When thinking about gifts for a Mom-to-be, think about what is going to make her work as a new mom easier.  No matter how many children someone has had, the first couple of weeks with a new baby can be daunting and overwhelming.  Anything that helps to ease the workload, gives mom that much more time to enjoy and bond with her new baby.

Here are some of my favorite gift ideas for a Mom-to-be.

Ergo Baby Carriers

Put the baby on the front, back or your hip. The Ergo does it all!

Price: $110-$140

These carriers are just the best.  Yes, they are higher priced than what you will find at the big box stores, but they are so worth it.  You can carry your baby from birth (depending on the size of the baby) well through toddlerhood.  These are so well made that even with multiple children you will only need to buy one.  They are comfortable and put the baby into an ergonomically correct position.  Plus, mom gets to be hands free!!  Ergo is running a special right now that if you purchase a regularly priced carrier, you receive an infant insert for free (check their website for participating retailers).

Boppy Nursing Pillows

Saves your back and arms.

Price: $25-$40

I know a couple of ladies who weren’t able to use a nursing pillow because of being long waisted and having small breasts.  However, for most women, a nursing pillow is wonderful for those first couple of months when your newborn wants to nurse constantly, for hours.  A Boppy can help to save your back, by preventing you from hunching over.  Plus, there are all kinds of super-cute covers!

Herbal Bath for Postpartum Recovery

Price: Depends on the numbers of baths.  However, enough for two weeks is $40-$80

There are many blends available. This bath is made by a friend who is a midwife and herbalist.

As a midwife, if a birth has gone well, part of our immediate postpartum care is an herb bath for mother and baby.  Most moms and babies love this!  The healing herbs help to heal the delicate perineal tissue, reduce swelling and stop bleeding.  They also help to dry up the babies umbilical cord.  Of course, check with your doctor or midwife before taking baths during the postpartum period.  I usually recommend a bath a day for mother and baby for ten days to two weeks.

Bravado Nursing Bras

Price: $30-$80

Nursing bras even come in pretty colors these days! Who knew? However, I'm betting she didn't just have a baby. Just a thought.

Yet again, you get what you pay for.  I’m generally not a fan of baby gear just for baby gear’s sake; however, a handful of decent nursing bras are a necessity.  At some point, the new mom is going to want to venture out into the world again (but not before two weeks, ladies, please) and when she does, she will probably want a decent nursing bra to wear.  Bras are clothing items that almost all of us wear almost everyday, so it makes sense to invest in good quality ones.  If you are not absolutely sure of the new mom’s bra size, a gift certificate is a great idea.

Your visit should not consist of you sitting and holding the baby while the new mom waits on you. See these dishes? They have your name all over them.

Help! With housework, other children, cooking, laundry.  New moms need to spend time resting and recovering from their births and nursing and bonding with their new babies.  They do not need to be worried about doing the laundry, cooking, or sweeping the floor.  Of course, everyone wants to visit and meet the new baby.  However, if you are visiting a new mom, take the initiative and do her dishes for her.  Or do a couple of loads of laundry.  Or take her other kids to the park so she and the baby can take a nap.  Another great idea is to have a dinner sign-up sheet at her baby shower.  Friends and family can sign up to bring dinners for the first month or so after the new baby comes.  Help like this can be the best gift ever!