A Postpartum Doula's Registry for the Fourth Trimester: The 'Newborn Must-Have' List You Actually Need
Why This List Exists
You’ve probably seen the endless newborn checklists—wipe warmers, bouncers, bottles in five sizes. But most of them miss the point. The real work of the fourth trimester isn’t about gadgets—it’s about recovery, rest, and rhythm. As a postpartum doula (and mother of two), I’ve seen time and time again what actually supports families during those raw, beautiful early weeks. This list is for you.
It’s part doula wisdom, part hard-earned experience, and entirely focused on your comfort and wellbeing—not just your baby’s.
What You Actually Need: The Essentials
Now, I’m frugal to a fault, so I prioritise second-hand or making-do. Some of these I had and was so grateful for. Others I went without—and deeply regretted it. That said, it’s not 1950—if a need surfaces after baby arrives, chances are you can have it delivered to your door within 24 hours. So I have focused on the bare necessities in this list. Enjoy!
Bedside Essentials
You’ll spend a lot of time in or near your bed in the early weeks, so set yourself up for success.
Water bottle (light-weight and spill-proof…why light-weight you ask? Well I nearly hit my 12-hour old baby on the noggin with a 2L water bottle and I’d like to save you all from that minor heart-attack).
One-handed, nutrient dense snacks (think bliss balls, muesli bars, dried fruit)
Nipple care items: boob comfort is one thing I’d rather you not leave to chance. Better they go unused during a smooth breastfeeding journey than spend even one painful night wishing you’d bought them sooner.
Burp cloths (a few of those old-school terry-towelling nappies are great for covering spilt or regurgitated milk in the bed, ‘cos let’s face it, 2am is not the time to be changing sheets!)
Sturdy pillows for support (breastfeeding, back, under knees)
A warm, low-glow night light for night feeds and nappy changes
Small tray or basket to keep everything within arm’s reach
Food & Nourishment
Nutrition is non-negotiable in postpartum recovery. Focus on meals that nourish, soothe, and fill you up.
Organise a Meal Train (or have your doula do it)
Stock your freezer with easy-to-heat meals
Buy a second freezer if you can (mine cost $100 on Marketplace and changed my life)
Prep snacks that can be eaten one-handed
Add clear contactless drop-off instructions to your meal train page
Your Feeding Station
You’ll be feeding for hours a day—make it enjoyable.
Create a feeding station in the main living space. When you’re not lying down, you’ll want to feed where you feel connected—whether in conversation with your partner, or watching your favourite TV show.
Supportive Seating: A comfortable chair/lounge with good back and arm support. Bonus if you can get your hands on a glider or rocking chair—great for settling, soothing, and saving your back. A footstool or ottoman will help with posture while feeding. And again, firm cushions for lumbar or arm support. You don’t need to buy new—check Buy & Sell groups or borrow from a friend. What matters is comfort, not aesthetics.
Bluetooth speaker, books, remote, and charger nearby
Don’t feel guilty for watching TV. It might not be very “earth mumma” to say it, but TV, books, and podcasts can help you settle into the long, repetitive rhythm of newborn feeding. Boredom leads to rushing—and we don’t want that.
Small table or basket to hold snacks, water, nipple balm, etc.
If you’ve got the essentials covered and you’re ready for deeply nourishing care, why not treat yourself or a loved one to one of my Fourth Trimester Gift Boxes—thoughtfully curated to comfort, nourish, and support new mothers. Order by emailing thebaysidedoula@gmail.com
Physical Recovery Supplies
Birth is big, no matter how it unfolds. Having a few key items ready at home can make all the difference in those tender early days. And these are relatively inexpensive so it’s worth having them even if they go unused.
More postpartum pads/undies than you think you’ll need — trust me on this one
Peri bottle (or a DIY squeeze bottle) for soothing perineal care
Nipple cream like Lansinoh, or Hydrogel discs.
Breast ice/heat packs — these are gold for engorgement or blocked ducts.
Multiple water bottles stashed around the house — I thought I’d always be at my “feeding station,” but I can’t count how often I sat somewhere else and felt that insatiable breastfeeding thirst hit. My partner got a little tired of, “Can you grab my water bottle… again?”
Paid Services
I know we’re living in a cost-of-living crisis—and as someone whose partner was out of work for five months, I get what it’s like to watch every dollar. But I also know that spending often reflects our values, culture, and what our community sees as a priority. Practices or services that feel like indulgences in one community are seen as essential in another.
When something is deeply valued, people find a way to prioritise it.
If it’s within reach (or on a registry), consider budgeting for:
Postpartum doula support (of course I’m biased, but… it’s worth it)
Cleaner — weekly or fortnightly makes a big difference
Meal delivery service or frozen meal prep
Pet-sitter or dog-walker for the early weeks
IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) — search for one close to you here.
Ask your family or friends if they’d consider chipping in for one of these services as a baby gift. More and more, people are waking up to the value of giving support—not just stuff.
Items That Make Life Easier
These aren’t essential, but if you’ve got a registry, gift vouchers, or a bit of wiggle room in the budget, these can lighten the physical load and save your sanity.
Clothes dryer – this was my baby #2 non-negotiable. It baffles me how many outfits a toddler goes through in a day!
Robo-vacuum – one less thing to think about
Side-car bassinet – safe co-sleeping, easy feeding access
Nice tray for meals in bed – turns daily rest into a ritual
Snail Nail – (seriously they should pay me as an ambassador for how often I recommend this! It’s just so good!)
Underarm thermometer – I found out the hard way: 13HEALTH and Emergency nurses don’t trust no-touch thermometers—they’ll ask for an underarm reading every time.
Extra phone chargers – at least one near your feeding/nesting zone
You don’t need every item on this list—but having a few comforts, some solid support, and a calm space to land can make a big difference. Borrow what you can, prioritise what actually serves you, and let go of the pressure to get everything ready ‘before baby arrives.’
And remember, you’re not meant to do this alone. Welcome your village—with clear boundaries and gentle guidance, their support can be deeply nourishing.
Before you go…
Remember, if you’d like personalised support to prepare your space, your mindset, and your village, I’d love to help. Get in touch to learn how postpartum doula support can ease the load and set you up to feel truly held.
