As a psychologist working in the perinatal space and having recently become a first-time mother, I understand how life-changing having a baby can be and I am passionate about the care we give new mothers. The early days can be filled with pure joy, but they are also overwhelming as you adapt to caring for a newborn.
In those first few weeks, new mothers are vulnerable in a way they might not have been since childhood. Providing support during this time is critical and can turn the journey into one of wonder and adventure. The care we provide new mothers has a significant impact on their well-being and the healthy development of their baby. Research shows that women who have social support report fewer symptoms of depression and better mental health during the postpartum period and beyond (Khademi & Kaveh, 2024).
So, to help the new mother in your life feel supported as she embarks on her journey, let’s create the ultimate postpartum care package.
In those first few weeks, new mothers are vulnerable in a way they might not have been since childhood.
Understanding Postpartum Care
The immediate postpartum period—often called the “fourth trimester”—comes with many challenges. After nine months of pregnancy and then childbirth, the early weeks are an intense time of physical and emotional recovery. Postpartum care involves helping new mothers physically heal, manage exhaustion, address breastfeeding challenges, and cope with the wide range of emotions that come with this new phase of life. Proper support can help new mothers feel nurtured when they are pouring everything into their newborn. Here are the areas to consider when putting together a care package.
Proper support can help new mothers feel nurtured when they are pouring everything into their newborn.
Key Areas of Postpartum Care
- Physical Recovery
After childbirth, mothers are healing from delivery, whether vaginal or caesarean. They are managing postpartum bleeding, hormonal changes, and sometimes complications like infections or excessive bleeding. - Mental Health
The postpartum period is a time of heightened risk for mental health issues, including postpartum depression and anxiety. New mothers often face a shift in identity and may struggle with perfectionism, guilt or feelings of failure. - Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can be challenging, with difficulties latching, issues with milk supply, infections, or discomfort. - Emotional and Social Changes
Hormonal changes lead to overwhelming emotions. New mothers are building a bond with their baby while navigating changes in relationships with partners, friends, and the broader social landscape, which can often feel isolating. - Newborn Demands
New mothers face the consuming task of managing feeding, sleeping, and developmental milestones—all while dealing with sleepless nights and caring for a newborn’s basic needs.
The Importance of a Postpartum Care Package
A thoughtful care package can make a significant difference. When I came home from the hospital with my son, my best friend stocked my pantry with healthy groceries and organised a meal delivery voucher (Dinner Ladies). Another friend came over to cook and freeze meals and gifted me the book The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother by Heng Ou. I didn’t cook for the first two months!
During my pregnancy, I made friends with other expecting mothers. For every birth, we pooled money to buy thoughtful items like snacks, herbal teas, beauty products, and handwritten cards. These small gestures—like a free coffee or a comforting cup of tea—can mean the world to anew mother. A collection of items that offer comfort, healing, and emotional support is a beautiful reminder that she’s cherished.
When I came home from the hospital with my son, my best friend stocked my pantry with healthy groceries and organised a meal delivery voucher.
Customising Your Postpartum Care Package
Every mother is unique, so customise the care package to suit her needs. Consider her journey through pregnancy and childbirth—did she have a C-section? Does she love skincare? A personalised approach can make the package truly special. Make sure to include a handwritten note or card. Cards often make their way into a keepsake box and can bring back precious memories.
You could also add a sentimental item, like a framed photo or a small memento, to make the package meaningful. Timing is important too—gifting the package right after birth provides immediate comfort, but waiting a few weeks might be ideal when the initial excitement has faded, and exhaustion has set in.
Recommended Brands for Postpartum Care Packages
When creating a postpartum care package including hypoallergenic and natural products alleviates any worries about creams coming into contact with a newborn’s skin and accommodates skin conditions.
- Wildcrafted Organics: Natural skincare products for pampering
- The Physic Garden: Handmade balms for postpartum healing.
- Eco Tan: Organic skincare, safe for nursing mothers.
Australian companies dedicated to postpartum care packages include:
- Making Mama: Online courses, guides, and resources to support mothers during pregnancy, birth, and early parenting.
- Baremum: An online store providing natural, non-toxic products for pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding care.
- Little Seedling: An Australian online shop specialising in curated gift collections for new mums.
- Bubba Bump: An online retail platform offering a range of stylish and practical baby, maternity, and postpartum products for parents and newborns.
- Seasons of Mama: A website providing guidance, resources, and tools for mothers to support well-being and self-care throughout various stages of motherhood.
Creative Ways to Present Your Care Package
- Gift Box or Basket: Use a reusable box or basket lined with a muslin or beeswax cloth that can be reused later.
- Personalised Tote Bag: Package items in a reusable tote bag with mum’s name or an inspiring quote.
- Fabric Bundles: Use a beautiful fabric wrap for an elegant presentation. (Furoshiki Wrap).
- Floral Presentation: Add fresh or dried flowers to the package or wrapping.
- Envelopes: Place vouchers in a beautiful envelope among the other items.
Conclusion
Supporting new mothers postpartum is essential for their well-being, emotional health, and ability to adjust to motherhood. A thoughtful care package can make all the difference to a new mother.
If you found this information helpful, share this blog post with others. Together, we can create a community that uplifts and supports new mothers, ensuring they get the care they deserve. Share your own care package ideas in the comments below. Your ideas can help others to have a profound, long-lasting impact on both mother and baby.
References
Khademi, K., & Kaveh, M. H. (2024).Social support as a coping resource for psychosocial conditions in postpartumperiod: A systematic review and logic framework. BMCPsychology, 12 (301). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-01814-6
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