Society today places way more emphasis on fancy baby gear and accessories before a baby is born. But what parents really need in postpartum is less stuff and more support.

With quite a few family and friends with babies on the way, I decided to share 5 services I think every parent should include their baby registry. You’ll notice rather than listing items, I’m sharing ways we can all support new (and seasoned) parents in postpartum!

1. Doula Support

A doula is a trained professional who can provide physical, emotional, and educational support to a mother and their partner before, during, and after birth. They are a comforting presence, listening ear, and continuously offer encouragement and support. Doulas can help ease your transition in many ways including:

• Light housework
• Meal prep
• Help with baby while parents rest
• Help with siblings
• Share newborn care techniques
• Educate on how to support recovery in postpartum
• Feeding education (many doulas have a lactation counselor certification!)

You can find a local doula on Doula Match or ask for recommendations from friends and family who have had them with their babies.

2. Lactation Support with an IBCLC (Board Certified Lactation Consultant)

While breastfeeding is natural, it’s also a learned skill. And unfortunately it isn’t always straightforward and may not go the way we expect. Even when you do all the *right* things, you may still experience challenges. It’s not your fault, you’re not doing anything wrong, and you and your baby aren’t broken. These things happen!

Which is why if you’re pregnant, I encourage you to sign up for a prenatal breastfeeding class, establish a relationship with an IBCLC before your baby arrives, and join a mom group (there are La Leche League Support Groups all over the US and they’re free to join!).

IBCLCs can help you navigate breastfeeding, protect your milk supply, identify if there are any underlying concerns, figure out pumping, or the best alternative for you and your baby.

You’ll have a better understanding of what to expect and you’ll also set yourself up for support when your baby arrives! You can find an IBCLC through the Lactation Network and figure out if you have these services are covered through your insurance!

3. Meals, lots of meals!

Between adjusting to your new normal, learning your baby, and the exhaustion you will feel, having comforting and nutrient rich foods made and ready to go when baby arrives is soooo essential to your postpartum care. Adding a meal train to your registry can help alleviate some pressure and allow friends and family to help! You can also include gift cards to your local grocery story or food delivery services like UberEats, Grubhub, and/or DoorDash.

4. Dog Walking Services

If you’re a pet owner, having friends and family who can help feed and walk your fur children can be extremely helpful too. This way you can make sure they’re also getting the love and attention they’re accustomed to having and you can rest and care for your newborn. Don’t forget to add this service to your registry!

5. House Cleaning Services

As hard as it may be, know that it is okay to ask for help around the house! When friends and family visit to check in on you they can also wash a few dishes, vacuum, or help fold the baby’s laundry. If you thought you already had lots of laundry, just wait till’ baby arrives! You can add a house cleaning coupon to your registry! These small acts of service can take one responsibility of your shoulders, reduce stress, and create peace of mind. Adding hired help can also be an alternative option. You can let the cleaners know what exactly needs to be cleaned without worrying what they may think.

Thank you for checking out these recommendations! I hope they inspire you to change the way you create your baby registry today! More focus on supporting you so that you can focus your energy on supporting your baby.

Wondering what other support services and/or products you will benefit from and actually use? Or what items you can ditch? Grab my Preparing for Postpartum – The Ultimate Checklist it includes it all and more!