Ways to Bless Your Pregnant Friend

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So, someone you love is pregnant! It might be your best friend, family member, coworker, classmate, or another church member. Having just gone through pregnancy with an especially challenging first trimester, I just want to say a big thank you on behalf of this person you are hoping to bless!

Pregnancy is a super exciting time, but can also be overwhelming and difficult for a lot of moms. Carrying another human zaps her energy and usually comes with challenging health issues like pain, nausea, vomiting, and sleeping difficulties. I've listed all of the things that were incredibly helpful for me as I walked through these things, as well as things that other moms have shared with me that blessed their socks off. 

1. Make a postpartum care package

Photo by olga safronova on Unsplash

Putting together a postpartum care package is such a perfect way to show an expecting mom that you care about her. Below is a collection of items that will be a huge help as she welcomes her new little one.

Note: I am big on sustainability and reduced waste! However, there are a few disposable items on this list because when you're sleep deprived and uncomfortable, a lot of times you don't want to have to worry about extra laundry. There are reusable options as well, if you know your mama is okay with it!

Birth Recovery

Recovering from birth would be difficult by itself- let alone with a fresh new baby to take care of! These items help make recovery a little bit less uncomfortable.

Tip: If a mom is having a hospital birth, she will likely be given a peri bottle that she can reuse over and over until she doesn't need it anymore. Unless she specifically asks for one, it's not necessary to buy.



Disposable Period/Postpartum Underwear

Amazon Basics Incontinence & Postpartum Underwear for Women

These disposable underwear are really convenient for the postpartum recovery period. 


Period/Postpartum Underwear


This is a great reusable option instead of getting disposable underwear for postpartum bleeding. Just make sure your mama is up for doing some extra laundry!


Disposable Pads

Amazon Basics Ultra Thin Pads with Flexi-Wings


Something that I didn't consider was that after the heavy bleeding in the week or so following birth, there is a period of light to medium bleeding. It doesn't require the massive pads that you are given in the hospital, so if you don't have regular pads on hand (I didn't because I hadn't had a period in 9 months!), these are a great gift.


Reusable Pads

If the mama you are shopping for is eco-conscious and up for doing more laundry, reusable cloth pads are a great way to go!


TUCKS Pads

TUCKS Medicated Cooling Pads

TUCKS Cooling pads are great relief for sore lady bits, stitches, or hemorrhoids after birth. The hospital gave me a few packages, but I ran out at home and had to go get more from the store while I was recovering.


Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is not as simple as it sounds! Complications can develop easily and there can be a significant learning curve for mom & baby. Here are some items that really helped me as I was learning how to breastfeed and dealing with the discomforts that come with first starting out. 


Nipple Cream


Nipple cream is such a relief when you are first starting out breastfeeding. As mama and baby are working on perfecting baby's latch, there can be some discomfort and sore nipples.


Disposable Nursing Pads

Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads

These disposable nursing pads were especially helpful in the early days of breastfeeding because they would stay attached to my bra when I would fold down the cup to nurse. It was also nice because I didn't need to worry about washing them. After I was going through so many pads, eventually I moved onto reusable pads.

Reusable Nursing Pads
Once I got more comfortable nursing, I started using these reusable nursing pads. It's a great feeling to be able to reduce the amount of waste that I'm producing as a mom!


These were another huge source of relief for me while I was getting started breastfeeding. The pads are reusable for up to 24 hours after opening.

Breast Therapy Packs

Lansinoh Breast Therapy Packs with Soft Covers, Hot and Cold Breast Pads

My sister-in-law got these for me and it was so nice to have the option of heat or cold depending on what I preferred. These are also reusable.


Self-Care

Taking care of yourself as a new mom is so vital, but so easy to forget. These items will help support the new mama in your life as she supports her new little one.


Cozy Blanket

Exclusivo Mezcla Large Flannel Fleece Throw Blanket


I loved having a soft, cozy blanket to snuggle with as I was breastfeeding and cuddling my fresh new baby. 



Recovery Bath Salts


Sitz baths are commonly recommended to postpartum mom's to help heal after birth. Not only is a sitz bath healing, but baths are also so relaxing and supportive during the postpartum period.








Soft Socks


So many people recommended having thick, fuzzy socks for birth and recovery. However, I found that my feet got so sweaty due to postpartum hormones! I always went for socks that were soft, but not super thick so my feet didn't get as sweaty. 




Flavored Electrolyte Drink


While you're breastfeeding and just recovering in general, it's so important to be hydrated. Plain water starts to get a little boring after a while though, so Liquid I.V. is a great solution for this! They have multiple flavors to choose from and are packed full of electrolyte and vitamins to help support mama.

2. Clean for her OR shoulder the load so she can nest

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
This one is definitely dependent on the mom you're wanting to help. Some moms would gladly welcome you to come and do the actual cleaning. Others, especially in the third trimester when nesting kicks in, would rather do it themselves. In that case, there are other ways you can help shoulder the load so she can do that more easily!

1. Bring her a meal so she can clean instead of worrying about cooking (and then cleaning that up). 

2. Offer to help watch her other kids if she has them. 

3. Run errands for her. For example, pick up some groceries or cleaning supplies if she needs them. 



3. Make/buy freezer meals & postpartum snacks

Photo by Taylor Kiser on Unsplash
Having back-up freezer meals and snacks is so helpful for new moms who are fighting sleep deprivation and trying to keep up with their newborn, and possibly other children. Bonus points for healthy meals! Here are some great resources for recipes to make:

Tip: Text the mama you are planning to cook for and give her a few options of recipes! That was the easiest way for me since the text gave me time to decide, and I got to choose what me and my family would like best without feeling like I was rejecting any ideas. 

Meals

If you don't have the time or desire to cook freezer meals or snacks, you can pick up some ready made freezer meals from the freezer section of your local grocery store or get pre-made snacks from Amazon.

Here are some ideas:

Boobie Bar Superfood Lactation Bars 
Power Up Premium Trail Mix
Heavenly Hunks Organic Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Chip


4. Start a meal train for her

Photo by Megan Bucknall on Unsplash

This was such a blessing for me! I had a dear friend organize my meal train for me using the Meal Train website. This is a great option as it is free and allows her to share her preferences & schedule with friends and family members that would also like to participate. 








5. Organize a baby shower for her

Photo by Noah Fuentes on Unsplash






Organizing a baby shower is definitely a huge gift if you have the time and energy to put it together. I have another post here (coming soon!) with ideas to organize a great shower that will make memories for her and help her gather everything she needs for her new babe!






6. Send an encouraging message

Photo by Pradamas Gifarry on Unsplash

Sometimes an encouraging message from a friend can give you the strength you need to make it through the day. The physical exhaustion and discomfort of pregnancy can make for some long days. Here are some of my favorite Bible verses you can send as an encouragement as well! 



Psalm 18:2 (ESV) “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Romans 15:13 (ESV) “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Ephesians 3:16-17 (ESV) “May He grant you out of the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man; and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.”

Isaiah 40:29 (ESV) “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.”

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV) “But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”


7. Send her a gift card for food or coffee

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
This option is super easy. Having a gift card for her to grab the food or coffee she likes whenever she wants or needs it is great when she's feeling too tired or nauseous to cook herself. 

Tip: Some moms choose to cut out coffee completely while they're pregnant, so it's probably a good idea to check if she's still drinking it before sending her a coffee gift card.



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