Breastfeeding Care package ideas – gift basket ideas for nursing moms.

Looking for a unique and thoughtful way to support a new mom? Consider making her a breastfeeding care package.

Babies are spoiled at baby showers, and although mom might get some gifts for herself, a breastfeeding care package that focuses on one of the more stressful (yet rewarding!) parts of being a mom is an amazing way to show support and love to a new mama.

A breastfeeding care package addresses a need that isn’t often filled: products to support a new mom in her breastfeeding journey. From items that will make nursing less painful, to things that will help mom feel more confident in her role as primary nutrition provider, a care package focused on breastfeeding can give a boost of support and joy to a new mom.

We can’t write this post without adding an important warning. Do NOT send a breastfeeding care package to a mom unless you are 100 percent sure that she is breastfeeding her baby. Not only would a breastfeeding care package given to a formula feeding mother be useless, it could also be a sensitive subject that could be upsetting.

The best way to address this is to ask the mom directly:

“I am bringing/sending you a care package and I want to make sure that I’m getting you things that are useful. Are you breastfeeding or formula feeding your adorable new baby?”

Another great question to ask is if mom has any allergies or aversions that you should be aware of.

Once you know for certain that mom is breastfeeding, here are some amazing ideas to get you started.

If mom isn’t breastfeeding, here are some alternate care packages to consider:

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How to Package Your Breastfeeding Care Package

Adding some extra touches to your breastfeeding care package will make it even more fun for mom to open. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make a care package look professional. Here are some simple ideas to make your care package shine.

Create a special box: You can buy adorable boxes on Amazon that you can decorate with markers or repurpose a box you have at home with colorful craft paper or encouraging stickers.
A basket: I always love to give care packages in a container that is reusable! You could put your breastfeeding care package in a hyacinth storage basket, a gorgeous rope basket or a stylish wire basket.
A bag: It would be fun to put breastfeeding necessities into a diaper bag like this fun backpack, or a useful tote bag.
Filler: If you use a basket, some sort of filler like shredded paper is a necessity. You could also line the bottom of your box or basket with a cute patterned baby blanket (useful and cute!).
Ribbons: A twist of ribbon can be just the finishing touch for an adorable care package. You could use a sweet gingham ribbon, sheer organza ribbon or my favorite, a rainbow sorbet felt ball garland (that can be re-used as future party decor!).

What to Put in Your Breastfeeding Care Package

Now that we’ve got the outside of the breastfeeding care package covered, let’s work on what to put inside.

One of the best things about gifting a care package is that you can customize it to the recipient AND your budget. Choose one or two items, or fill a whole basket if you’d like! Here are some great products to put in your breastfeeding care package.

1) A super cute nursing cover (we love the ones that double as a chic scarf!) – This soft scarf can easily be transitioned to a nursing cover. It comes in several colors and would make a great addition to a breastfeeding care package.

2) Lactation cookies – You can’t go wrong with a tasty treat that can also help increase milk production. You can buy some premade lactation cookies for immediate eating and a mix packet (or two) for mom to whip up later. (There are several varieties to choose from). Or if you’re a bit of a baker, you could try making some yourself – check out our lactation cookie recipes for inspiration 🙂

3) Chocolates – Being a new mom + breastfeeding is exhausting. I love the idea of including a special “just for mom” chocolate indulgence in a breastfeeding care package. Make sure you let her know they are just for her, no sharing allowed!

4) Lactation Tea – This tea is perfect for a breastfeeding care package because it is soothing and also helps increase milk supply. You could pair it with a funny new mom mug like this one.

5) Cute waterbottle – Breastfeeding moms need to drink plenty of water. A cute but functional water bottle would be a great addition to a care package for a breastfeeding mom.

6) Spill proof coffee flask – Help a breastfeeding mom replenish energy with an insulated coffee flask that won’t spill while she’s nursing.

7) Washable nursing pads – Not only are these nursing pads soft and washable, they also add some whimsy and fun with adorable fabric patterns. These are a useful addition to a breastfeeding care package.

8) Nightlight for Nursery – Having the right amount of light while you’re breastfeeding at night makes a huge difference. This adorable fox nightlight will serve as a cute decoration in baby’s nursery during the day, and a helpful light that mom can use when nursing at night.

9) Boobie Tubes – This product can be used by a nursing mama in a number of ways. They are organic cotton tubes filled with flaxseed. They can be heated up in the microwave and placed them on breasts to encourage milk flow or prevent mastitis and alternatively put into the freezer to soothe sore breasts.

10) Lactation massager – The vibrations from this massager helps to clear up clogged duct and many users report that using it while pumping helps them to pump more milk. This unique product is an excellent addition to a breastfeeding care package.

11) Nipple cream – Nursing can do a number on your nipples. This nipple cream is 100% organic and will provide relief to a breastfeeding mom.

12) Nursing/teething necklace – Even though it looks like a fashion statement, the Lofca Teething Necklace is more than just a pretty accessory. The silicone beads are safe for babies to chomp on when they are teething.

13) A breastfeeding bracelet – Lactation consultants advise new moms to alternate feeding from each breast. But when you are seriously sleep deprived sometimes the execution of this suggestion doesn’t go so well! This bracelet is a simple (and cute!) solution to the problem. Moms can switch the “This Side Next” bracelet to the corresponding arm while nursing so they easily know which side to nurse on at feedings.

Pre-made Care Package Options

If you don’t have the time (or desire) to create your own breastfeeding care package, Etsy has some delightful options that are ready to ship.

Myrtle and Maude Breastfeeding Bundle – This bundle is filled with thoughtful gifts perfect for a breastfeeding mom. It includes a special tea blend called “milk flow,” reusable bamboo breast pads (in the cutest illustrated bag), and a soft muslin cotton washcloth/burp cloth for baby.

The Breast Friend Breastfeeding Survival Box – This box has the breast (HA!) products to help support breastfeeding, is adorably packaged and includes a handwritten gift card! From Mother’s Milk tea, to a nursing cover and lactation cookies, it is a breastfeeding care package that covers all of the necessities. This would be a wonderful option if you don’t have time to put a care package together yourself.

Breastfeeding Mom Gift Box – This fun little gift box includes a few items for mom and a few items for baby. Mom’s gifts include Nursing Mama Tea, reusable nursing pads and nursing balm, and baby gets handmade goat soap and a wet bag.

What NOT To Include in A Breastfeeding Care Package

Even though the old adage says, “It’s not the gift, but the thought that counts” there are definitely some items that do not belong in a breastfeeding care package!

Baby formula: Even if you think it is good to have baby formula on hand just in case, a nursing mom will not appreciate a product that doesn’t help her get closer to her goal of nursing. It would kind of be like gifting a giant rock to someone about to parachute out of a plane!
Heavily scented lotions/candles: They are normally a lovely gift, but they could have a bad effect on the sensitive lungs and skin of babies.
Alcohol: Trade-in that celebratory champagne for some bubbly cider since breastfeeding moms usually prefer to avoid liquor.

The Final Word

In those first exhausting and precious months after giving birth, a mom will appreciate any gesture of support. However, a breastfeeding care package has the potential to make a big impact on a mom who is learning the ropes of a beautiful (but sometimes difficult) part of motherhood.

Providing supplies like the ones suggested above will encourage and comfort a nursing mom. A breastfeeding care package is a special way to show a new mom that she is loved and supported.