If you’re looking for postpartum care package ideas, you’ve come to the right place! There are many ways to treat the new mom in your life with thoughtful gifts to show that you are thinking about her, too!
Has someone in your life recently given birth to a new baby? Giving the gift of a postpartum care package is a great way to make a new mama (or seasoned mama) feel loved and cared for. Particularly as they navigate this significant transition in their life.
The postpartum period can be a challenging one. While it is obviously an incredibly special time, hormones are raging, emotions are high, and the sleep deprivation is real. It can be hard for new moms to recover from the true physical trauma that birth can be when they have to jump right into their role as mom – whether this is her first child or her fourth. No matter how many littles they’ve had, they still need to recover and adapt.
On top of that, it is not uncommon for moms to feel forgotten as everyone’s attention has now shifted from her to the new baby. They go from being checked in on throughout their pregnancy to feeling neglected or not as important now that they have delivered the baby. As if their job is done. It’s a tough feeling that is next to impossible to describe unless you’ve felt it.
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If you are looking for more gift ideas, check out Thoughtful Gifts for Breastfeeding Moms.
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Other helpful postpartum articles:
– 20 Postpartum Affirmations for New Moms
– The Best Postpartum Diapers for Post-Delivery
– How to Stop Postpartum Hair Loss: Home Remedies
Postpartum Care Package Ideas
A postpartum care package can be a thoughtful and practical gift for someone who has recently given birth. It should include items that prioritize mama’s comfort, well-being, and recovery. While everyone else is focused on gifting the baby (whether pre- or postnatal, or at a baby shower), you will be focused on gifting mama! And it will be deeply appreciated after all of her hard work.
Remember that every new parent’s needs and preferences may differ, so tailor the care package to their individual situation. If you’ve got a mama that had a tough vaginal delivery or c-section, focus on personal care and pamper items. If she has a baby that is a slow eater (meaning longer nursing sessions), some entertainment may help her pass the time. If she has multiple kids, food and drink will save her time!
So, where do you begin? Here are some ideas for what to put in a new mom care package:
Nourishment
Snacks: Include healthy and energy-boosting snacks that are easy to grab and eat, as new parents may not have much time for meal preparation. Granola bars, dried fruits, nuts, and lactation cookies (if applicable) are great options. Lactation cookies are useful for the production of breast milk, especially if mama is having a slow start.
Home-cooked Meals: The postpartum period is no time for cooking! Mama should be resting and staying out of the kitchen as much as possible. Therefore, a warm home-cooked meal can and will go a long way.
What should you make? Think about meals that are:
- Easy to consume on-the-go, at the counter, or quickly
- Healthy and nutrient dense
- Easy to throw in the freezer to be served when needed
Be sure to ask about any allergies before you start cooking, and consider using organic ingredients!
Hydration: Staying hydrated is crucial during the postpartum period, especially if the new parent is breastfeeding. So is staying awake!
- Reusable water bottle
- Variety pack of herbal tea
- Fresh ground coffee from a local roaster
Personal Care/Postpartum Care Kit
Postpartum recovery can be uncomfortable and messy. Personal care items can help mama recover in comfort rather than with the itchy, bulky products from the hospital.
Tip: the following items are more appropriate for a pre-labor care package to be used postpartum, as mama will likely want to stock up on them before the baby’s arrival. For example, she may want to bring some of these items for L&D in her hospital bag. Some moms won’t need many of these items after the first couple of weeks.
- Nursing Pads: If breastfeeding, nursing pads can help prevent leaks, discomfort, and icky clothes.
- Perineal Care Items: If she had or is planning to have a vaginal birth, include soothing perineal spray, medicated cooling pads/witch hazel, or perineal cleansing bottles.
- Nipple Cream: Perfect for soothing sore nipples if mama is breastfeeding and/or pumping. This brand is my go-to.
- Sitz Bath Soaks: Sitz bath soaks can aid in healing and soothing the perineal area after childbirth.
- Comfortable Underwear: Soft, breathable underwear designed for postpartum recovery can provide much-needed comfort.
- Disposable Underwear: Disposable mesh underwear and postpartum diapers can be useful during the initial days of heavy bleeding.
- Gentle Body Care Products: Consider including gentle body wash, lotion, and skincare items to help the new parent feel refreshed.
If you want to get many of these postpartum essentials in one, this is the best postpartum recovery kit for a vaginal delivery. This kit is good for a c-section delivery.
Entertainment and Relaxation
Life with a newborn borderlines on chaotic, so it’s important for a new mother to fine time to relax and indulge in a little entertainment. Trust me – you’ll be dying to catch up on your favorite show!
- Books or Magazines: A good read is the perfect gift and can provide some entertainment during downtime (I know… downtime, what’s that?).
- Streaming Subscriptions: Gift cards for streaming services can help pass the time during late-night feedings or when resting.
- Aromatherapy: Scented candles, essential oils, or diffusers can create a calming atmosphere.
- A Journal: Postpartum is a huge transition with lots of feelings and emotions. Journaling is a great way to document how mama is feeling throughout the process, and can function as a sort of at-home therapy!
- Puzzle or Coloring Books: These can be relaxing and provide a creative outlet.
Self Care Items
Self-care is not generally a part of a new mom’s routine, but it should be! Self-care goes beyond basic hygiene – showers are a general part of feeling like a human and everyone deserves the time to take one. It’s about going above and beyond basic care and feeling pampered.
- Face Masks: Sheet masks or facial skincare products for a little spa day at home.
- Hand Cream: Keeping hands moisturized, especially after frequent washing, can be comforting.
- Bath Bombs, Salts, Soaps and Soaks: A luxurious bath can offer relaxation and comfort. HomeGoods and World Market carry some of my favorite bar soaps.
- A Massage, Mani/Pedi, or Facial: Book mama a trip to the spa where she can relax and receive a little TLC. She will come home feeling refreshed and dare I say, fancy.
Supportive Accessories
Mama will spend tons of time and lots of sleepless nights caring for her baby, and not so much for herself. These extra gifts will help provide comfort where it may otherwise be difficult to find any.
- Neck Pillow: Useful for napping or breastfeeding in a more comfortable position.
- Hot/Cold Packs: These can help alleviate soreness, whether from breastfeeding or general discomfort. Ice packs are also great for vaginal recovery.
- Comfortable Slippers or Socks: Keep feet warm with some cozy socks or slippers that are easy to slide into.
Notes of Encouragement: Include handwritten notes or cards with words of encouragement and support. In my opinion, this is the best gift because it shows that true thought and care was put into her new mom gift basket. Need ideas? This list of postpartum affirmations is a great place to start.
Gift Card: If you’re unsure what the new parent really needs, gift cards are always a good addition to a postpartum care package. This way, mama can go shopping on her own or save it for when she needs to restock on something. Think Amazon, Target, and Walmart – places that can fulfill a lot of needs. Alternatively, restaurant or coffee shop gift cards are always appreciated.
Whether you follow a theme or choose a variety of products from every category, this list should help you create the ultimate care package for the mother in your life. Take care of mama in her fourth trimester with a thoughtful gift box!
