? for parents

[lynetteSC]

Hi guys! As some of you may know, we are in the process of adopting an infant. Our birthmom is due 5/25.

We are putting together a basket of goodies to give our birthmom after she delivers the baby. I am trying to to think of things that will help her while she is recovering from childbirth.

I already have some of her favorite lotion and her fav chocolate candy bars that she can't have now.

Is there anything you were given or used that I should include in her goodie basket?

Thanks in advance for any hints/ideas you may have!

 

[janette]

I'd think something pretty / frilly would be nice. Maybe a scarf or flowers?

 

[binny]

I saw a really cool thing the other day. It was a lotion applicater on a handle that you can use on your back! I would have loved that! my skin was SO dry after giving birth!

If you want to give her stuff that she can use in the hospital or while giving birth socks are a great thing to put in the basket! My feet always got cold in the hospital. a massager would be great as would some magazines. I cant imagine being in the hospital and not having something to read.

Good luck!

 

[buzzlady]

Maybe you could give her an item of jewelry with the babys birthstone.

 

[AboutTheMouse]

How about -

A memory book if you will have an open, ongoing relationship

Bath gel to go with the lotion

Gift certificates for her favorite store

Movie certificates for rentals in case she can't go out right after going home

Manicure / pedicure services

Hmmmmm......

 

[crz4mm2]

I like the manicure pedicure idea.
Massage would be especially wonderful! That is my favorite.

I really like the memory idea too. What a wonderful gift she is giving you. Perhaps a scrapbook that you have made with letters etc about the way you appreciate her and how you are feeling etc.

Best of luck to all of you!!

 

[Desnik]

Ice packs!!LOL
A tube of that stretch mark cream!!
How about a GC to a spa?
A bottle of wine.
Are you looking for ideas of practical things, or luxury things to use when she is home?

Practical things I needed after birth:
Motrin
slippers
robe
nightgowns
sportsbra
icepacks
**not to get too personal, but, sanitary napkins
lotion
peace and quiet!

Luxury things:
Wine
All the foods I couldn't eat while pregnant
Bath salts

That's all I can think of. I think this is really nice of you. Congrats on your baby to be!! How exciting!!

 

[lynetteSC]

Thanks guys! I knew you would all have great ideas! Our bmom is 19 and really into jewelry. I got her a bracelet with beads and a few stones that say things like: love, faith, and hope.

I also have:
- her fav candy bars that she can't eat now
- her fav type of candles in the tea light set
- fav lotion from bath and body works

I will get some motrin and stretch cream stuff ...

I never thought about socks and/or magazines! Any idea what types of magazines for a college student? She starts college (if all goes well according to plan) in August.

I thought about a scrapbook for her, however, she says she is not sure if she wants any contact after the baby is born. I may start an extra one myself and if she does come around, I could give it to her on a holiday/special occasion.

Now, I have another question... a friend of mine gave me a HUGE basket when we were matched with our birthmom. It had tiny little gifts inside. Each gift has a date on it ... I can only open one gift a week every Sunday. It is really cool countdown type basket. Should I do a thing like that or just give her all the gifts to have/use at one time?

Thanks guys!

 

[Val]

She will be going through a lot after the birth- how about a poem or a letter that expresses what a gift she is giving you? Also- since she is starting college, how about some books about succeeding in college or some silly books about college life?

Congrats on your new arrival....make sure YOU get plenty of rest. Your life is about to change incredibly- and you can never imagine how much love you will feel for a stinky loud little critter that wakes you up in the middle of the night! Hug your new one tight- the next thing you know the BABY will be the one getting ready to start college!!!!!

 

[janette]

I would give it all at once, the countdown gift is great when you are looking forward to an occasion but I'm not sure it would be the same for her.

 

[Dan Murphy]

What a nice thread.

 

[Nancy]

Magazines for 19 year olds...Cosmo, Glamour, the fun ones..like People, Us, In Touch. Maybe Vogue. Maybe Rolling Stone if she is into Music.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I would focus on things that will get her mind on college and her future... nothing sad or nostalgic. Magazines are good, body stuff, books about college life (funny ones), gift certificates for new clothes or cd's, things that make her feel pretty. I would stay away from any baby reminders... no poems, pictures, scrapbooks, etc, that's just going to make her feel bad. But I like your idea about making an album for her in case she ever comes around later down the road.

 

[Kermit]

Food is always good in the hospital. There is a long time in between dinner and breakfast, and the food in hospitals is surprisingly unhealthy. Even just some granola bars and bran muffins would probably be appreciated. A fruit basket would be a great idea.

On that same theme, maybe she'd like some gift certificates with restaurants with take-out for when she gets home.

 

[Cindy B]

Originally posted by Nancy
Magazines for 19 year olds...Cosmo, Glamour, the fun ones..like People, Us, In Touch. Maybe Vogue. Maybe Rolling Stone if she is into Music.

Other magazines she may like are Jane, Lucky, and other things like that

Personally I would not do a countdown gift either. I would give it to her all at once.

Do you know what college she is going to? You could get a GC to the college bookstore as well. As a student, I can say the book prices do add up.

 

[Trish Bessette]

Congratulations to you! This is such an exciting time.

I agree with previous posts, since she will be starting college, items that you got plus magazines, gift certificate for dinner or clothes, earrings, necklace.

I think a neat thing you could do is to write a letter, not long, up to a page long maybe on some cute stationary about how grateful you are to have found her and buy a nice frame for it. Have both yourself and your husband sign it.

We all know the best gifts are from the heart.

I also think it would be best if you give her the gifts all at once.

Best wishes!!

 

[browneyes]

I think that is a sweet idea. Is she a Disney fan? Maybe something from TDS?