9 must-haves for expecting Canberra mums
Photo credit: Ellen June Photography, 2024 and 2025
Congrats, you're expecting a new baby! Or your bestie, colleague, or sister is! Despite the heartburn, fatigue, and pelvic-girdle-pain (if you know, you know...) I absolutely adored being pregnant. Check out my 9 must-haves for any Canberra mum-to-be below.
1. DIY Postpartum Recovery Kits
A postpartum recovery kit is a must. Pack a cute basket or nappy caddy with as many recovery items as you like. My essentials include disposable underwear (the Bubba Bump brand rocks) and some comfy slippers. Making Mama is a Canberra online business that covers everything from pregnancy beyond. Check out Making Mama's range of postpartum goodies here.
2. Nursing essentials
Nursing essentials can make a world of difference for any mum that wants to breastfeed. A stylish nursing pillow (I love my Milkbar and my Boppy - handed down over 10 years), comfortable nursing bras, a leak proof drink bottle, and reusable breast pads are all handy gifts. You might also consider a nursing cover or a set of nipple creams and balms for comfort during those early, tender hours, days and weeks. B eco family in Cooleman Court, Weston, has everything any new nursing mama will need, including gorgeous reusable nursing pads.
3. Meal Delivery Service
One of the most practical gifts you can give is the gift of a meal. If you don't have the skills or time to cook for you mum friend, services like prepared meal deliveries can take a huge burden off their shoulders, and are one of the most thoughtful postpartum gifts out there. Gym Meals Direct and Dinner's Ready are two Canberra local meal services to look into.
4. Spa or Massage Gift Certificate
Postpartum massages are not a luxury - but more of a necessity. Holding and carrying a baby in your arms for most of the day is hard yakka for anyone's back. A gift certificate for a postnatal massage or a spa day allows the new mum to unwind and heal, and mum can decide when she's ready to leave bub for a short period of time. For me that was 2.5 months - I yearned for a good shoulder rub from the moment my son was born! Bonus points if you can snuggle with baby while mum is getting her massage. My faves are Urban Fusion in Nicholls, and Hale Spa in Barton - but a good tip is to choose somewhere close to where mum lives, so they don't have to trek to far to get pampered.
5. Visit to a hair salon
Let's face it, getting your hair done is a luxury these days, even more so for a new mum. Even just as wash and a blow dry can be life changing. If you don't know where they usually get their hair done, a voucher for a wash and blow dry is perfect. You can't go wrong with Luna Sol in Forde - it's a calm, quiet salon with free parking, and their signature "Basin Ritual" includes a crystal eye mask. Very relaxing! Bonus points - you can book online, making things much more convenient.
6. Gift Certificate for a newborn photoshoot
Babies grow fast. One of the most meaningful gifts you can give a new family is a newborn photoshoot. These can be done in the baby's home, where everyone feels comfortable and relaxed, or in a studio (so no one has to clean up before the photographer arrives!). Get in touch with me at Ellen June Photography to organise a gift certificate for the new mum and bub, and mention this blog for 20% off an in-home or studio newborn shoot in 2025.
7. Cleaning or Housekeeping Services
When adjusting to a new baby, cleaning the house often becomes a daunting task that falls by the wayside, and rightly so! Gifting cleaning or housekeeping services shows you want to help lighten the load so everyone can focus on bonding with the baby and their own self -care. Blonde Homes has a specific Post-Natal Support package, and also offer babysitting, laundry services, and heaps more.
8. Pooch Care services
Was your furry friend your real first child? As much as I hate to admit it, my two pups didn't get the attention they deserved once my first baby came along. It becomes impossible to walk them daily, play with them, cuddle them, groom them... when you have a newborn infant on you day and night. Getting a local dog walker for weekly walks was such a relief - it reduced my guilt, and it improved the quality of life of my fur babies immensely. Check out The Bark Zone for dog walking services, and Central Bark Pet Styling in Mitchell for pet grooming and doggy day care.
9. Time & a listening ear
Not all gifts need to cost money, and my most favourite "gifts" were people giving up their time to chat and spend time with me - both in person and over the phone. Offers to help with baby care, run errands, or to push the pram while we stroll and chat were the most memorial gifts I received. Even if she's not up for visitors yet, the offer means a lot. So, don't underestimate the power of reaching out to someone with a new baby - they may not remember to respond to you until 3am - but I promise you, it means the world to them and is fundamental to their sense of community.
So there you are, my 9 post-partum essentials for any Canberran Mum!
xx Elle
Interested in a photo session with me? I'd love to hear from you!
ellenjunephotography@gmail.com
