The Conscious New Mama Checklist
A Low-Tox Guide for Pregnancy, Postpartum & Early Motherhood
This checklist is designed to help new mamas (and mamas-to-be) strip away the noise of modern baby shopping and focus on what truly nourishes both mother and pēpi.
Preparing for a baby is less about what you buy and more about creating a supportive environment for connection, regulation, and healing.
Postpartum isn’t just six weeks. Matrescence—the becoming of a mother—can take up to the first 3 years and well beyond.
These ideas have been shaped with insights from Tish Ella of Her Sacred Portal, a Birth & Postpartum Doula, and are inspired by grounded voices like Jane Hardwicke Collings, Dr Sarah Buckley, Sarah Wickham, and Dr Rachel Reed.
1. During Pregnancy
Read & Plan for Postpartum
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The First Forty Days (Heng Ou)
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The Golden Month (Jenny Alison)
Prepare your recovery the same way you prepare the nursery.
Consider a Mother Blessing
Ask friends to bring freezer meals instead of gifts. We don’t need more stuff—what we really need is nourishment.
Create Simple Rituals
Belly massage, rebozo massage, cacao, herbs, meditation, altar creation, and talking to baby. It's a way to create less noise and toxicity while tuning into your body.
Belly & Baby Oil
MamaBaby Massage Oil (we love this one by Tish Ella) can be used on your belly during pregnancy and later for baby massage or in the bath.
2. dea’s Low-Tox Wardrobe Essentials
When your skin is ultra-sensitive and your baby is resting directly against your chest, every fibre matters. Explore our full Pregnancy & Postpartum Collection for pieces designed for comfort, breathability, and breast access.
Wirefree Organic Bras
Soft, non-restrictive support that won’t pinch milk ducts or hinder lymphatic flow:
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Branna Wide Strap Bra – Offers extra support and full coverage for growing busts.
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Seamless & Soft Bralettes – Explore our full range of breathable organic Bras & Underwear for wirefree everyday wear.
Natural Fibre Tops & Layers
Choose organic cotton or natural plant fibres. Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester, which trap heat, shed microplastics, and off-gas chemicals during long feeds and contact naps.
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Throw on one of our ultra-soft Flannels for cozy, button-down nursing access during night feeds.
Loose, High-Waisted Briefs
High-waisted styles provide gentle, non-irritating support above a C-section scar or over a tender postpartum belly:
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Meeve Vintage Brief – Generous coverage with a comfortable high rise.
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Molly Brief – Gentle, lightweight embrace for daily recovery.
Plant-Dyed Loungewear
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Danu Flares – Free from toxic dyes and super comfy—ideal for long hours of skin-to-skin contact.
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Pair with our breathable Shorts & Pants or cozy Activewear for low-impact postpartum movement and resting days.
Mama Tip: Avoid fleece blankets, synthetic PJs, polyester onesies, and tight elastics. Babies sleep 14+ hours a day—breathable, natural fibres matter for both of you.
3. Nourishing the Mother (Body & Soul)
Holistic Breastfeeding Support
Find someone who supports you without judgement. Breastfeeding is biological, low-tox nourishment, but it’s also an art that may require guidance.
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La Leche League has wonderful free resources.
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KellyMom is another evidence-based reference for nursing parents.
Lymphatic Breast Massage
Gentle daily massage to support fluid movement and ease engorgement as your milk comes in.
Hydration Station
Set up a dedicated space with a glass or stainless steel water bottle within reach during feeds.
Non-Toxic Nipple Balm
Choose food-grade organic ingredients (like cocoa butter, coconut oil, or calendula) that are completely safe for baby's mouth.
4. Gifting for the New Mama
If loved ones want to support your journey with practical, high-quality pieces, you can add your favorite organic staples to a registry or send them our dea Gift Card so you can choose your perfect fit postpartum.
Further Resources & Trusted Voices
We recommend exploring the work of:
- Tish Ella, a birth and postpartum doula from Her Sacred Portal
- Dr Sarah Buckley
- Sarah Wickham
- Dr Rachel Reed
- Jane Hardwicke Collings
These voices offer grounded, research-informed perspectives on pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and matrescence.
- If you'd like to learn more about reducing toxin exposure during postpartum, please see our article: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & the Hidden Toxins in Clothing
- SelfWomb Massage
- Low Toxin Rabbit has a great directory of low-tox products for baby and mums
Low-tox motherhood is not about perfection. It is about protecting space. Reducing chemical exposure — yes. But also reducing emotional noise. When a mother feels held, her baby feels safe. And that is the most regenerative foundation of all.
xx
