Let me take you back to when I was pregnant with my first baby. I was sitting at my computer, staring at this never-ending list of baby registry suggestions, feeling completely overwhelmed. There were gadgets I didn’t understand, products claiming to solve every potential parenting problem, and price tags that made my jaw drop. Don’t even get me started on the perfectly curated nurseries—each one more Pinterest-worthy than the last. It felt like there was this invisible pressure to not only have a baby but to make every aspect of their arrival Instagram-ready.

I remember thinking, *How am I supposed to afford all this? And do I even need half of it?*

Turns out, I didn’t.

The Consumerism Trap

Here’s the thing: the baby product industry thrives on convincing moms that more stuff—the right stuff—will make parenting easier. That special bassinet will magically make your baby sleep if you spend the $1,695 to get it. That high-tech bottle warmer will solve feeding struggles. And if you just have the right swing, the right diaper pail, or the right sound machine, you’ll finally have enough space and time to feel okay.

But here’s the hard truth: it’s a lie. Buying into it can leave you feeling even more isolated when those things don’t work. You start to wonder, What’s wrong with me? instead of questioning the narrative that told you these things would fix everything. And that isolation? It can creep into depression when you’re left alone with a crying baby and a room full of stuff that can’t give you the support you actually need.

Parenting isn’t about having the right gadgets. It’s about having the right people, the right knowledge, and the right care. So let’s talk about what actually matters.

Community-Centered Registry Items

Back when communities were tighter-knit, new mothers didn’t have to navigate this journey alone. Elders, neighbors, and friends surrounded them, offering guidance and practical support. Today, we have to seek out that village ourselves, but the things that truly make a difference haven’t changed.

Here’s a list of registry items that will actually support you as a new mom:

1. Birth Education

- Sign up for a high-quality birth class that prepares you for labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. Knowledge is empowering, and understanding what’s happening to your body can make a huge difference. Although I highly recommend finding a local birth educator with a well rounded course, any birth class is better than no birth class.

2. Lactation Support

- Visiting with a lactation consultant can be a game-changer if you plan to breastfeed. Add gift certificates for these services to your registry, or attend a prenatal breastfeeding education class.

In Wichita KS, you can find these classes at Latch Co. Another great resource is ICT Lactation’s online breastfeeding course or breastfeeding packages.
P.S. If you’re interested in seeing if your insurance covers Lactation Consultant services The Lactation Network is a great place to start.

3. Birth Doula

- Traditionally, a doula would be an aunt, sister, or friend who holds and supports you through your labor. Today, birth doula’s work to provide a steady, supportive, loving and knowledgeable pillar through labor. Birth doulas are proven to improve outcomes for mothers, including less epidural use, less Pitocin use, higher breastfeeding rates and lower labor lengths. If you plan to wait as long as possible for your epidural, or to go without an epidural this is a HUGE benefit for you!

Learn more about birth doula care here!

4. Quality Prenatal Care

- Midwives are proven to be the safest option for low-risk mothers. If this is something you are interested in, I highly recommend asking your family for support in paying for the provider you want.

5. Postpartum Doula

- When you consider the way mothers go from weekly prenatal checkups to giving birth and being discharged with a “see you in 6 weeks!” its no wonder postpartum depression rates are as high as they are. We deserve so much more. A Postpartum doula bridges this gap, providing emotional care and a steady, reassuring presence in those early days. From guiding you through baby care basics to helping you recover physically and emotionally, a postpartum doula ensures you’re not navigating this journey alone. They can ease the isolation by offering hands-on help with light household tasks, nurturing you so you can nurture your baby, and connecting you to other resources. In a time when so many moms feel unsupported, a postpartum doula brings the care and connection that once came from a village.

Learn more about postpartum doula services here!

6. Socialization with Other Moms

- Joining a mom group can give you the community and understanding you’ll crave. Add memberships or fees for local mom-and-baby meetups to your registry.

I joined Music Together classes with my two kids and absolutely loved it! Music is a great way to support your babies brain development, socialize with children their age, and chat with other mothers in the same life stages as you.

7. Baby Carriers

- A comfortable baby carrier lets you keep your baby close while still having your hands free. It’s practical, soothing for your baby, and promotes a secure attachment between caregiver and baby.

More on the benefits of baby wearing here!

8. Meal Preparation

- Whether it’s a meal train organized by friends or a professional meal prep service, having nourishing food ready to go is priceless.

Consider setting up your own meal train or asking family to share it for you.

9. Supportive Products

- Essentials like nursing pillows, postpartum recovery kits, and comfortable clothes for YOU (not just the baby). During the first forty days of your babies life you probably will spend a lot of time in lounge wear, soaking in those baby cuddles. Trading your husbands now milk stained T-Shirt for a nice pajama set can make a huge difference in your mental state!

10. Time and Love

- Encourage loved ones to gift their time: babysitting for an hour, folding laundry, or simply sitting with you for adult conversation when the baby blues hit hard.

Bringing It Home

Here’s the bottom line: You don’t need the fanciest stroller or the trendiest nursery to be a great parent. What you need is support, nourishment, and connection. The baby gadgets are nice-to-haves, but the village—that’s a must. If you’re ready to add birth education, a birth doula, birth photography, or a postpartum doula to your registry you can add Restorative Roots Doula by clicking this link.

So as you put together your registry, remember this: The stuff will only get you so far. What will truly carry you through the long nights and big emotions is the community you build around yourself. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. You’ve got this, and there are people ready to support you every step of the way.

Take a deep breath. Your baby doesn’t need perfect—they just need you.