The Other Essentials
In Water Holds Us, I shared an essential during pregnancy, birth, postpartum and caring for a baby (water and sunlight), and I want to expand on that.
The essentials for baby and postpartum items aren’t always items! Sometimes, the most useful things are the ones that make it easier for a parent to eat, rest, connect, feel like themselves, or simply have less to do. Some can go on a registry or be gifted. Some are services or experiences. And some don't “cost” anything at all.
Support and gifts don’t only have to begin after the baby arrives! So, along with all the things that find their way onto our lists, here are some other essentials that can be valuable.
Comfort/Care
Taking a photo of the parent with their baby!
Offering a walk (alone, or with company)
A robe or blanket
Reusable water bottle
Perinatal Therapy - Pink Light Psychotherapy
Massage/physiotherapy - Women’s Health Physiotherapy Centre
Making things easier
Uber Eats, Skip or grocery gift cards
Prepared meals offered by a doula - Nourished by Shev
Cleaning or laundry service
Dog walking, childcare
Bonding/Connection
Pregnancy/Baby yoga - Yoga with Hannah
Maternity or newborn photography - Colorz Reflection
A bonding resource
Apps/Resources
Spotify subscription
Flo, The Bump or another pregnancy or postpartum app subscription
Glorify or another faith or wellness app subscription
Resources such as The NICU Translator, Anamav, Mino Care
Beyond baby
A book from their TBR list
Audiobooks or an e-reader subscription
A journal/notebook
Coffee shop, bookstore or other favourite-place gift cards
Staying connected
A “Thinking of you. No need to respond” text
Asking, What do you need?
A visit where they aren't expected to host
Remembering an appointment, milestone or difficult day and checking in
Checking in later, not only immediately after the baby arrives
The essential items don’t have to only be about what the baby needs. It can go beyond a list and include what will support the people caring for them too.