What would be in the ideal breastfeeding giftbasket?

• * A sling - so your little one can sleep & feed easily while out and about.
• * Booby tubes - gel-free, used hot or cold, these are a real help with blocked ducts, mastitis or engorgement.
• * Nipple cream - hopefully it's not needed, but if it is, it's great!
• * Some saline solution - can help with sore nipples
• * Muslin Cloths - you could have a million of these and still there would be none near you when you need one.
• * Nursing Pads - for me these were essential!
• * Freezer bags for expressed milk - these will be handy later if she decides to express.
• * Nursing Necklace - a special one for a newborn, a fun jingley one with bells or a pretty gem one for mama…
• * Reminder Bracelet - after a while you know by doing a quick grope, but many new mums find bracelets a handy way to remember which side is next…
• * Cute baby tee-shirt - go for a bold, bright lactivist print, a breastfeeding symbol one, or a cute understated one. (someday soon you'll be able to get breastway merchandise...)
• * A nice dressing gown - for receiving guests, so she won't have to get dressed in a hurry!
• * A voucher for figleaves.com - great selection of nursing bras
• * A breastfeeding cushion - There are a few types to choose from, some popular ones are: Boppy, My Brest Friend, Big Flopsy
• * A nursing rocking chair with stool - This was the best present we got. I'm not sure how big your basket is but if you squash really hard, it just might fit in

Books & DVD's

• * "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" by LLL - great reference book
• * "The Baby Book" by Dr Sears.
• * "What Mothers Do (Especially When It Looks Like Nothing)" by Naomi Stadlen.
• * "The Nursing Mother's Companion" for its comprehensive medication section and matter of fact advice
• * A cute kiddie's breastfeeding book like "Breastmilk makes my tummy yummy" - read it to baby while nursing
• * Dr. Jack Newman's "Visual Guide to Breastfeeding" DVD - a wonderful visual aid for nursing mums

A little card with information on it like…

• * information about where to find breastfeeding support - see our links and resources
• * Research any other breastfeeding groups in her area and write down the details for her on a card, maybe offer to go to one with her.
• * A card with your name & number and the message "Call me anytime, day or night".
• * A few websites you find helpful such as http://www.thebreastway.ie

Food & Drink

• * A packet of oat cookies - to help with milk production & because they're yummy.
• * Some snacky treats that you know the mama loves…
• * Some frozen meals so the new mama doesn't have to cook - in a cooler beside the giftbasket methinks!
• * Subscription to a weekly organic fruit & veg box.
• * A reuseable water bottle - to keep mama hydrated
• * Some Mother's Milk tea.

Ways to pass the time…

* DVD's, a subscription to a cable movie channel or a subscription to a DVD rental site - to watch while feeding or when the baby will only sleep snuggled in her arms

* A couple of her favourite magazines, how about a subscription so her favourite mag will arrive each month.