.*13 It’s sugar-free and a tasty alternative to water that comes in convenient, single serving, easy-open hydration packets.

6. Magnesium Supplement: Magnesium is a vital nutrient needed for a healthy body and can be very useful for newly postpartum parents.*14 Get your magnesium fix with this tasty drink mix, formulated with a blend of magnesium, calcium, and vitamin D3 to support relaxation, calcium absorption, and bone health.*15-17 Magnesium can also promote muscle relaxation and healthy muscle function, reducing the likelihood of muscle cramps and spasms.*18

References:

1. Derbyshire E, Obeid R. Choline, Neurological Development and Brain Function: A Systematic Review Focusing on the First 1000 Days. Nutrients. 2020;12(6):1731. Published 2020 Jun 10. doi:10.3390/nu12061731

2. Mayte Sanz Alaejos, Ph D , Carlos Diaz Romero, Ph D, Selenium in Human Lactation, Nutrition Reviews, Volume 53, Issue 6, June 1995, Pages 159–166, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753...

3. Iodine- Breastfeeding. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. April 2023. URL.

4. Saini RK, Prasad P, Sreedhar RV, Akhilender Naidu K, Shang X, Keum YS. Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs): Emerging Plant and Microbial Sources, Oxidative Stability, Bioavailability, and Health Benefits-A Review. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021;10(10):1627. Published 2021 Oct 15. doi:10.3390/antiox10101627

5. U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th Edition. December 2020. Available at DietaryGuidelines.gov.

6. Ankar A, Kumar A. Vitamin B12 Deficiency. [Updated 2022 Oct 22]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/b...

7. Milman, N. Postpartum anemia I: definition, prevalence, causes, and consequences. Ann Hematol 90, 1247–1253 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00277...

8. Singh B, “Psyllium as Therapeutic and Drug Delivery Agent,” Int J Pharm, 2007, 334(1-2):1-14.

9. James SL, Muir JG, Curtis SL, et al, “Dietary Fibre: A Roughage Guide,” Intern Med J, 2003, 33(7):291-6.

10. Singh B. "Psyllium as therapeutic and drug delivery agent," Int J Pharm. 2007;334(1-2):1-14.

11. Wald A, "Constipation, Diarrhea, and Symptomatic Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy," Gastroenterol Clin North Am, 2003, 32(1):309-22.

12. Bardosono S, Prasmusinto D, Hadiati DR, et al. Fluid Intake of Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women in Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Survey with a Seven-Day Fluid Specific Record. Nutrients. 2016;8(11):651. Published 2016 Nov 22. doi:10.3390/nu8110651

13. Tardy AL, Pouteau E, Marquez D, Yilmaz C, Scholey A. Vitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition: A Narrative Review of the Biochemical and Clinical Evidence. Nutrients. 2020;12(1):228. Published 2020 Jan 16. doi:10.3390/nu12010228

14. https://ods.od.nih.gov/pdf/factsheets/Magnesium-Consumer.pdf

15. Arab A, Rafie N, Amani R, Shirani F. The Role of Magnesium in Sleep Health: a Systematic Review of Available Literature. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2023;201(1):121-128. doi:10.1007/s12011-022-03162-1

16. Capozzi A, Scambia G, Lello S. Calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K2, and magnesium supplementation and skeletal health. Maturitas. 2020;140:55-63. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2020.05.020

17. Laird E, Ward M, McSorley E, Strain JJ, Wallace J. Vitamin D and bone health: potential mechanisms. Nutrients. 2010;2(7):693-724. doi:10.3390/nu2070693

18. Blancquaert L, Vervaet C, Derave W. Predicting and Testing Bioavailability of Magnesium Supplements. Nutrients. 2019;11(7):1663. Published 2019 Jul 20. doi:10.3390/nu11071663