As a mom, it is so easy to become isolated and preoccupied with maintaining the daily responsibilities of motherhood that we don’t often ask for help or don’t know where to start.
Once a woman receives the joyful news she is going to be a new mom, she is filled with many emotions, including joy, gratitude, and some anxiety, thinking of all the things that must be done before the baby is born. Her life will change dramatically, and there are many things that she has to complete before her beautiful blessing comes. Sleepless nights, changing diapers, nursing, and caring for a newborn are some of the important things that consume an expectant mom’s mind as she prepares for her new arrival. With so many things filling her mind, it leaves little to no time for her to focus on her personal self-care or physical, mental, or emotional well-being. As a new mom of our second child, I am experiencing first-hand both the joys and challenges associated with motherhood. My family and I have greatly benefited from the selfless gifts and generosity of others as we have transitioned to a new family of four.
While there is intense focus and attention on caring for the needs of the child, it is extremely important to uplift and tend to the needs of the mom, helping her have a strong transition and long-term recovery.
Here are a few practical and helpful gift ideas for the expectant mom:
1. Coordinate a Meal Train
A wonderful gift for an expectant mom is to coordinate a meal train for her and her family after the baby is born (or before the baby is born if the mom is on bed rest or balancing other kiddos). A meal train is when different people sign up to make a specific meal or buy one and have it delivered to their home. Coordinating a meal train schedule with family, friends, or church members will help lighten the load for the new mom and free her up to relax and cross one thing off her never-ending list. When the meals are already prepared, an expectant and new mom can focus on being fully present with her family and new baby. Preparing or buying meals are wonderful ways for others to help with the new transition and represent God’s love and hospitality. Connecting with family by eating a meal together made with love helps to strengthen relationships and allows more time for the expectant mom to be fully present with those who matter most to her.
2. A Relaxing Spa Day
Expectant moms would love a relaxing spa day with the choice of a prenatal massage, manicure, or pedicure. These are all excellent self-care options that help to minimize stress, anxiety, and physical aches associated with pregnancy. A spa day can also help an expectant mom prioritize and maintain a self-care routine, which is difficult to do without support from others as self-care tends to have a bad rep in some Christian circles. I encourage you to give a spa day gift certificate or an at-home spa day session. Valuing self-care and making time in our schedules is necessary to continually care for our temples and preserve our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. For an expectant mom who spends most of her time caring for others in her home, taking some time for herself with a spa day is a welcome and rare invitation to pause and pour back into her spirit and soul.
3. Uninterrupted Quiet Time
A little quiet time goes a long way. Giving the gift of a couple of hours of uninterrupted quiet time to an expectant mother allows a rare opportunity for her to breathe, relax, and do something that she wants to do just for her. As women and mothers, we give so much of ourselves, time, and energy to serving others daily, and we often neglect caring for our bodies, minds, and spirits. When expectant moms have uninterrupted quiet time, they can pour into themselves and do things that bring them joy without being pulled in multiple directions. It is a wonderful gift to allow an expectant mom to enjoy quiet time on her own terms and put herself first. Many moms feel guilty for wanting to set aside time for themselves, so having the gift of a little uninterrupted quiet time is a gem. Expectant moms don’t have to apologize for wanting to have time for themselves, so I invite you to give them the precious gift of time.
For family members, this might look like offering to walk the expecting mom's dog or taking her older children to the park or out for ice cream so she can have some quiet, relaxing time to nap or read a book. For close friends, this might look like understanding that the mom-to-be doesn't have the energy to consume tons of conversation and sounds pinging on her phone all day. Send her an encouraging text or two, but consider not blowing up her social handles or calling to talk for hours on end.
4. Organization Help
If you have some additional time, helping an expectant mom organize certain rooms in her home, including a nursery, kitchen, or areas where she frequents, is an invaluable gift. As she is preparing for her new baby, having an organized home definitely helps to bring her space order and is a great way to declutter her mind. Helping an expectant mom get organized also helps to create a more peaceful and calm environment for herself and her family. I invite you to offer a couple of hours of your time to help an expectant mom get organized. She will be forever grateful for the time you gave in helping her establish a strong foundation for getting organized as she welcomes her new little one soon.
Some of the greatest gifts we can give an expectant mom are not expensive but are practical ways that can help her alleviate some immediate stress and feeling overwhelmed. As you are thinking of gifts for expectant moms, I invite you to find ways to help lighten her load and set up simple systems that she can manage long-term as she continues to navigate her new role. God has created us to be in community with one another, and it is essential that we continue to support moms-to-be and new moms as they navigate this life-changing season and event. As a mom, it is so easy to become isolated and preoccupied with maintaining the daily responsibilities of motherhood that we don’t often ask for help or don’t know where to start.
Giving thoughtful and relevant gifts of meals, spa days, organization help, or uninterrupted quiet time is reassuring for expectant moms that they are not alone and reminds them that they have support. Expectant moms will be overjoyed and grateful that you were thoughtful enough to care and gift your time and resources to help them move forward. These gifts will be appreciated for the coming days, weeks, and months ahead by the mom-to-be as she prepares for this new, exciting season to come.
Photo Credit: ©SWN
