Top 10 Items to Have After Childbirth

New mothers need more than diapers and wipes to get through those first few nights with a wonderful newborn screamer! Odds are that the new bundle is going to do more damage coming out than he or she did going in, so the best thing mommy and daddy can do is make the situation as comfortable and convenient as possible during those first post-partum weeks of healing. Here is a new mother's survival guide of the top 10 things that will create a more pleasant environment for the new family.

1. Rocker/Glider

Whether breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or simply relaxing, a rocker or glider is a great asset to any nursery. It helps any new mom to relax, connect with and even soothe her newborn during any time of the day or night. Some moms are not familiar with gliders which are basically new-age rocking chairs with cushions. She can choose between rockers, gliders with or without ottomans, gliders that simply rock or have an actual back and forth gliding motion, etc. Even though this is a personal preference, a new mom should take a little time researching. Great places to look for gliders and rockers in all price ranges are Walmart, Target, and Babies R Us. Even if one can be found in the store, and it is highly recommended that the new mommy check out her selection online and read the consumer reviews. They are a tremendous help when determining the longevity of this product.

2. Sleep Gowns

Contrary to what daddy may think, sleep gowns are for little girls and boys. With an elastic or drawstring opening at the bottom, these gowns make it extremely convenient to change a newborn's diaper in the middle of the night. Sleep gowns can usually be purchased anywhere baby clothes are sold.

3. Nursing Pads

When breastfeeding or attempting to do so, a new mother's milk will typically come in within the first week and oh mama, when it does she will know it. The breasts will become engorged, so big the newborn baby may not be able to latch on. When her breasts get this large, and this will happen often, she will leak milk from her nipples. This is where nursing pads come into play. They keep the nursing bra, clothes, and linens dry which gives mommy added comfort during this somewhat bumpy process. New mothers should remember to find nursing pads with adhesive so they don't fall out while she's sleeping.

4. Nipple Cream

Nipples bleed, nipples crack, they turn red, they burn, and it's no secret that they will hurt. In the initial processes of breastfeeding when a newborn is simply stimulating the breasts before the milk comes in, it is somewhat painful. I don't care how frisky her partner is, her nipples are probably not used to someone just about suckling on them every 2 hours, especially not to receive a tasty meal. Nipple cream with lanolin is great for this purpose and can be found at Walmart, Target, Babies R Us, and anywhere else that fulfills nursing supply needs.

5. Boppy Pillow

A Boppy pillow is a circular cushion with an opening in it. This is possibly one of the greatest baby inventions yet. It can be used as a support seat for newborn baby, breastfeeding support for mom and newborn, arm support for daddy if bottle feeding, and many others. It's also extremely helpful for traveling to family members' houses. Check out the link above for a visual and other cool ways to use this product.

6. Bouncer

Swings and bouncers are great for their ability to entertain a newborn; however, since swings are not recommended by most pediatricians until a newborn is six weeks old, a bouncer is the way to go. Bouncers are simply easily portable swings. They typically sit low to the ground and are best if they are colorful and engaging for the newborn as it will be used to occupy him or her when mommy and daddy are busy. Many mothers have found bouncers to be great additions when trying to catch a quick shower or cook dinner.

7. What to Expect the First Year by Arlene Eisenberg

Book two in the What to Expect series, What to Expect the First Year, is a great gift for any new mother. Of course a book cannot raise a child, however, it's more of an encyclopedia for newborns and their first year of life. It can help to ease a new mother's doubts about breastfeeding or assist in giving her newborn their first bath.

8. Receiving Blankets

The All Mighty Swaddle. It is quite likely that while the new mother is in the hospital, a nurse will show her the miracle of swaddling. It is a specific technique in which one wraps a receiving blanket around the newborn to give them the illusion of being in the womb and held close. A new mother will be surprised at how this can help in soothing a crying newborn and even make them sleep longer!

9. Diaper Warmer

There are different opinions on diaper warmers and whether they do more harm than good, however, I believe it's how you use them. Warmers are great for those middle of the night diaper changes when baby is sleeping and tend not to startle the newborn as much as an ice cold wipe. Spend time doing research as this is a fairly new device and still has some kinks.

10. Pacifier

Dun. Dun. Dunnn! Some mothers' most dreaded curse word. However, for mothers that choose to use a pacifier for their newborn, this is a great soothing mechanism. Some mothers find that the first brand of pacifier that their newborn is given, is typically the brand they prefer and will use.

Realize that just as new mothers are getting to know their newborns, he or she is getting to know them. Through all the lingering pains, anxieties, and uncertainties the number one thing she must remember is patience. Along with patience these top 10 are sure to create a more pleasant experience for mommy, daddy, and baby.