Do you have a pregnant mama in your life? Or someone who will be in the early stages of the postpartum period just in time for the holidays?
I was pregnant last Christmas and then had a baby only two weeks after in early January – it’s a busy time and any and all support is appreciated (or at least it was for me). Because of COVID, offering your in-person support may be challenging, so here are some other options (and no, you don’t need to spend obscene amounts of money)… notably, these would also work as baby shower gifts in some cases!
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Gift Guide for Expecting/Postpartum Mamas
Note: I will let you know whether the gift is good for expecting, postpartum, or both – there is a lot of overlap!
For Any Mama…
A Good Waterbottle (or a cute water bottle)
Good gift for:
– All stages
Wait, why would you get an expecting mama a water bottle? Well one because they’re probably drinking lots of water (or should be to avoid dehydration). It will also be put to good use in labor and the postpartum period.. however, beyond the aesthetic appeal of S’well bottle, I actually recommend the Contigo autospout bottles for these two later stages.
The Contigo bottle is easy to hold and has an autospout so you don’t need to unscrew a lid or tilt the bottle to get water. That is a huge deal for women in labor or during the postpartum period, because frankly, you don’t often have access to two hands (or you know, you’re busy either giving birth or tending to your baby). Water is still important though and we want to make sure all the mamas are getting some, the easiest way possible!
Dry Shampoo
Good for:
– All stages
If you’re on that coconut oil tip, this is a good one too.
Stain Remover – like Tide to Go!
Good for:
– Really.. all stages, but especially postpartum
An on-the-go stain remover is key in the early days, but also as your child grows. Any mom would likely appreciate this.
You can get a 3-pack of pens for 9.99$ CAD on Amazon!
Hair Ties or Cute Scrunchies
Good for:
– All stages
Personally for my curls (and I have very thick hair) I prefer a scrunchie or the Goody Ouchless Forever brand (these are available at Shoppers for at lost less money). I have scrunchies from a few places, but to plug some small shops my favourites are from: Bubba’s & Mama’s and Rae Bow Bowtique.
A Good Lip Balm
Good for:
– All stages
Lip balm is especially appreciated during labor – your lips get so dry!
Bubble Bath, Face Mask, or Other “Spa” Items
Good for:
– All stages
Just keep in mind that scented products and anything with herbs/oils is generally not recommended during pregnancy in regards to bath products.
My favourite bubble bath right now is actually Hello Bello.
Bonus item here: candles! Set the mood for spa night.
Bio Oil or Belly Butter
Good for:
– All stages
I have used both throughout pregnancy and into postpartum. Love the smell of the Burt’s Bee’s product. I did notice a reduction in stretch mark severity with Bio Oil – but it could have also been time, who knows!
Gift Cards (especially for food delivery)
Good for:
– All stages
Options could include Uber Eats, Skip the Dishes, Door Dash, or to support local businesses, even a gift card to a local place that is still doing curb-side pickup or delivery!
Pregnancy Pillow
Good for:
– Expecting mama
I used this one throughout pretty much my entire pregnancy – it helped immensely with hip pain!
Something to Read or Write In!
Good for:
– Expecting mamas… who have more time to read and write
I suggest the Big Fat Activity Book for Pregnant People by Jordan Reid.
For something to write in during pregnancy, I had this journal and it was so fun! I admit I didn’t always find time to write in it at the right times, but I did some recall after Maggie was born to fill in some of the rest.
Compression Socks
Good for:
– Expecting mama
These are great for the expecting mama who is on her feet a lot!
Foam Roller
Good for:
– All stages
Why you ask? We used one in labor on my back and boy did it help with counter pressure.
Good for all stages because postpartum has it’s sore muscle moments!
Yoga Ball
Good for:
– Expecting mama
For labor, but also pregnancy – it’s good for your pelvic floor, helps relieve pregnancy discomfort, and is a great form of low impact exercise (as always, talk to your provider if you have any concerns).
Fuzzy Slippers
Good for:
– All stages
If you know mama’s size… who doesn’t love a good fuzzy slipper?! So comfy for around the house (where you spend a lot of your time with a newborn or nearing the end of pregnancy – especially in the winter!).
For the Girls (Breast Care)
Gel Ice Packs for Breasts
Good for:
– Mom close to due date (in preparation)
– Early postpartum mama
– Breastfeeding mama
I also used a Magic Bag which was also nice between the legs!!
Nursing Pads (Cloth or Disposable)
Good for:
– Mom close to due date (in preparation)
– Early postpartum mama
– Breastfeeding mama
And no – they’re not just for breastfeeding moms. Engorgement happens to pretty much everyone and so will leaking! They will be put to good use in the early days for any mom (and continued use for the breastfeeding mama)!
Nipple Cream (or… coconut oil)
Good for:
– Mama close to due date (in preparation)
– Breastfeeding mama
Coconut oil is a multipurpose gift – it may seem a bit funny to give someone this, but it can also be used for perineal massage in labour! And it can be used after baby’s first diaper change (and moving forward) – the oil makes the meconium easier to wipe off (our midwives shared this info with us and it actually was so helpful)!
Silverette Nursing Cups
Good for:
– Mama close to due date (in preparation)
– Early postpartum mama
– Breastfeeding mama
Note: I haven’t tried these, but they came recommended to me by several people (unfortunately I am 9 months postpartum and don’t really get sore nipples anymore.. well I guess that isn’t really unfortunate, but yeah). These are definitely on my list for next pregnancy. Good item to stick in a gift!
For Breastfeeding/Pumping Mamas specifically…
Haakaa
Good for:
– Breastfeeding mama or pregnant mama who is planning to try breastfeeding
The base model is only 18$ CAD on Amazon.
If you want to get a bit fancier, I suggest the model with the suction base to prevent spillage – because you never understand crying over spilt milk until you spill breast milk. Even an ounce.
Breast Milk Storage Bags
Good for:
– Breastfeeding or pumping mama
They are under 10$CAD for a 50 count box on Amazon!
Medela Sterilizer Bags
Good for:
– Breastfeeding or pumping mama
– But also all mamas – can be used for pacifiers, cups, etc.
I put this in this section and then I realized this gift is actually good for any mama because it can be used for more than just pump parts!
Cool idea: use it as wrapping for some of your other gifts if you’re doing a basket of a few things (someone suggested this on twitter and I loved it!).
Nursing Robe
Good for:
– All stages
I used my robe in hospital during labour as well as at home! Notably, this item could probably be used for anyone not just nursing moms. Robes are comfy!
For a Mama You Know Well…
Tucks
Good for:
– All stages
Nobody wants to talk about hemorrhoids – but they happen. During and after pregnancy (as well as in anyone else!). Tucks are discrete – tuck this box into a gift with a few other items (get it?) and I’m sure the mama will thank you for them!
FridaMom Peri Bottle
Good for:
– Expecting mama
The hospital often provides you with a peri bottle – free of charge – but the Frida Mom bottle has a little bit of a longer applicator that is also curved for easier application.
Perineal Cold Packs
Good for:
– Mama close to due date (in preparation)
So mom can also make her own “padsicles” – so this might not be necessary, however I know with me – I fully intended to make these but ran out of time/forgot (pregnancy brain). Having ones that are all ready to go are therefore, very handy!
I love these ones because they come with breast pad ones too!
For other items that I liked postpartum check this post here.
For Mama & Baby…
Baby Blankets
Good for:
– Expecting mama
I personally prefer plush blankets like this however, these are the receiving blankets we got and used early on.
Milestone Blocks or Blanket
Good for:
– Expecting mama
Here is one more geared towards a boy, or y’know for anyone! This is the blanket I actually got initially, but I didn’t love it so I got the blocks.
Before I got the Pearhead blocks we have (different colour variation), I used these stickers.
Felt Board
Good for:
– All stages
Great for announcements, milestone photos (pregnancy or baby), and as a decor piece in the nursery!
Newborn Wash
Good for:
– Mama close to due date
The one linked above is what we used initially, we have since switched over to Hello Bello’s baby wash but I liked both and we had no issues with either.
Diaper Backpack (or a nicer bag)
Good for:
– Expecting mama
I love this backpack- there is a ton of room in it for whatever you need to bring, it comes with a change pad (however we also bought the additional one that is a bit thicker), and it’s good for mom and dad!
Baby’s First Year Milestone Frame
Good for:
– All stages
I got this as a gift and I love it. Once it’s full I know exactly where I’m hanging it! What a fun way to display the photos you take to mark each month (if you do that).
Nursing Cover/Car Seat Cover
Good for:
– Expecting mama
Good to use in the early days if you have to go out in public and aren’t quite desensitized to just feeding your baby with your boob out yet (now I just do it) or don’t feel comfortable. Serves as a cover for a bucket seat/car seat too – which is great for when baby naps.
You can see my other recommendations for items for mom/baby in the first 4 months here.
These are just some favourites – the possibilities are endless and my best recommendation would be: don’t be afraid to ask the mom what she needs. Sometimes it’s not a material item but support – and although with social distancing and restrictions that may be difficult, even chatting over Zoom one night with a glass of wine, or dropping of food at their house are acts of kindness that are often greatly appreciated!
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