When a baby is born, everyone rushes to meet them. Visitors bring tiny outfits, soft toys, and warm wishes — all for the baby. And don’t get me wrong, I love seeing the joy and affection people have for my child. But there’s one thing I’ve learned as a mum: while the baby is showered with gifts and attention, the mother is often quietly forgotten.
After giving birth, we mums are exhausted, sore, emotional, and often overwhelmed. We’ve just been through one of the most physically and emotionally intense experiences of our lives — and we desperately need support, too.
A friend visited today to pick up some of Ollie’s baby items for his new little one. We started talking, and he said something that really stuck with me. At their baby shower, I had given his wife a bag of postpartum care items — including the Baby Ollie “CalmaBloom” Reusable Pad — things I knew she would need but that most people don’t think to gift. He told me, “Thank you! We didn’t know we would need those things, and they were life-saving.”
Today, I handed him another little “mum goodies” bag, this time with the Baby Ollie “MilkNest” Silicone Milk Collector & Nipple Protector – 1pc. Because I know from experience that sometimes the smallest, most thoughtful items can make a mum’s day so much easier.
That’s exactly why I believe we need to shift how we think about supporting new parents.
Yes, celebrate the baby — but please, also check in on the mum. Ask how she’s feeling. Bring her a meal. Offer to hold the baby while she showers or naps. Gift her something that will make her recovery easier.
Because the truth is, a cared-for mum is the best gift you can give a newborn. 💛
With love,
A mum who knows how much it means to be seen
Renata (Ollie's mum)💛