Move over baby showers and bring on nesting parties. These parties are different than baby showers but they provide more support the mothers in ways they can appreciate. So what is a nesting party and how can it help with postpartum depression relief.
What is a nesting party?
A nesting party is more about the preparation of the baby than a traditional shower. They come with participants coming to do some work. It is still fun. So you can elect to bring gifts but this is more of an organizational process than anything. For instance, instead of baby showers games you spend time doing things to assist the mom in what she will need for her baby’s arrival. So what are some ideas for a nesting party?
Nesting Party Delegation
This is when it becomes about organization. Lean on the strengths of the participants. Here are some ideals:
- Meal prepping food that can be frozen and reheated
- Make postpartum pads to help mom with relief after birth
- Clean and organize the nursery
- Organize and clean the rest of the home
- Wash laundry and fold clothes
- Stock the baby caddy for convenient items for mom and dad
Nesting Party Invites
This is not for everyone to come to. So if you know for certain that there are people in the life of the mother to be that she doesn’t get along with leave them off the list. This party should be planned with the mom involved. The ideal is to alleviate stress not create it. This is an intimate experience and moment.
Take the cues from mom and make it an experience that she needs and will remember. You can also make sure that those in attendance bring affirmations for mom. Things you can also bring that aren’t about the baby include:
- Noise cancelling headphones
- Robe or other postpartum clothes remember comfort is key
- Gift card for delivery services like Instacart, Amazon, subscriptions to apps like Calm, Audible, etc
- Food and snack gifts
- Gift card for postpartum spa and include your services for baby watching
Postpartum Recovery
It’s hard after you have a baby. Your body is not your own and sore, the mind isn’t as clear, and more. So many people think that as long as the new mom has all of the gadgets she should be good. However, many moms struggle too. When I was dealing with postpartum many people gave me the advice they thought I needed. Telling me to sleep when the baby sleeps was great but it wasn’t practical.
No one was checking in on me. The right questions wasn’t being asked. Some of those questions include, how I was doing, how can people help me to relax, and more. Postpartum depression is a hard time and it can feel isolated.
Village Support beyond the Nesting Party
I’m going to be honest. When people come to see the baby they really don’t care about the mom. They ask how are you and move on super fast. First don’t come over to a new mom’s house without asking. With a baby’s immune systems being underdeveloped having people over too soon can be harmful and deadly. When you do come over, don’t even reach for the baby first. Ask mom how you can assist. Assistance looks like:
- Washing dishes
- Changing the diaper pail
- Helping with other children
- Heating up food
- Letting the new mom grab a shower while you watch the baby
These little items actually offer real help. The goal is to support the mom which helps her in the long run. Babies are a lot of work. Getting your body and mind to become one helps a new mom during the postpartum phase. Also help dads too. They go through things as well. If possible get men who have already supported their wives and partners during their postpartum. Make sure you listen to both mom and dad feel supported.
