In my experience, there is no event as miraculous, wonderful, and overwhelming as having a child. You think you are prepared. You’ve had baby showers and received everything from books to clothes. You have painted the nursery a lovely shade of green, and have purchased an adorable crib set in gingham to match the walls. The crib and changing table have been put together and the new rocking chair has arrived. You are ready for this baby to come into your life!
The exciting day comes, and that beautiful baby is here.
And your life is changed forever.
Now your life and body is all about the baby. You spend your time rocking, bathing, feeding, changing diapers. The baby sleeps when you are busy cleaning, and is awake when you are trying to sleep. You are happy, but more exhausted than you ever thought possible.
Gifts for the baby arrive on a daily basis – more clothes and toys. But who really needs the gifts at this point? Mom!!
The best gift I received was a visit from my mother. I am blessed to have the most helpful mother in the world. She cooked meals, cleaned, and did all of the other mundane things around the house so I could hold the baby and sleep. I wanted to package my mother and send her as a gift to my friends who were new moms, but that wasn’t very practical, and my mom wasn’t too excited about the idea.
Instead I would get a gift for the baby (you just can’t forget the baby!) offer to make a meal, and get a little something for the mom. Some of my favorite ideas were bath products. Many moms seem to feel they need permission to take care of themselves. A comfy bath pillow and some lovely bath salts gave them an excuse to take a few moments and have a nice hot bath. I once found a waterproof book (to be read in the tub) that had little essays on the beauty of motherhood, and why it’s so important to take a few moments for you. I wish I would have bought 20 of those!
Other ideas include a soft blanket big enough for mom’s naps, a pretty mug with some specialty teas of coffees (make sure they are decaf if mom is nursing!), or even a DVD of her favorite movie. Anything to make her feel pretty, special, and more like her old, rested self.