Postpartum Registry
Wondering what you should get the new family once their little one has arrived? This list provides a simple way to let the family know you care while providing nourishment to the new mother.
Photo by Jessie Cagliero
Food
Meal Train organize meals with family/friends
Moon Cycle Bakery gift certificate
Thrive Marketplace. Create a healthy snack basket for mom * be aware of food allergies- many new breastfeeding mothers cut out certain foods
Grocery delivery service gift certificate
Homemade meals
Motherbees, if in LA area
Uber Eats gift certificate
Sitter services and offer to watch baby
Body oil, fragrance free and safe to use on baby and mama
New robe or pajama set
Lightweight, durable and easy to clean Water bottle- points if it has a long straw for easy out of reach sips
Neck Warmer (from always looking down at baby)
Cleaning service
Postpartum massage gift certificate
Hair stylist appointment. Extra points for someone that can make house calls!
Pregnancy Loss Care
So much focus is on those that have had a child but we tend to forget about those parents that have lost one as well. Going through a miscarriage or abortion is taxing on the body and it needs nourishment and healing. The emotional toll it takes on a person is heart wrenching but the physical toll is one we tend to neglect. The idea of ‘dusting it off’ and ‘going on with our lives’ after a tragedy is toxic for those that have been through something pretty traumatic. Here I list simple ways that we can show up and be present for those that have gone through a loss of any kind.
Please keep in mind that losing a pregnancy at any time during pregnancy is a loss regardless of length of gestation. So let’s show up for those that express their pain and loss as we would anyone else that has lost a someone special.
Food
Send nourishing foods that have healing properties
Foods high in iron, folate and B-vitamins help with healing and discomfort
Bone broth
Lentil soups
Rice bowls
Vegetable. and nourishing fats, * Avocado
Cacao chocolates
Herbs
Teas
Red raspberry and Nettle leaf tea are the most common, both high in iron and vitamins
Herbal Tinctures
Work with a local herbalist to find a tincture that will suit the specific condition and be aware of certain herbs that are not approved for pregnancy
Listen
This isn’t something that comes easy to everyone but it’s something that would mean so much to those going through a loss. Just listen.
Offer to watch a child or help out at their home so they can rest
Create a simple healing “basket”
Send a blanket, face mask and lotion along with teas and chocolate. These small items are simple and comforting.
Remember that everyone heals differently. So be kind and patient during this time
Pandemic Postpartum Care
It saddens me to even write this post. No one should go into parenthood alone but I believe by helping the new parent cope during this time they can start their journey feeling fully supported and loved.
Help create a meal train with local families and restaurants
Local farm box delivery. Look for CSA’s
When making a trip out to the stores ask if the parents need anything. Better yet, pick up a pack of diapers and wipes just in case and drop it off
Create a home essentials box filled with hand soap, eco friendly cleaner, gloves and toilet paper
Send a floral arrangement, points for low pollen flowers
Create a Mama basket of body oils, herbal sitz bath bombs, lotions, healthy snacks… and hand deliver it to their front door
Mail a card welcoming their new baby with positive and hopeful messages for both the parents and baby
Compile a book of letters or thoughts to the baby
If they have other children send new (quiet) toys that can occupy their time, points for shopping small business and easy clean up
Crafty? Knit a blanket, make a mask, create something from the heart
Send a new underwear set . High waist = full postpartum comfort
Send a t-shirt that has a message a new mama wouldn’t mind rockin’
