3 Underrated Services for New or Soon-to-be Moms to Consider

As an expectant or new mom, you have probably spent the past nine months planning for the arrival of your sweet baby. From shopping for a crib and changing table to stocking up on diapers and plenty of onesies, you have been pretty focused on doing everything you can to get ready for your infant.

In addition to these common and important supplies and baby-related paraphernalia, there are a number of innovative services that can help you and your new baby. While they don’t typically get as much attention as other products, they are definitely worth looking into.

Infant Massage

For centuries, a number of cultures have used infant massage as a way for parents to understand and connect with their new babies. According to Infant Massage USA, learning how to massage your new baby can help you to learn your newborn’s nonverbal language and respond with love and respect. Infant massage may also help your baby to grow and develop better, and it can be very relaxing for both parents and their infant. If you would like to give baby massage a try, check out the Infant Massage USA website to find classes near you; the organization is endorsed by leaders in the field of child development and works in partnership with the International Association of Infant Massage.

Cord Blood Banking

If you are still expecting your bundle of joy, you might want to look into banking your baby’s cord blood after delivery. The umbilical cord contains stem cells that can be used to treat your baby as he or she grows into a teen, and perhaps into adulthood. In your search for the best cord blood banking company, consider the different costs and services that multiple cord blood banks provide. For example, it is important to find a cord blood banking service that is an AABB accredited lab, and that provides up to 20 years of storage with no annual fee. Also look for a cord blood bank that collects as many stem cells as possible. While some services collect enough stem cells to treat a child up to 65 pounds, others can gather enough to treat people with certain health conditions up to 165 pounds.

In-home Lactation Consultant

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things on Earth. The only problem is that both mom and baby are newbies, so it can take some time for both of you to get the hang of it. If you would like to nurse your newborn but would like an experienced coach to help both of you with the process, consider hiring an in-home lactation consultant.

A lactation consultant will help with any pain you are experiencing with nursing—a bit of discomfort at first is normal but in general, nursing should not hurt—as well as a number of other issues that are common to new moms. He or she can also help with babies who are having trouble learning how to latch on, and/or who are fussy about the nursing experience. You can ask your OB/GYN about a local lactation consultant or check the International Lactation Consultant Association’s website to find one in your area. A lactation consultant should be certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLE), which is the gold standard for lactation support.

Congratulations on your new bundle of joy!

Becoming a mom is a wonderful and life-changing experience that can also feel overwhelming at times. By researching and considering a number of baby services, including those that are less well-known, you can rest assured that you are doing the best you can for you and your new baby.