I've been to a few baby showers. And I'll be honest, most of the gifts I bought were for the baby. More for my pleasure, as those little clothes are so cute! Then when I had my second baby, someone bought me thoughtful gifts just for me, and it made me feel really special.
On that note, I think most people tend to buy for the baby to be, when it's actually so thoughtful to think about the mum to be who's body is going through it.
Why do we think baby shower gifts should be all about the Mother?
Baby showers are traditionally about celebrating the arrival of a new baby. Which makes complete sense. But how about we focus on the woman sacrificing it all to bring life into the world. A little celebration of the new version of herself she is about to become.
This guide is for anyone who wants to give a gift that something that lets the mum to be know you are thinking of her.
1. Underwear That Actually Fits Her New Body
Not a conventional gift but I guarantee underwear is the one thing that has been making her feel the most uncomfortable. Our underwear can stretch and recover, so whether she treats herself now, or when the baby arrives, everyone loves a bit of comfort.
Also, from experience I know there is no going back to the old undies, and she will likely live in her maternity underwear for a while after the baby is gone.
Gift idea: A Mutha Project voucher
2. Soft pj's
She'll spend a lot of time at home, sweating with the change of hormones and milk coming in. This is the time when we feel at our worst and our bodies feel so unfamiliar.
A set of loose fit, cotton button top pj's would make he feel so much better. Access should she choose to breastfeed, and something new so feels a bit special.
Gift idea: TBCo have the cutest sets in long trousers or shorts.
3. A Cooking Voucher or Meal Delivery Service
The fourth trimester is survival mode. Everyone says "sleep when the baby sleeps" but nobody says "eat when the baby sleeps" and yet nutrition in the postpartum period is critical for recovery, milk supply, and mental health. Planning what to eat takes up energy she can't afford to waste.
A voucher for a meal delivery service or even a local restaurant that does takeaway. Food on the table without effort is one of the most practical gifts imaginable in those early weeks.
Gift idea: A voucher for a local meal delivery service or prepared meals that can just be popped in the oven.
4. A Luxury Face Mask or Self-Care Hamper
When we are thrown into motherhood, every minute is suddenly accounted for, with feeding schedules, nap windows, nappy changes, visitors, googling all our worries. This gives her an excuse to take 10mins to herself.
A beautiful face mask, a small self-care hamper, or even a generous skincare voucher so she can choose what she needs for a little pick me up. You could even offer to look after the baby so she can fully relax if she decides on a treatment.
Gift idea: A gorge face mask, a skincare voucher, or a small hamper with a bath oil, a good candle, and something indulgent she wouldn't buy herself.
5. A Women's Health Therapist
This is the one that makes the biggest difference and the one people are least likely to think of. Pelvic floor dysfunction after birth is extraordinarily common and always under treated. Women are routinely discharged from maternity care without any support for what comes next: the leaks, the pressure, the pain, the emotional weight of a body that feels unfamiliar.
A women's health physiotherapist can help with all of this. So can a postpartum therapist, a doula offering postnatal support, or a specialist who works with new mothers on their mental load and emotional recovery. Gifting a session or a course of sessions removes the barrier of cost and the guilt of spending money on herself.
Gift idea: A voucher for a women's health physiotherapist, a postnatal therapist, or a postpartum doula session in her area.
If there is a group of you building a gift together, maybe you could club together on a few things from this list and present it in a nice little hamper.
Giorge x
