By Anna Cave-Bigley
I still remember the weight of those early days—not just the baby in my arms but the overwhelming feeling of responsibility, exhaustion, and the quiet loneliness that crept in during those long, sleepless nights.
I had prepared for birth. I had read about breastfeeding. But nothing could prepare me for how completely it would consume me—how I would lose track of time, of my body, of where I ended and my baby began.
And postpartum depression? That hit me like a wave I never saw coming. I felt raw, fragile, disconnected, like I had disappeared into motherhood and wasn’t sure if I’d ever come back.
Looking back, I don’t remember the baby clothes or the endless muslin cloths I was gifted. What I do remember are the moments when someone saw me—not just as a mother, but as a person who was healing, adjusting, and desperately needing nourishment, rest, and reassurance.
So, here’s my list of the things I wish I had back then—the kind of gifts that would have helped me feel whole again.
1. Deep Nourishment & Hydration for My Body
Nobody told me that breastfeeding would make me feel so incredibly thirsty—not just for water but for real nourishment. Every feed took so much out of me, and I needed more than just hydration—I needed minerals, electrolytes, and something soothing to keep me going.
What I Wish I Had:
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A deeply replenishing herbal tea designed not just for milk supply but for mum’s recovery too.
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A hydration ritual that felt like a moment of care for myself—not just another thing I had to do.
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A large, insulated water bottle with a straw, because drinking enough water while nursing is a full-time job in itself.
The Perfect Gift Now:
✨ The SABI Breastfeeding Herbata – Not just for lactation, but for postpartum recovery too. Packed with mineral-rich moringa, oat straw, and fennel, it helps replenish the nutrients breastfeeding depletes.
✨ The SABI Mama Infusions Set – A set of nourishing teas designed for postpartum healing, relaxation, and energy balance.
✨ Frank Green Insulated Bottle – A leak-proof, straw-lid water bottle that keeps drinks cold or warm for hours.
✔ Replenishes minerals lost during breastfeeding
✔ Supports milk supply while nurturing mum’s overall health
✔ Encourages a hydration ritual that feels like self-care
2. Skincare That Helped Me Feel Like Myself Again
I didn’t expect how much my skin would change after birth—how breastfeeding would leave me feeling dry, depleted, and stretched in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I didn’t have the energy for a complicated skincare routine, but I craved something simple—something that would make me feel cared for and nourished.
What I Wish I Had:
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A lightweight, fast-absorbing face serum to bring hydration and glow back to my tired skin.
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A deeply nourishing body cream to help my postpartum skin recover.
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A refreshing mist to wake me up before the next feed.
The Perfect Gift Now:
✨ The SABI Active Nutrient Serum – Packed with adaptogenic seaweed and hyaluronic acid, this lightweight yet deeply nourishing serum brings postpartum skin back to life.
✨ The SABI Prebiotic Moisturiser – A deeply hydrating, collagen-boosting body cream that soothes postpartum dryness.
✨ The SABI Revive Face Mist – Instant hydration in a bottle, perfect for long nights and tired mornings.
✔ Replenishes postpartum skin with deeply hydrating, safe ingredients
✔ Lightweight and effortless for a busy mum
✔ Feels like a small luxury in a time of complete exhaustion
3. A Soft, Comfortable Place to Rest
Breastfeeding is exhausting—physically and mentally. I didn’t need more advice to “sleep when the baby sleeps”—I needed real comfort during those endless nights of sitting up in bed, cradling my baby while trying to keep my own head from nodding off.
What I Wish I Had:
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A soft, breathable robe to wrap myself in at 3 AM when I was still awake.
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Temperature-regulating socks because postpartum made my body fluctuate between freezing and sweating in minutes.
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A good nursing pillow to help support my aching shoulders and back.
The Perfect Gift Now:
✨ Desmond & Dempsey Robe – A soft, luxurious robe that’s perfect for nursing and lounging.
✨ Panda London Bamboo Socks – Temperature-regulating, buttery-soft socks that keep feet warm without overheating.
✨ BellaMoon Nursing Pillow – A multi-functional, ergonomic pillow that supports both baby and mum during feeds.
✔ Designed for comfort during long feeds
✔ Soft, breathable fabrics that feel good on sensitive postpartum skin
✔ Encourages rest and relaxation for an exhausted new mum
Gifts That Truly Make a Difference
Looking back, I didn’t need more muslins or baby clothes—I needed things that made me feel supported, replenished, and cared for.
If you’re choosing a gift for a breastfeeding mum, ask yourself:
"Will this help her feel nourished, seen, and comforted?"
Because when a mother is cared for, she can give so much more to her baby, her family, and—most importantly—herself.
HORMONAL & PROUD
Created as a brand to help women navigate the toughest moments in pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum — and practically every stage of life –– The SABI is changing the narrative around our hormones from one of taboo, embarrassment, and loneliness to awareness and even, pride. As more than a wellness brand, The SABI offers a carefully-crafted line of products to carry you through your hormonal journey, including rituals, supportive tools, and ancient herbal remedies that have been tested time and time again by women and now come backed by medicine. The SABI is a blend of science and nature conceived by women who have experienced the joys and deep struggles of bringing a child into the world, the pains of a heavy, difficult period, miscarriage, and difficulty conceiving.
We invite you to get to know your body and its cycles better –– to really understand what is going on inside. Learn to use your hormones to your advantage no matter your stage of life, and know that you can support and balance your hormone levels. We are here to help with the information, understanding and natural tools to support your body and the emotional process along with it.
