09/19/2026
As a seasoned postpartum doula, who has literally worked with hundreds of babies and seen it all, these are a few unpopular opinions:
You don’t need 20 different types of swaddles.
• A simple jersey + Muslin blanket will always do the trick. (It is my only MUST HAVE item when working with new families). You also won’t have to worry about the velcro wearing off after every wash and your baby ultimately breaking free.
The portable breast pump won’t be enough to establish/sustain your milk supply.
• I know it’s inconvienent to be hooked up to a chorded pump and stuck within a certain radius, but your pump needs to be hospital grade and plugged into an outlet to have a high enough suction to effectively remove milk. A portable pump should never be used as your primary breast pump.
The high-priced bottle sterilizer will take up more space, require you to buy more detergent tablets made by the manufacturer and monthly maintenance than it’s worth. Also, most lack the storage or capacity to run everything in one load. Which means you’d need to run more than one.
• If it’s up to me, I will hand wash every single bottle, every single time. Most require you to prewash anyway. Simply running a bottle/pump part load through your dishwasher will suffice.
Automatic formula maker machines could be the culprit for gas and other gastro issues.
• Most are known for causing extreme gas/constipation in babies because the water/formula ratio is often inaccurate. The machine also requires regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent the formula from clogging. If it’s up to me, I’m going to hand make every single bottle, every single time.
The baby product industry is a billion dollar industry in which thrives on anxious, unsure moms. They make you think these products will somehow make your life easier, they won’t. Sometimes quite the contrary.
Of course, I also believe in full parent autonomy and support whatever a family decides to buy. However, just know your worth should never be tied to high-ticket items. Your baby will love you regardless. YOU are enough🤍
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