This is a collaborative post.
As a new mum, I can say with absolute certainty that we love gifts. And cards. I was surprised by how many thoughtful cards and perfect gifts we were sent when Ettie was born, especially considering the country is still in the midst of a pandemic. It was nice to know people were thinking of us and excited to meet Ettie when life returns to normal.
It can be difficult to know what a new mum needs. The things you'd usually buy her may not seem like great gifts when she has a baby to care for. Any kind of hobby might be taking a backseat, at least for the fourth trimester. Personally, however, I would argue that these gifts are fine. She might not get around to reading the book or picking up that craft project immediately, but it will keep until she has the time to invest in herself once again.
Here are some thoughtful gift ideas for new mums:
1. All the sweet things
I have been sent postal cupcakes, letterbox brownies, and had a homemade lemon drizzle cake appear on my doorstep as if by magic. For somebody who ate a diabetic diet for the second half of my pregnancy, I can confirm that sugary foods are very much appreciated. Breastfeeding is tough and it's nice to have cake to contribute to the much-needed 500 extra calories per day.
2. Pamper products
New mums deserve to feel good about themselves. They've just done something wonderful and they probably feel like they've been run over by a train. They need bath bombs and nail varnish and nice face cream. They need facemasks and bubble bath and perfume. Any kind of pamper product is likely to be appreciated.
3. Pyjamas
Make it clear that you think it's perfectly acceptable for new mums to wear pyjamas all day long by treating her to a brand new pair. There are few things in life better than new pyjamas, especially when you are sore and bleeding. This is the perfect gift to nurture a new mum and encourage her to get some much-needed rest.
4. Groceries
Pop to a supermarket and pick up a few essentials for your friend. Some fresh fruit to snack on is a great idea. Think of foods she can easily eat with one hand, especially things she can snack on while breastfeeding. Grab a fresh pizza or something they could eat for dinner or lunch. Picking up some supermarket basics could save your friends a trip to the shop which will make their life a little easier and allow them to enjoy their newborn bubble for a little longer.
5. Vouchers
I think all new mums go through a mini-identity crisis during the fourth trimester. It's hard work when your maternity clothes are too big and your pre-pregnancy clothes are too small. The jeggings you used to wear give you a squishy overhang, but your maternity tops are weirdly baggy all of a sudden. This identity crisis combined with the 3am night-feed leads to late night shopping. Sending a gift voucher to her favourite shop is a great way to a) encourage her new dangerous nighttime hobby and b) treat her a new item of clothing. Just be sure to tell her the voucher is for her, not the baby (otherwise you know it will get spent on another adorable sleepsuit).
If you don't have much money to spend, fear not, your time is valuable, too. Help your friend out by doing the washing up, cleaning the kitchen worktops, or offer to hold the baby while your friend gets some rest or takes a shower. Basically, anything you can do to make the new mum's life a little easier will be perfect.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash