8 Gift Ideas to Give to Breastfeeding Moms

Today’s breastfeeding mom is very blessed in the sense that there are a lot more breastfeeding-friendly products and services out available. This is thanks in part to the government’s campaign to promote breastfeeding, and especially because of the advocacies of local pro-breastfeeding groups and communities like L.A.T.C.H., Medela Moms, La Leche League Philippines, Babymama, The Breastfeeding Club and Breastfeeding Philippines (to name a few, you can go to Jenny Ong’s blog here for a more complete list of resources).

Pregnant women who choose to breastfeed early on, even before their babies are born, are more likely to breastfeed exclusively and for longer periods. They would probably do so all the more if they received more support from their families and friends. And what better way to show your support for your favorite breastfeeding Mama than by giving her a breastfeeding-friendly gift?

Here are some ideas to get you started: (Note: these would go perfectly as gifts for a breastfeeding-friendly themed baby shower!)

1. Breastfeeding pillow
As a nursing mom myself, this U-shaped pillow was a great help to me in my breastfeeding “career.” Although it is not a complete necessity (you can also use ordinary pillows to support one’s arms during breastfeeding), a breastfeeding pillow like those sold by Bosom Buddy would be a great gift for any breastfeeding mom. There are also breastfeeding pillows sold in major local department stores.

 

 

 

 

2. Washable breast/nursing pads
Nursing pads are especially helpful for moms when their milk supply has come in. They help absorb milk from leaking breasts, which in turn helps keep the nursing mom from embarrassing “wet t-shirt” (or blouse/top) moments.

I recommend washable pads as they are more economical, and ecologically-friendly. You could purchase a set of 6 or 12 pads for the mom-to-be, accompanied by a nice little bag for keeping the pads. You could even crochet or sew a bag to make it personalized!

Washable breast pads are available in most major department stores, like SM and Robinson’s.

 

3. Breastfeeding cover
Breastfeeding covers like bibs, bonchos, wraps and shawls are a great accessory for nursing mothers, and will help ease any newbie mom’s fears about breastfeeding in public. Some of the mommy-friendly brands which feature breastfeeding covers are Lilymoms, Indigo Baby, Eden, Mommy Matters, Nursing Mom, Plume and Proud Mama.

 

 

Click here to read more.

[previous|page|next]

 

 

4. Breastfeeding clothes
What woman would not be happy when gifted with clothes? Nursing wear especially can be quite costly, especially if one is dealing with more urgent expenses like hospital fees. As someone who has never owned a breastfeeding top or dress in my life (not yet, at least) I can safely say that if someone were to give me breastfeeding clothes as a present, I would definitely appreciate it!

Here are just a few cool, chic nursing wear brands: Eden, Mommy Matters, Plume, Bosom Buddy, Mamaway and Blissful Babes (available at Mama.Baby.Love.).

 

 

 

 

 

5. Massage for breastfeeding moms
I have personally never had one of these, but I would surely love having a free one as a gift. So far, Mom Massage is the only service provider I know that does these types of massages, targeted towards nursing and pregnant mothers. (If you know of any other breastfeeding-friendly massage service provider, we at SP would love to know – please leave your comments below!)

Treat your favorite “milky mama” to a free hour of soothing, relaxing massage therapy, and she will surely be overflowing with gratitude! (Come to think of it, all moms, nursing or not, deserve some touch therapy from time to time!)

6. Products that help increase one’s milk supply
You could give the special mom or mom-to-be printed “gift vouchers” which could let them avail of a 1-week or 1-month supply of your chosen product. Examples of these are Mommy Treats, lactation cookies baked fresh locally by mompreneur Paola Loot, malunggay capsules and other products with galactagogues (ingredients which help increase human milk supply, like fenugreek, asparagus, brewer’s yeast, malunggay and even guyabano.


 

 

 

Click here to read more.

[previous|page|next]

 

 

7. Books on breastfeeding
Being properly informed is one of the most important requirements for successful breastfeeding. Books that promote breastfeeding and perhaps even have illustrated guides are good gift ideas, especially if the mom you’re giving them to is a book-lover in the first place.

 

 

 

 

8. Baby sling or pouch
People should not be surprised to discover that most babywearing moms are also breastfeeding moms. Baby slings or pouches are great gift items because they help promote closeness between the mother and the baby, and can double as breastfeeding “covers” as well. In a way, they also “empower” the mother to bring and nurse her baby anywhere, and at any time.

Some popular brands of baby slings and pouches are Next9, Indigo Baby, SaYa (created by Blissful Babes founder Buding Aquino-Dee), and Maya Wrap.

Please take note though that while the items listed here would be a wonderful thing to have if you are breastfeeding, they are not essentials in the strict sense of the word, because all you really need to breastfeed successfully and happily are your mammary glands, your baby and proper information and support. Of course, it is always nice to give gifts to other people, especially if you know that that person is doing her best to give THE BEST  (breast is best!) for her child.

Note: The author of this article was not compensated in any way for mentioning the products or services listed.

Photo credits : breastfeeding pillow, maxi dress, massage, reading a book, mom and child