family blog

  We spend 9 months buying gear for the baby. We buy swaddles , swings, and strollers. But we usually forget to buy anything for the person doing the hard work: You. The hospital will give you a " Peri Bottle " (a plastic squirt bottle) to help you clean yourself after birth. It is terrible. It requires you to be a gymnast to aim it correctly, and when you are sore and recovering, gymnastics is the last thing you want to do. The Upgrade: The Angled Bottle The Frida Mom " Upside Down " Peri Bottle is a genius invention. The Design: It has a crooked neck (like a duck). The Benefit: You just hold it upside down and squeeze. It aims perfectly where you need it without you having to twist or bend. It costs less than a lunch, but ask any mom who has used one: they would have paid $100 for it. Put it in your hospital bag today .

  Everyone buys gifts for the baby (onesies, diapers, rattles). But the person who just went through a major medical event—the mother—is often forgotten. If you have a friend who just gave birth, or if you are preparing for your own recovery, here is what is actually essential. The Physical Recovery Kit Peri Bottle: The hospital gives you a small one, but the "angled" ones (like the Frida Mom) are worth every penny. High-Waisted Underwear: Skip the cute lingerie. You need soft, supportive cotton underwear that sits above a C-section incision. Large Water Bottle with a Straw: Breastfeeding makes you incredibly thirsty. You need a one-handed water bottle (a straw is key) so you can drink while holding the baby. The Mental Recovery Kit Snacks: One-handed snacks like granola bars or lactation cookies are vital for 3 AM feedings. Streaming Subscriptions: There is a lot of sitting around. A Netflix or Disney+ subscription is a great gift.