Gifts for a New Mama

I just got an excited text from a friend who became an aunt again to a sweet baby girl. She checked out this blog for some ideas on how to support this new mama, and it gave me the idea to write out some suggestions for wonderful gifts for the postpartum time!

If you can give food, either meals or yummy snacks, that’s always a given. But if you’re celebrating from afar — and currently we’re all sheltering in place — here are a few things to send to the new mama to help her know she’s supported. 

Nursing pajamas: Easy access for breastfeeding at night is a must. I treated myself to this nightgown in the first few weeks, and loved wearing something that made me feel pretty even though I was not. Personally, I did not want anything with sleeves since I had the hormonal night sweats like crazy… Anything with clip down cups, buttons, or a wide stretchy neck that can be moved aside is nursing friendly!

Insulated coffee mug: A little sweetie got me this mug and it was brilliant; there is no way new moms are drinking their coffee while it’s still hot, so this helped!

My favorite baby book: I’ve loved this book for years and give it to everyone I know with a new baby. While I forgot to read to Elliot for the first 8ish weeks of his life, it’s always nice to get sweet books, and eventually tired moms will want to ready to their babies 😉

The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson: I love that my friend just gifted this to her sister-in-law. It definitely does not need to be read cover to cover, so hopefully she can pick and choose which pieces she needs in the moment.

For a c-section mama: Cam bought this expensive little balm for me, and while I don’t know how much it actually improved my scar, it helped me get more comfortable touching and caring for it. 

Food! Meals like lasagnas and crockpot meals are always appreciated, but a couple of friends came over with a bunch of snacks and easy lunches and it was a life saver. If you’re local and able, fresh fruit, chips and guacamole, bagels, muffins, bag salads, and two bite brownies were so nice to have. Picking up lunch is always great too, and getting her Panera or Noodles order is nice and easy.

A listening ear: I needed to process my birth a lot, and was grateful when people asked about it. Giving a call and asking about all the details might be so helpful. Maybe say, “I’d love to hear everything about your birth,” and ask clarifying questions to let her know she can get as specific as she wants. For example, when starting my story for one friend she immediately asked “And what time did you get to the hospital?” and I was relieved to get to tell her all EVERYTHING. 

What else was lovely to receive postpartum? I’d love to hear!