The Best Supportive and Empowering Gift Ideas for New Moms

Our Guide to Giving The Gift of Support

The arrival of a new baby brings joy and excitement, but it also comes with a lot of changes—especially for your body. If you’re navigating Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) or focusing on pelvic floor care, the typical baby registry may need a few thoughtful adjustments.

As we head into the 2024 holiday season, this guide doubles as a perfect gift list for new or expecting parents.

Whether you’re putting together a registry, hosting a nesting party, or searching for the right gift to support a loved one, we’ve gathered must-have items that make caring for a baby easier while keeping mom’s comfort and recovery front and center!

Check out the following guide from our founder Lauren, who started Hem Support Wear because of her own experience with POP.

How Do You Choose a Good Gift for a New Mom?

When choosing practical postpartum gifts or items to include on your baby registry, focus on items that prioritize mom's wellbeing and ease the transition into motherhood. To support her pelvic health, consider a variety of options, from baby essentials to gifts that allow her the time to pursue pelvic floor physical therapy. These thoughtful choices can help her heal and adjust to her new role.

Key Baby Items for Managing POP Symptoms and Supporting Mom's Pelvic Floor

Essential Baby Gear for Pelvic Floor Support and Postpartum Comfort

When creating a baby registry or planning for postpartum, it’s important to consider how certain baby items can ease the strain on your pelvic floor, especially if you’re managing Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP).

Here are some key items that not only help with newborn care but also reduce physical strain:

• Lightweight Travel Crib: Look for a crib that’s easy to set up and carry, reducing the need to bend and lift repeatedly. My favorite is the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light. We have used it with both of our girls. It is so easy to set up, it's lightweight, and it packs easily for travel.

• Baby Carrier Without a Waistband: Opt for a baby carrier that distributes weight across your shoulders, minimizing pressure on your pelvic area. My favorites are Happy Baby’s Onbuhimo and Solly Baby’s Wrap.
  • The Onbuhimo doesn’t have a waistband which helps reduce pressure on the pelvic floor. (Read more about my recent travels with the Onbuhimo.)
  • The Solly Wrap is great for keeping your newborn close and lets you manage so much day to day. These were both well worn. 

• Exercise Ball: A stability ball, which is also known as an exercise ball, yoga ball or birthing ball, can be a lifesaver for bouncing and soothing your baby, offering a comfortable way to rock without needing to stand or walk. 

• Lightweight Stroller: Choose a stroller that is easy to maneuver and lift, helping to avoid unnecessary strain on your core and pelvic floor. I do not have a favorite one yet and would love to hear your favorites!

• Bedside Bassinet: A bassinet that sits right next to your bed allows you to care for your baby with minimal effort, reducing the need to get in and out of bed frequently. This can be especially helpful for those early postpartum weeks. I know people choose all kinds of different options for their baby’s sleep. If you are choosing a bassinet, consider one like this that makes it easy to get your baby in and out while you stay seated or lying down. 

• Stool for Bath Time: Having a stool to sit on while bathing your baby can help alleviate lower back strain and prevent you from bending over for extended periods. It can also help you manage pressure while you lift your baby and kids in and out of the tub. I use this stool and set this cushion on top. It has been a game changer for me during bathtime. 

• Diaper Backpack vs. Side Carry Bag: A diaper backpack evenly distributes weight across your shoulders, reducing stress on your pelvic area compared to a side-carry bag. We have used my favorite Patagonia backpack from college as our diaper bag and it has worked great for 4+ years. 

• Doona Car Seat & Stroller Combo: This clever product transitions from car seat to stroller without having to lift or move your baby, making outings much easier. I have not used this personally, but think it is a great option to consider because infant car seats are heavy!

• Rocking Chair: A rocking chair lets you soothe your baby comfortably while sitting, avoiding the need to stand or pace around the house. This can be a great tool to have available. 

These thoughtful baby items can make a huge difference in your postpartum recovery, offering convenience and support as you care for your little one while also prioritizing your pelvic health.

POP-Specific Gifts: Helping New Moms Recover Postpartum

Pelvic Health Support for Moms

When focusing on postpartum recovery, especially with Pelvic Organ Prolapse, these items can make a world of difference:

• Pelvic floor support garments (like those from Hem Support Wear) for targeted comfort and support.

• Pelvic floor physical therapy sessions to aid in recovery.

• Pessaries for women managing Pelvic Organ Prolapse may offer effective internal support.

• Self-care items like sitz baths and cooling pads for pelvic recovery relief.

• A great water bottle, because hydration is key for healing! My husband bought me a HydroFlask water bottle for a Christmas present when I was pregnant with our first kid and I still use it 4+ years later.

• A squatty potty, helping support better posture and reduce strain during bathroom visits.

• Time for mom to go to important appointments, like pelvic floor PT.

• Help around the house, so she can rest and focus on recovery without added stress.

Making these items accessible not only helps with healing but shows how much we value and support moms on their postpartum journey!

Support-Focused Gifts: Giving the Gift of Care

Practical and Emotional Support for Parents

Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that offer real support. Here are some thoughtful ideas for helping parents feel cared for during those early months:

• Lactation Consultation: Give the gift of expert guidance with a few hours from a lactation consultant.

• Postpartum Doula Services: A postpartum doula can provide hands-on support to help parents adjust.

• Meal Trains or Gift Cards: Help ease the mealtime stress with coordinated meal trains or gift cards to healthy meal delivery services.

• Cleaning or Household Help: Whether it’s a cleaning service or someone to help organize the household, this kind of support goes a long way.

• Mental Health Support: Sessions with a therapist who specializes in postpartum care can be an invaluable gift for emotional well-being.

These gifts provide practical relief and emotional support, making the transition into parenthood a little smoother.

Nesting Party Tasks: Help Setting Up for Baby

Nesting Party Task Ideas

A nesting party can be a fun, practical way to get ready for baby while spending time with loved ones. Here are some helpful tasks to tackle together:

• Nursery Setup: Organize the baby’s items in your room and their room if they have one, fold those tiny clothes, and set up the essentials. Pro tip: for a majority of people your baby will spend the majority of time in your room vs their nursery for those first few months especially. 

• Meal Prep Together: Gather the group for some freezer meal prep, making sure the new parents are stocked with easy meals for the postpartum period.

• Padsicle and Postpartum Kit Creation: Get crafty by making DIY recovery kits, complete with padsicles and other essentials for postpartum comfort. One of my favorite things early postpartum was this Frida Upside Down Peri Bottle. I would add lukewarm water along with a drop of lavender and tea tree essential oils and it was so refreshing. Note that you may not be able to use essential oils right away depending on your condition. 

• Sibling Prep: Sort clothes and toys for older siblings and get baby gear ready for the newest family member.

These tasks not only help prepare the home but also build excitement and connection before baby arrives.

Second-Time Parents: Unique Gift Ideas for Experienced Parents

Gifts to Support Second-Time Parents

Second-time parents often face the unique challenge of balancing the needs of a newborn with those of older kids. Thoughtful gifts can make this transition smoother:

• Support Systems: Provide tailored help for parents juggling both a newborn and older siblings, whether it’s meal delivery, household assistance, or offering a helping hand.

• Childcare Vouchers: Give the gift of childcare for older kids, so parents can focus on bonding with their newborn. This could look like you doing something fun with the older kids or gifting money for a favorite babysitter. 

• Quiet Time Activities for Older Kids: Age-appropriate toys, puzzles, or craft kits to keep older kids entertained while parents care for the newborn.

• Experience-Based Gifts: Vouchers for family outings, such as a visit to a local zoo or children’s museum, to create special memories with the older sibling. A family photo session would also be a great way to honor the family and capture this special moment in time. 

These gifts focus on practical support while showing care for the whole family.

A Gift That Lasts: Supporting Families in Meaningful Ways

When it comes to giving, the best gifts are the ones that prioritize the well-being of the whole family. By choosing the best gift ideas that offer practical support, comfort, and care, you're not just helping parents get through the early days of motherhood—you’re setting them up for long-term success. Whether it's a thoughtful service or an item that makes life a little easier, these gifts can make a lasting impact and help ease the postpartum transition. Let’s focus on showing love in ways that truly support new and growing families.

Have an idea for something we can include on the list? Let us know; we'd love to hear it!