4 apps that help new moms get through the day
When you’re a new mom, your smartphone can be a saving grace. With new information hitting the web all the time, a concerned mom no longer has to wait for her doctor’s office to open to find out if that weird sound coming out of your baby’s mouth is normal. (Hint: it probably is.)
In addition to providing information – and an outlet to post the cutest pictures – smartphones have given way to apps that can help track information, set schedules, and provide a hint of relief for a job that’s one of the hardest and most rewarding on earth.
With the help of a couple tech-savvy moms, we found four apps that’ll take a little bit of pressure off being a new mom.
MyMedela
For breastfeeding and pumping moms, MyMedela is a free award-winning app that helps keep track of baby’s weight, sleep schedule, and diaper changes. The app can also help you get on a pumping schedule and receive breastfeeding tips and educational information on the fly.
With MyMedela’s exclusive Breastfeeding Confidence Assessment, you can get the knowledge needed to reach your breastfeeding goals and alleviate the stress taking care of a newborn can cause.
"It helps me feel like I actually know what I’m doing." says Natalie Feinberg from Queens.
As an added bonus, MyMedela also connects directly to the Sonata Breast Pump, which streamlines tracking, making the transition from mom to super mom complete. With Sonata paired to the MyMedela app, moms can feel confident and supported, receiving trusted and personalized content delivered to their phones, allowing them to stay on top of their breast milk feeding goals.
"I don't think most people know how tough breastfeeding can be," says Chelsea Solano from New Jersey. "Sonata's taken a ton of the stress out and made the whole experience way, way easier."
This summer, MyMedela will launch 24/7 LC, a new service from Medela that will be accessible within the app that allows moms to ask questions directly to a Board Certified Lactation Consultant anytime they need it.
Simple Habit
When you’ve got another human being literally depending on you for life, your free time turns into a fleeting luxury. So when your baby is asleep and you finally have a few moments to yourself, you don’t want to waste it — that’s why Simple Habit’s meditation and mindfulness platform is perfect for recharging.
“Simple Habit actually super chills me out,” says Kassia Flores, a self-described “chill mom” from Brooklyn.
“I feel really focused after I use it, which I think translates to me being a focused mom.” Thousands of guided meditation sessions are available for new moms who need help conquering stress, finding joy, and practicing self love. Definitely worth the $99 a year.
Hello Belly
No one has all the answers when it comes to pregnancy — which is exactly why you can benefit from having someone share theirs with you. Hello Belly’s got you covered before and after your baby is born and helps alleviate some of your fears with a little bit of humor, art, and levity. You’ll get the lowdown from experts on what you should know about your body and what to expect from week to week.
The Honest Company
On top of the pressure of keeping your child warm and happy, you’re responsible for keeping a fully stocked pantry packed to the brim with food, diapers, and vitamins. You can think of Honest App as Seamless for baby stuff. “It’s been such a life saver for me,” says Naomi Barnard, a mother of two from Connecticut. “Like seriously, I have moments where I’m so exhausted that I can’t even get off the couch, so being able to order diapers from my phone has been helpful.”
Whether you need baby formula, bubble bath, or even laundry detergent — they have it all and present you with an easy-to-order interface that makes ordering a breeze.