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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!
Here's a range of suggestions, encompassing both tangible items and gestures that require mostly time and effort, ensuring there's an option to fit every budget and energy level.
Ask for help!
My foremost recommendation is to embrace the idea of asking for help when needed. Loved ones genuinely want to support new moms and parents, but let's face it, we're not mind readers. Sometimes, a gentle nudge or a specific request can make all the difference in receiving the right kind of assistance during this transformative period.
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
Those moments where you can prioritize self-care become especially precious after welcoming a new addition to the family. They have the power to uplift your spirits and replenish your energy reserves.
Consider a gift that caters to this need, such as a voucher for a postnatal massage or a pampering session for your nails. Alternatively, it could involve a friend or family member accompanying you, taking charge of the baby while you indulge in some self-care. The key is to find what works best for you and your little one, ensuring both comfort and rejuvenation.
My favourite place to go for a massage is The Pixie Retreat . You can take a look at what they have to offer here.
Or Mamablossom where you can check out the massages and facials available to Book online
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.
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.
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
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