The perfect postpartum gifts for mom and dad!
One of life’s most beautiful moments is the birth of a child: However, the months that follow are inevitably very demanding for new parents. If you have loved ones who have just welcomed a baby and you want to provide them with support, then this is the article for you.
In it you’ll find information on the post-partum period as well as a variety of gift ideas to help new parents take care of themselves… and their new baby.
What is the post-partum period?
The post-partum period begins once the baby is born and lasts for about six weeks. It is a crucial time for parents and their newborn: A time to adjust to one another, as well as to their respective new realities.
Although it is a magical and wonderful time, the many changes that occur during the post-partum period – both physically and psychologically – can be trying for new parents. This is especially the case for the mother, as over the course of six weeks after having given birth, a woman's reproductive system’s organs slowly return to their pre-pregnancy state. This can lead to painful uterine contractions called trenches, and there is also bleeding, breast swelling and breastfeeding to consider which can each bring about their own share of challenges1.
Moreover, the post-partum period is viewed as the most dramatic hormonal change experienced in a short period of time by a human being. Immediately after the baby is born, estrogen and progesterone levels produced by the body drastically decrease. Oxytocin – a.k.a. “the happiness hormone” – takes over to give new mothers the strength to take care of their baby despite the trauma just endured. However, oxytocin’s euphoric effect dissipates after a few days and gives way to mood swings, irritability and sometimes even temporary depression (known as “the baby blues”)2.
Amidst this emotional roller coaster, it’s also commonplace for the new father / partner to feel powerless. If there are new parents in your circle of family or friends, don’t hesitate to check in on them and ask how they’re doing and if there is anything you can do to help.
What are good gifts for new parents?
After a child’s birth, new parents often look for ways to make the best use of their time, as well as to create a peaceful and loving home ambience. Offering a post-partum gift that expresses your love for their burgeoning family is sure to be very much appreciated. Here are some post-partum gift ideas that we think will provide you with some inspiration.
1. Nourishing meals
With the onslaught of fatigue during the first few days after a child is born, it can be difficult for new parents to take the time to prepare good meals. We suggest offering them meals that are replete with vitamins and protein to help them to, well, “survive.” And if you’re not a world-renowned chef, don’t worry! Give them a gift certificate from a local meal kit company.
2. Healthy snacks
A woman who exclusively breastfeeds needs to consume between 300 and 1,000 more calories per day than before her pregnancy to maintain her weight, which is the equivalent of two snacks3! Why not prepare some homemade granola bars, energy balls or simply a raw vegetable plate with a tasty dip? It’s simple, but oh-so-very precious!
3. Down time
Time: The priceless post-partum gift! Offer to babysit while the new parents take a nap: You can stay close at hand or take the stroller or baby carrier, depending upon the parents’ preferences. The important thing is to do whatever will provide the peace of mind the parents so desperately need (and want… and crave). Are there big brothers or sisters? Organize a sleepover for the older kids or take them out to the movies to give the parents a needed break.
4. Housecleaning and washing
An underestimated gift idea for new parents? Housecleaning! Time is often in short supply after the birth of a baby, especially when there are older children at home who still need attention. The result is that domestic chores can seem insurmountable. However, maintaining a clean and uncluttered environment is very important to maintain good mental health4. And if you’re not up to getting on your hands and knees and applying some elbow grease, then give them a gift certificate from a home cleaning service company.
5. A babywearing course
In the first weeks after birth, it’s completely natural for a baby to want to always feel their mother’s presence. And as magnificent as that is, this attachment can sometimes pose a challenge for a mother who wants to accomplish certain simple tasks like sweeping the floor or cooking.
What’s an effective solution for those moments when baby wants mom and no one else? Ta-da: The baby carrier! Help new mothers master the art of babywearing and to learn about its many benefits by offering a course on the subject. A course can also help them choose the model of baby carrier or sling that suits them the best.
6. Body care for mom
What’s the best way to spoil a new mother? Offer body products with gentle formulas that don’t have ingredients considered to be of concern by the EWG. Thanks to blooming belly™ prenatal and postnatal products, such as nursing balm and body butter, a new mother can take care of her body enjoying complete peace of mind.
The plastic-free Mama’s Love kit includes blooming belly™ and baby leaves™ products and is sure to be a hit: Composed of more than 96.4% naturally derived ingredients and packaged in eco-conscious cardboard tubes, they are gentle for both mother and baby!
7. Nursing clothes
Replace those newborn pajamas that last for only a few weeks – or maybe even a few days – with quality nursing clothes that a mother can wear for as long as she breastfeeds. Depending on the season, give a pretty dress, a t-shirt or even a sweater or jacket sporting timeless colours. Some nursing clothes are so beautiful and versatile that moms continue to wear them even after their baby gets older!
8. A good book
During a baby’s first few days, new parents often prefer peaceful stays at home. A good book can make cozy moments even better, and also entertain mom during those long evening feedings.
9. A streaming service subscription
The new parents don’t have a subscription-based streaming service? Then there’s no better time to offer them unlimited access to all the latest movies and TV series. This postnatal gift is even more appreciated if the birth took place in winter, because going outdoors in frigid conditions with a baby in tow can be pretty tough!
10. Diapers, formula and other baby essentials
Several gifts for new parents are baby shower list mainstays: stroller, baby carrier, blankets, bottle set, nursing pillow, baby clothes and the like. However, new parents sometimes realize after their child is born that they are lacking small essentials, like diapers and wipes with biodegradable compounds, formula milk (if the mother chooses not to breastfeed or to do mixed breastfeeding), massage oil or diaper cream. Although these post-partum gifts may not be as adorable as mini slippers, they’re always useful!
The best post-partum gifts of all to give to new parents are your presence and your love: Show them through concrete actions that you’ll be there for them, and that you want to continue to be a part of their lives and that of their child.
Here are two articles on postnatal care that might be of interest to the new parents in your life: