Don't forget Mom when buying gifts for a newborn or a baby shower. Late-night feedings, extra laundry and the needs of the rest of the family often push Mom's needs aside. Many new moms have trouble reconciling their new role with their identity, according to the Mama's Health website. Everything from an extra pair of hands, meal prep services, a little primping or an opportunity to vent can give Mom time to think and adjust.
Humor
Mom's sense of humor will take a serious beating after 30 or so late-night feedings. Items, such as on/off duty pillowcases, humorous baby books or the curse-word crossword puzzle, recommended by "Parents Magazine," might make late night feedings a little less stressful. A subscription to a movie service, such as Netflix or Blockbuster, provides Mom and the family with entertainment when time and budgets are being stretched.
Extra Hands
Whether you engage a doula or an au pair, sign Mom up for a cleaning service, meal delivery service or just pitch in for an hour a day to help catch up the housework, every Mom can use an extra pair of hands. Doulas, whose name is from an ancient Greek word meaning "woman's servant," provide support and advice on breastfeeding, assist with household chores and teach siblings and partners to bond with the baby and nurture the new mom.
Au pairs, according to the U.K.-based Best Bear Childcare Ltd. website, are supposed to live-in, working 25 hours a week in exchange for room and board and the opportunity to learn English. They are not trained in infant care and should only care for children older than three. Their main benefit to the new mother is taking over some light housework and caring for the older children in the household.
Personal Chef
Whether you actually engage a caterer, use a restaurant carry-out or get together with friends and relatives to bake a storm of casseroles for the freezer, meal service can be a relief to an exhausted new mother. Stick to family favorites, such as lasagna, macaroni and cheese, enchiladas, or a simple tuna-noodle casserole. Use foil pans for easy cleanup, or make sure dish washing is part of the gift.
