As much as I love a tiny baby grow, there are a lot more useful presents out there that will actually enhance your postpartum time, and I really want to focus on you, the parents, and what YOU need and how YOU feel. The babies get plenty of love and attention, but us, not so much!
My suggestions include a mix of things that cost money and things that cost mostly time so there's something in there to suit all budgets and energies.
My biggest suggestion would be to not be afraid to ask for what you need. Our loved ones really WANT to help us but let's be honest, we're not all great at guessing what each other needs without a little nudge every now and again.
This is a great list to share around to friends and family to give people ideas and inspiration.
First, and most importantly in my opinion:
FOOD
I can not stress enough the importance of being well nourished in those early weeks and months. Your body has just under gone a mammoth undertaking of growing and somehow expelling a whole baby or two (or more!) and one of the last things that you have the time and energy for is prepping nutritious meals.
So whether that’s by batch cooking and filling your freezer or buying you some vouchers for Cook ( https://www.cookfood.net ) they are giving you such a worthwhile gift.
One of my favourite books on this subject is The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother (https://g.co/kgs/uWckshT) go and check it out.
PAMPERING
These times when you can do something just for you become even more valuable postpartum and can really boost your mood and top up your cup.
This gift could look like a voucher for a postnatal massage or to get your nails done or it could look like coming with you and taking baby for a walk while you have your appointment, whatever is comfortable for you and your baby.
My favourite place to go for a massage is The Pixie Retreat (https://www.thepixieretreat.co.uk).
CLEANING
Another thing that might stop you being able to focus on your new arrival or to be able to relax is thinking about any chores that need doing around the house that your new family is just too busy to get around to now.
Again, this doesn’t need to be something that costs money, yes it could be paying for a regular cleaner to come around for a few weeks or it could also be the person coming around to clean themselves or organising other family members to take it in turns.
ME!
Obviously I couldn’t write this and not include how much of a valuable gift my own services would be. I can free your hands up to have a nap, shower, exercise, work, whatever fills your cup, I can play with older siblings so you can have some guilt free focus with the baby or vice versa. I can also cook your dinner and batch cook so it’s one less thing for you to worry about.
Buying a package from me or putting some money towards it would be money well invested in yours and baby’s wellbeing. Check out my website to see my packages or get in touch to discuss something bespoke to you www.elthedoula.co.uk
SLING/CARRIER
A sling or a carrier is such a valuable piece of kit for a new parent (or for older ones as I still carry my 4yo 🙈). It frees up your hands to do things you want/need to do while providing the closeness that you and baby crave. There’s so many benefits but that would take a whole new post.
This could be a sling that you've chosen and asked for or it could be a period of hire from a sling library while you try a few to see what you like.
Our local ones are Cariad Babi and Burton and Swadlincote Natural Parents, check them out.
CLASSES/GROUPS
Whilst there is no pressure to leave the house too soon, getting to a group and meeting other new parents who are at the same stage as you can do wonders for your wellbeing as well as showing you ways you can bond, play or settle your baby.
A great gift from someone would be a term at a baby massage or yoga class, this is a gift to you and baby at the same time and has benefits out of class too. Check out Mama Blossom for some lovely classes ( https://www.mamablossom.com/book-classes?category=25d8864e-e921-496a-b460-101d91fcaa56).
I hope these suggestions help you think of some things that will really help you plan your postpartum period and make it a nurturing time of rest and recovery that you deserve.
All the best
Ellie
El the Doula

Comments