As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the journey of pregnancy, especially for those navigating the challenges that can come with gestational diabetes. In the spirit of giving, we’ve curated a gestational diabetes gift guide that focuses on the well-being of pregnant folks, from comfort items to essentials for postpartum care.
In the whirlwind of doctor’s appointments, blood sugar monitoring, and the anticipation of parenthood, receiving a carefully chosen gift can be a source of immense comfort. Thoughtful gifts go far beyond the material—they convey a deep understanding and acknowledgment of the unique journey that the pregnant person is navigating.
So whether you’re shopping for yourself or a loved one, these thoughtful gifts can simplify your shopping experience and help ensure you are choosing a gift that your pregnant friend will truly use and cherish!
Table of Contents
Gift Ideas for Pregnancy, Gestational Diabetes, and Postpartum
1. The Fresh Test: A Sweet Alternative to Glucola
Let’s kick off this guide with a game-changer for those who’ve experienced the less-than-pleasant glucola drink (if you know you know). The Fresh Test offers an alternative solution for screening and diagnosing gestational diabetes. Check out their innovative approach at thefreshtest.com, and make the screening process a more pleasant experience.
2. Guiding Hands: Birth or Postpartum Doula Services
Consider the invaluable gift of support and guidance by contributing to a birth or postpartum doula service. Doulas are trained professionals who offer emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. If the pregnant person is local to Vermont, you can learn more about my doula services here or find a doula that serves your area in Vermont.
3. Comfort for Swollen Feet: Compression Socks
Say goodbye to swollen feet with a pair of compression socks designed for pregnancy. Not only do they provide relief for tired and achy legs, but they also make a practical and thoughtful pregnancy gift for any parent-to-be.
4. Lift and Support: Belly Band
A belly band is a versatile accessory that provides support and comfort during the third trimester. It’s perfect for lifting the belly and can also be used postpartum to help with abdominal recovery.
5. Culinary Convenience: Meal Delivery Service or Personal Chef Experience
Ease the load with a gift that brings both convenience and nourishment. Consider gifting a subscription to a meal delivery service like Blue Apron, Hello Fresh or Cook Unity, providing delicious meals right to the pregnant person’s doorstep! Alternatively, if you prefer a more personalized touch, explore local take-and-bake options or you can even go all out with a personal chef experience! Some personal chefs offer an in-home experience, where they will come to the pregnant person’s home and stock the freezer with postpartum meals.
6. Cozy Essentials: Robes, Sweaters, and Wrap Cardigans
Stay warm and cozy during the winter months and prepare for postpartum baby snuggles with oversized sweaters, lightweight wrap cardigans, or a luxurious robe. These items are not only practical but also provide easy access for skin-to-skin contact and chest/breastfeeding.
7. Relaxation and Pampering: Prenatal Massage Gift Certificate
Treat the parent-to-be to a prenatal massage to ease tension and promote relaxation. Look for a certified therapist experienced in pregnancy massage to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
8. Stocking Stuffers: Pregnancy Snack Basket
Put together a delicious basket of pregnancy snacks, including protein bars (such as Kind or Rx bars), nuts, dark chocolate, cheese crackers (like Whisps), meat sticks/beef jerky, and roasted chickpeas. A great gift that also helps the pregnant person maintain energy levels throughout the day.
9. Nourishing Beverages: Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
Consider gifting a supply of red raspberry leaf tea, known for its potential benefits in supporting the uterus and preparing the body for labor! Always consult with a healthcare provider before introducing new herbal teas during pregnancy.
10. Prepare for Breast/chestfeeding: Sterile Syringes for Colostrum Collection
For those navigating gestational diabetes, collecting colostrum during pregnancy can be a proactive measure. Sterile syringes are a handy tool to have on hand for collecting colostrum, which can help stabilize the baby’s blood sugars after birth.
11. Pamper Your Feet: Peppermint Foot Lotion and Epsom Salts
Ease your tired feet with a refreshing peppermint foot lotion and indulge in a relaxing bath with Epsom salts. These simple yet luxurious items are perfect for promoting self-care during the third trimester.
12. Aromatics: Essential Oils for Every Day and Labor
Essential oils can provide comfort and relaxation. Choose blends that are safe for pregnancy and can be used both during daily self-care routines and in the labor and delivery room.
13. Knowledge is Power: Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum Books
For the bookworm parent-to-be, explore a curated selection of books covering pregnancy, birth, postpartum, body liberation, and intuitive eating. Visit Nourished Journey’s Bookshop* for a collection that supports a holistic approach to parenthood.
*this is an affiliate link, I may earn a small commission on any books purchased using these links.
Share This Pregnancy Gift Guide
If you’re currently pregnant, consider sharing this gift guide with your family and friends. When they inevitably ask, “What can I get you?” or “How can I help?”, this guide serves as a helpful response.
By directing your loved ones to these thoughtful and practical suggestions, you’re not only ensuring that you receive items that won’t automatically be sent to the nearest donation center (oops), but you’re also inviting them to be a part of your pregnancy journey in a meaningful way.
Celebrate Your Pregnancy Journey
Pregnancy is often a somewhat shared experience, whether you’re the one carrying the baby or a loved one offering support. A thoughtful pregnancy gift is a way to bridge that gap and create a sense of connection and shared celebration. As the holiday season unfolds, let the spirit of giving be a reflection of the love, care, and joy that surround the journey into parenthood.
1:1 Nutrition Counseling
If you are a pregnant person looking for support as you navigate gestational diabetes, I would love to be a resource to you. To learn more about my services and approach as a Gestational Diabetes Registered Dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, click here to book a free call. We’ll talk more about how I can help you manage your blood sugars, prepare for birth, improve your relationship with food, and support a healthy pregnancy!
Hi! I’m Emily.
0 Comments