Apart from the clear necessity for federally mandated parental leave, which, in my view, should stipulate a minimum of six months for all caregivers, including fathers — and furthermore, should mandate that both partners take the leave to ensure equitable impact on their careers and to emphasize the value of all caregiving — free postpartum pelvic floor health and mental health services should also be provided. Controversial, I know.
In the spirit of assisting both new moms and those experienced in the journey, I've compiled a list of my favorite ways to offer support this Mother’s Day.
For what it’s worth, none of these brands have sponsored this post (although I wish they would — how great it would be to give all that juicy sponsorship money back to our team and back to our community, by way of parent residencies and fellowships!) but alas. These recommendations come pure as can be.
So, shop on, and happy Mother’s Day to all! And please let me know if you make a purchase (or a donation). I’d love to hear what you got.
The Postpartum Production Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Make a breastfeeding mom some amazing lactation cookies. Just bake these (recipe here) and leave them at a new mom’s door, please! And here’s a recipe for lactation balls, too.
Nyssa postpartum products are leaps and bounds more comfortable than the junk they give you at the hospital, and they’re having a 20% off Mother’s Day sale. From underwear to between-leg heating or ice packs to nursing and sleeping supplies, they really have everything a new mom could need.
A Postpartum services gift card to Partum Health would be amazing — I recommend the day-of postpartum doula help, the postpartum pelvic floor therapy, or any of the therapy sessions.
Why not get her some August tampons? It’s the only brand I’ve found that can manage a postpartum period (once it returns). They’re doing 10% off right now.
You could also organize a meal train to support a new family for a duration of 4-6 weeks; food delivery is always a hit. Always.
If you must get Mom a mug, please make sure it’s this one from Etsy:
Then there’s this unforgettable gift for a mom in your life: a one hour birth story session. Mom tells Sara Nolan her birth story, Sara transcribes and gently edits it into a beautiful story that Mom treasures forever. (I did it and loved it!) Sara was kind enough to offer you all 25% off a birth story session. Just use code PPP25 at check out.
I also recommend some simple, but so important, care for new moms. Offer to hold the baby while she showers or does postpartum yoga; make her a homemade lunch, or just sit with her while she watches Netflix. Care can come in so many forms.
An in-home postpartum massage would be lovely. (And if you can get her a pack of 3-6, so Mom knows she’s covered for a while, even better.)
A gift card for babysitting would go a long way. This never goes out of style.
I’m about to purchase one of these stained glass flower yonis for myself, and who among us wouldn’t also want to get one.
Finally, consider becoming a local activist within your workplace and local community to champion stronger caregiving support, advocating for initiatives such as paid caregiving/parental leave, mental health services, postpartum healthcare, and beyond. To that end…
Two Mother’s Day-Themed Charity Recommendations
Chamber of Mothers
Chamber of Mothers is a collective unit focused on advancing maternal rights in America. There is no federally-protected paid family leave; childcare is inaccessible and unaffordable; and maternal mortality is a national emergency. Chamber of Mothers wants to change all that, and asap. Donate or sign up to get involved today!
Lowcountry Warrior Moms
Another great charity is Lowcountry Warrior Moms. They collaborate with hospital staff and organizations to assemble Mother’s Day care packages for families caring for critically ill children in South Carolina. Typically donating 70-80 bags each Mother’s Day, they ensure the items are practical, compliant with hospital regulations, and indulgent, because it’s Mother’s Day, dammit, and these moms are so deserving of some extra love. Additionally, funds collected are utilized to offer small financial grants to support families in their care for critically ill children.
If you are touched by their mission and interested in contributing, here’s how to help.
Happy Mother’s Day to everyone!