12 Days of Christmas- Day 10 Holiday Gifts for Expecting Mothers!

-Emily Gold,  Doula at Birth Breath Beyond and Little Lotus Yoga Instructor. You can find more about Emily at www.birthbreathbeyond.com

It’s Holiday time! If you have a pregnant wife/partner/friend or family member you may be considering getting them something for their new baby this year. But consider a special something for HER, to bring her some comfort, pampering or mindfulness this season. Below are 9 great holiday gift ideas specifically for the pregnant woman in your life, and a few will be appreciated by her partner too.

1. Prenatal Yoga classes:   Prenatal yoga is great for a multitude of reasons. If Mom is athletic, yoga is a low impact way for her to stay strong and fit during pregnancy. If fitness isn’t typically part of Mom’s routine, a yoga class is a great way to strengthen her body before labour and motherhood! Yoga is also an amazing way to reduce stress and a yoga class can offer that pregnant woman in your life the opportunity for “me time”. Plus a great yoga teacher can offer tips and advice for how yoga postures and breathing techniques can be incorporated into birth for pain reduction.   Yoga classes offer women a chance to share their experiences with other pregnant women. Private yoga classes offer the busy woman a chance to turn inward and connect with their baby.  Check out our great line up of Prenatal Yoga classes HERE.
2. Pedicure: Who doesn’t love being pampered?   While a gift certificate for a pedicure is a present most women would love pregnant women will especially enjoy any extra attention on their feet.   Be sure to pick a place that is well ventilated, even better if they use all-natural non-toxic products.   And splurge for the extra foot massage.
3. Massage:  Speaking of massages, a prenatal massage is an amazing treat for pregnant women no matter the trimester.   Early in pregnancy a woman may love the opportunity to have an hour to be pampered (and maybe have the chance to sleep), later on prenatal massage can help work out sore backs, hips legs and shoulders and more. Much like yoga a massage is a great opportunity for “me time” and mom won’t even have to move 🙂  We highly recommend our friends at Anna Belanger & Associates.
4. Prepared meals: This is a great present for the whole expectant family! There are several services around Ottawa that make delicious healthy complete meals by excellent chefs.   Giving women a gift certificate to one of these companies is a great way to reduce any stress expectant parents have around taking care of themselves after baby is born. This can also be a terrific DIY present, making a few prepared meals that can go into the freezer will surely make your present a hit come dinner time! Check out our friends over at The Magic Fridge!
5. Home cleaning:  This is another one that is great for both expectant parents!  Perhaps you’ve heard that women “nest” before their baby is due, cleaning up, organizing, getting a nursery ready?  While this is true, pregnant bellies, changes in balance and fatigue may mean that a woman can’t do her share of cleaning the way she wants too.   While partners can and should pick up some of the slack a gift card to a cleaning service can reduce stress in the household.   This would also be a great present for a family to save for after baby is born, trust me they will thank you for it! 
6. Photographer: Maternity and infant photos are all the rage these days.   If you know a photographer you love get the pregnant woman a credit for these services.   She can feel like a super model and capture memories to last a lifetime. Best photographer around? Check out Sara McConnell Photography!
7. Jewelry:  Have a pregnant fashionista in your life? Jewelry (and other accessories like scarves) are a great present for a pregnant woman who loves looking her best but may not want to be buying much new clothing as her body is changing.   Easy to wash scarves and jewelry babies won’t be able to grab will be extra appreciated.
8. Doula: Every pregnancy deserves a doula but some women and families feel that they can’t afford one.   Chipping in with a few friends to pay for doula services is a great gift that can actually improve healthy labour and delivery outcomes for mom and baby. If there is a doula you know mom and partner love see if they will work out a gift certificate with you. Otherwise let the family know you are offering to pay but let them pick their own doula, it is an important intimate decision.  You can find more info about Emily’s doula services by clicking HERE.
9. Donation in their name:  Know a pregnant woman who has it all? Why not make a donation in their name to an organization that provides services to pregnant women in need in Canada or around the world?   Mom may be feeling connected to other pregnant women and knowing that another mom may have a safer healthier pregnancy is the greatest gift of all.