Gift Basket Ideas for a Breastfeeding Mother
Presents to Support and Encourage a Nursing Mom Post-Partum
Perhaps the greatest gifts one can give a newly-nursing mother are encouragement, glasses of water and taking over the housework! These gift ideas can be swapped around to suit the circumstances of the individual mother – a mom with oversupply won’t want her milk supply increased. It is better to avoid gifts such as nursing covers, breastpumps or bottles, as a mother may not want these items depending on her philosophies or circumstances.
Gift Vouchers for Household Help
Some newborns want to nurse 18 hours a day! Especially if a new mum is feeding on demand, she may find she has little time to do anything else. A post-partum mother should be taking it easy on the housework in any case, but that can be easier said than done! A voucher for a housekeeping service once a week, a diaper service (if the baby is in cloth nappies) or even a gardening service may help take some of the pressure off. Alternatively, a babysitter for the older children could give a mother of many time to bond with her newest child.
If professional services are out of the budget, homemade vouchers may be equally welcome. Make up a set of coupons redeemable for a home-cooked meal, a few loads of laundry or carpooling services.
Oaty Treats to Increase Milk Supply
A batch of homemade oaty cookies, a packet of gourmet granola bars or even fancy instant oatmeal can help a new mother establish a good milk supply.
Positive Breastfeeding Art
Mothers occasionally feel uncomfortable about nursing, especially if their families or friends are unsupportive. A book full of inspiring breastfeedinging imagery may help her overcome those feelings.
Nursing Necklace
A sturdy longish necklace with interesting beads gives the baby something to twiddle and play with during nursing. This can help to prevent the baby grabbing Mom’s glasses or face, scratching her skin or pulling at her earrings. Several Etsy sellers make necklaces specifically designed for nursing.
Lactation Tea
A pretty mug and canister of lactation tea is a nice gift. If you know the mother prefers a particular kind of herbal tea, feel free to substitute (bearing in mind that some teas such as St John’s Wort and peppermint are not recommended for breastfeeding). A reusable water bottle is another handy item.
CDs or Books on Tape
Many a mother has found herself somewhat bored while trapped under a baby during a marathon feeding session. Books or a magazine subscription are good gifts for a mother comfortable with one-handed or hands-free nursing; otherwise, CDs or books on tape are welcome distractions.
Gift Voucher for a Nursing Bra
Buying a new mom the bra itself is probably a tad too personal, but many mothers would appreciate the chance to purchase some comfy and well-fitted lingerie. Predicting what size and support will be needed is unreliable until a mother’s milk comes in, and she may find herself with no comfy bras.
Better yet, offer to watch the baby while she’s spending the voucher – newborns and changing rooms don’t mix!
Nursing Sling (Baby Sling)
Babywearing can be a lifesaver for exhausted mothers. A simple ring sling is generally best for newborns. If you're crafty, try sewing one out of not-so-babyish fabrics - slings are extremely easy to sew and have all the accessory potential of a handbag.
Snacks for a Breastfeeding Mother
A selection of nutritious snacks is always welcome. Try dried apricots, roasted chickpeas, gourmet cheeses, dark chocolate or wholemeal crackers.
Mother Breastfeeding Her Baby
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