Being pregnant again has given me a fresh perspective on the type of support moms
truly need to help go from surviving to thriving, so when friend of Indy Night Nanny, Erin
Brier, made a similar post on her business Instagram page it got an enthusiastic fist
bump from me! I knew I had to expand on it here.
Most know that becoming a new mom is a whirlwind of emotions, lack of sleep, and
endless responsibilities. While baby showers and offers from friends may collect loads
of cute baby clothes, swaddling blankets, diapers, and well-meaning advice, what new
moms really need goes beyond the typical gifts. Here are some thoughtful ways you can
spend your money that will genuinely support and uplift a new mom during her
postpartum period.
- Nutrition-Packed Meals Without Obligation to Host Visitors
Food is one of the best gifts you can offer a new mom, but it’s important to provide it
without the expectation of a visit. Arrange for healthy, nutrient-rich meals to be delivered
to her door. This way, she can nourish herself and her baby without the added pressure
of entertaining guests.Laundry Services
Laundry can quickly pile up with a newborn. Gift a new mom with a laundry service that
handles pickup and delivery. This will free up her time and energy for more important
things, like bonding with her baby. Or, if both of you are comfortable with it, offer to
come over to change and fold a load for her.Washing Bottles and Dishes
Offering to wash bottles and dishes is a simple yet incredibly helpful gesture. It’s one
less task for the new mom to worry about, giving her more time to rest and care for her
baby.A Listening Ear
New motherhood can be overwhelming, and having someone to talk to can make a
world of difference. Offer a safe, non-judgmental space for her to voice her insecurities
and fears. Sometimes, all she needs is someone to listen.Gift Certificate for a Massage
Giving birth is a physically exhausting act that’s been compared to completing a three-
legged marathon due to the amount of calories it takes. Needless to say, a new mom is
left with muscle fatigue and a massage can be a wonderful way for a new mom to relax and rejuvenate. A gift certificate for a postpartum massage can help relieve stress, reduce muscle tension, and improve her overall well-being.Cozy Loungewear and House Slippers
Comfort is key during the postpartum period. High-quality, cozy loungewear and a
decent pair of house slippers can help a new mom feel more comfortable and cared for
as she navigates her new routine and new body shape.Postpartum Doula
A postpartum doula provides invaluable support to new moms, helping with
breastfeeding, baby care, and household tasks. Hiring a postpartum doula can help
ease the transition into motherhood and provide much-needed support.Housecleaning Services
Keeping the house clean with a newborn can be a daunting task, especially during
those first couple months. A professional housecleaning service can help maintain a
clean and organized home environment, reducing stress for the new mom.Grocery Pickup
Running errands with a newborn can be challenging. Arrange for grocery pickup
services so she doesn’t have to worry about shopping. She can simply place an order
and have her groceries ready for pickup or delivered to her door.Coffee and Flowers
A little pick-me-up can go a long way. Delivering a cup of her favorite coffee or a
beautiful bouquet of flowers can brighten her day and remind her that she is cared for
and appreciated.Meal Train
Organize a meal train with friends and family to ensure she has a steady supply of
homemade meals. This not only provides her with nutritious food but also shows her
that she has a support system ready to help.Natural Self-Care Products
Gift her with natural self-care products such as gentle skincare items, bath salts, or
essential oils. These can help her relax and take a few moments for herself amidst the
busyness of caring for a newborn.Offer to Hold the Baby While She Showers
It’s often that a guest believes offering to hold the baby is a helpful way to free mom’s arms to do many of the tasks mentioned above. However, it’s worth mentioning that the most important thing is for a new mom to bond with baby and by providing solutions for
the day-to-day responsibilities lets her prioritize bonding time instead of handing off
baby. But, the only thing someone else can’t do for a new mom is bathing, lol! This is an
ideal time to offer to hold the baby. Some days, new moms just can’t find the chance to
shower and change clothes. Offering to hold the baby while she takes a shower can be
incredibly refreshing and give her a much-needed moment to herself.Overnight Nanny Services
Every family deserves a restful night’s sleep. Hiring an overnight nanny helps more than
just parents get a few nights of sleep–it gets infants on the path to sleeping through the
night as well. A night nanny can also help parents feel more prepared to tackle the day,
whatever that may look like, whether they’re returning to work, caring for other children,
or recovering from birth. Talk with the new mom in your life and see if she plans on
using our services. If so, contact Indy Night Nanny if you’d like to extend our services
and gift them a few extra nights by using the contact form on our website.
The postpartum period is a critical time for new moms and your thoughtful gifts can
make a significant difference in their well-being. By focusing on practical and meaningful
ways to support them, you can help new moms feel cared for, appreciated, and
empowered as they navigate this new chapter in their lives. So, the next time you’re
considering a gift for a new mom, (or you need to provide ideas for your own
family/friends) think beyond the usual and choose something that will truly make a
difference. A big thanks to Erin Brier @ebbirthing for giving us permission to expand on
her amazing post on this topic!
Follow along with us @indynightnanny.