Feathers in Our Nest

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Gift Ideas for a New Mom

August 4, 2015 by Aliesha

Clever gift ideas for a new mom that have nothing to do with baby... just for mom to help her feel loved and cared about during the busy newborn season! | Feathers in Our Nest



Have you ever wanted to bless a new mom with a special gift that is just for her?  I remember receiving a care package in the mail after one of my babies was born, and it was filled with lovely gifts just for me… stationery, lotion, pens, stickers, and a sweet note of encouragement (the best part!).  It was such a blessing to me at a time I really needed it!

Maybe you’re visiting a new mom in the hospital, or want something to take to her when you go to drop off a meal.  Or maybe she had a baby three months ago and could use some encouragement because her baby hasn’t been sleeping so well lately!

Here is a list of ideas for you of things to give to a new mom (and, of course, most of the items on this list would be loved by any woman, mom or not)!

Gift Ideas for a New Mom (that have nothing to do with baby!)

Mom-Gifts-Joy-Devotionalshort devotionals

When a new baby arrives, time for lengthy quiet times is greatly reduced!  I have found that short devotional books are so encouraging during those sleep-deprived days.  Some devos for women can be a little weak theologically, but these by Lydia Brownback are so rich (even though each day’s reading is just 2-3 pages). I have read Joy, Contentment, and Trust.  They are all very good for reading while feeding an infant!

Petal-2hair ties

I sell this kind in my Etsy store, but you can find them other places as well.

Mom-Gifts-Dry-Shampoodry shampoo

I make my own now, but this is my favorite commercial brand.  It’s so awesome for keeping your hair looking great in between washings!  (At Target, you can grab a little travel size version of this for around $1-$2).

Mom-Gifts-Earringsearrings

After having a baby, it feels like nothing fits right (maternity clothes hang awkwardly, but regular clothes are still too snug), so a new pair of earrings can be a true mood-lifter!  These would brighten any outfit.  (I’ve ordered from that Etsy shop several times and recommend it!)

Mom-Gifts-Mug

mug

I know I always thrived on coffee when I was up several times a night with my new babies, and I would have loved this beautiful, encouraging mug!  Bonus points if you include a favorite variety of tea or coffee!  (This mug is made by mompreneur Kristin Schmucker!)

Mom-Gifts-Art-PrintScripture print

Philippians 4:8 instructs us to think about the things that are true.  One way I like to do this is by filling my walls with truth from God’s Word!  An art print would be a lovely gift for a new mom so she can mediate on God’s truth all day long.  Love this one from Gracelaced (made by mompreneur Ruth Simons).

Mom-Gifts-Snack-Boxsnack box delivery

I totally didn’t realize how hungry I would be after having a baby and while breastfeeding.  Not to mention, too mentally and physically exhausted to even figure out a good snack to eat (one-handed, at that!).  Subscription snack boxes have been so helpful in making sure I have relatively wholesome snacks to munch on!  I’m subscribed to two (you can pick the frequency of delivery that works for you!): NatureBox and Graze.  NatureBox includes 5 larger bags of snacks (several portions each), while Graze offers boxes with either 4 or 8 snacks in individual portions.  (Good to know: NatureBox offers a free trial.  And you can use code “ALIESH64P” to get your 1st and 5th boxes free at Graze… my referral link.)  NatureBox allows you to pick out the snacks you want in each box (or be surprised), while Graze chooses for you (but allows you to rate previous boxes so they get to know your tastes as time goes on).  Either of these boxes would be appreciated by any new mom!

Mom-Gifts-Notebooknotebooks

Whether she uses these to jot down thoughts, keep track of feedings, or to use during her devotional time, pretty notebooks are always a useful gift. These are just lovely. (I have them and I have also gifted them!)

Mom-Gifts-Notecardsblank notecards

The amount of thank-you notes a new mom writes is astronomical, so a pretty set of blank notecards will be put to good use!  I like these die cut ones, but there are often really cute notecard sets in the dollar spot at Target.

Mom-Gifts-Lip-Balm

lip balm

This Pretty Balm from Root is my favorite.  I like it in Gossip, Waverly, and Doll.

Mom-Gifts-One-Line-a-Dayone line a day journal

Okay, so this gift is a little bit about baby.  It’s a five-year journal where mom can record a line or two each day about anything… how she’s feeling, what milestones the baby reached that day, what they did as a family, etc.  Doable, and so sweet.

Creative Mom Gifts: Roberobe

I bought this beautiful new robe to wear after baby comes, and I think any mom would love one!  This etsy store carries lots of amazing floral prints and the robes are handmade in India.

sea-salt-caramels-aldichocolate

Currently, I am obsessed with these Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels from Aldi.  They taste very gourmet, and I would totally pay more for them.  Chocolate is always a win!

What would you add to this list?

ALIESHA CALDWELL IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING AND LINKING TO AMAZON.COM.

Filed Under: baby, gift ideas, gifts

My Hospital Bag Packing List

July 29, 2015 by Aliesha

My Hospital Bag Packing List: Advice from a 4th-time mom! What you really need and what you don't.  |  Feathers in Our Nest

Since this is my fourth birth, I now feel pretty confident in knowing what I need to pack for the hospital (and what I can leave at home)!  I am mostly packed now (for me & baby), so I feel good about that!

Your list may look different from mine, but after having three hospital births, I know what I like to have with me!

My Hospital Bag Packing List: Everything You Need for Mom & Baby

Basics

-camera(s)/charger/SD card

-cell phones/chargers

-Bible

-birth plan

-my own gown for labor (ties at shoulders and down the back)

-robes/other loungewear

-nursing bra/nursing camis

-belly wrap (I used this one last time… helps uterus return to normal size quickly. Also trying another brand this time around.)

-my pillow with a pretty pillowcase

-toiletry items and makeup (minimal)

-a few hair things (but I may not use them…we’ll see)

-soft tissues/soft toilet paper (I’m not spoiled… this is a must!)

-slippers and/or flip flops

-socks

-comfortable outfit for wearing home

-SNACKS and FOOD (I’m always starving after birth, so I’m taking lots of food this time)

–Aden & Anais blankets (can be used for swaddling, as a nursing cover, or to tuck over baby in car seat… LOVE them!)

–burp cloths (2 out of 3 of my kids spit up a LOT… forget the cute tiny ones and buy these)

-gifts for the nurses/staff/midwives (I usually do a nice gift basket with gourmet food to put in the break room… always goes over well!)

-reusable grocery bags (I always seem to leave with more stuff than I came with, including dirty laundry)

Because I’m Planning a Natural Birth

-essential oils (more on this in a future post)

-diffuser (I’ll ask if this is okay to use)

-Scripture verses (see this post)

-playlist of worship music (on phones… see this post)

-massage tool (you know, the cheap plastic kind… for back rubs while I’m in labor)

Because We Don’t Know the Gender

-boy outfits

-girl outfits

(We always take more than “they say” to take because our kids seem to poop/spit up more than the average baby, haha!)

Because I’m “Crunchy”

–raspberry leaf tea (healing to the uterus)

–Arnica gel (helps with facial bruising/swelling)

–Earth Mama Bottom Balm (very healing to your nether regions after birth)

–lanolin cream (excellent for sore nipples)

–Earth Mama Angel Baby natural baby wash (for baby’s first bath)

For the Hubby

-change of clothes

-cash/change for vending machines and meals (he never keeps cash with him, so I’ll pack it in his bag)

-toiletries

-Tylenol (for headaches)

-snacks

Not packing

-pads (I’ve learned now that I just use what the hospital provides and it works great until I get home! But it’s a personal preference.)

-prenatal vitamins (my hospital provides these)

-breast pump (if I needed one for some reason, the hospital would let me use one)

-Boppy (have not used it at the hospital EVER, so no need to pack)

-books/journals (never opened these previously)

-nursing pads (my milk doesn’t usually come in until the 2nd or 3rd day, so these aren’t really needed until I get home…though I may pack a small handful of these)

-diapers/wipes (hospital provides)

-nursing cover (only needed with certain visitors, and in those cases I just use a light blanket!)

What else is on your must-have list for the hospital?My Hospital Bag Packing List: Advice from a 4th-time mom! What you really need and what you don't.  |  Feathers in Our Nest

ALIESHA CALDWELL IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING AND LINKING TO AMAZON.COM.

Filed Under: baby, pregnancy

Baby Apricot’s Surprise Shower!

July 22, 2015 by Aliesha

On Monday night, my friends threw me a surprise baby shower for Baby Apricot!  The entire shower was so incredibly sweet and beautiful!

I loved the Baby Apricot bunting banner!

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Everyone got a chance to predict our baby’s birthday and gender, as well as write notes of encouragement for me to read during labor (how sweet!!).

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The girls each picked a color of ink and stamped footprints on the calendar day when they think Apricot will arrive!  We pretty much have the first two weeks of September blocked off, so someone will be right!

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The food table was gorgeous!  (And, of course, the food was delicious!)

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There were so many adorable touches, like this cutlery holder and the baskets of apricots!

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One of my friends has a cookie business and she made these precious apricot sugar cookies!

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They even made Apricot Lemonade for us to drink, as well as coffee and sweet tea.

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I felt so incredibly blessed to be surrounded by friends who wanted to help me celebrate the birth of my fourth baby!  Their kindness was so overwhelming.  I don’t have a picture of it (I think Whitney got one!), but they all surprised me with the gift of a double stroller!  We can’t wait to use it!  Tad helped me assemble it last night.

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Oh, and did I mention that Whitney (hostess), on the left below, is having her baby in about two weeks?  Our babies will be such good friends!

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God has been so faithful in providing friendship and community at our church, and I’m incredibly grateful.

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Thank you, sweet friends (including those who weren’t able to make it to the shower!), for helping me celebrate Baby Apricot’s (hopefully) soon arrival!

Filed Under: baby, friends, parties, pregnancy

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