Mother’s Day is more than just a holiday—it’s a heartfelt moment to honor the women who have shaped us with their love, strength, and endless care. Whether it’s your mom, a mother figure, or the mother of your children, finding the right gift can be a beautiful way to say, “I appreciate everything you do.” ​For new moms or moms who are expecting, you will want to make her first Mother's Day one to remember. Here are eight thoughtful gifts that go beyond the expected, each one tailored to help a mom or mom-to be feel loved, seen, and celebrated.

​​1. Brunch or Dinner – A Shared Experience: Let’s face it—moms are often the ones cooking and planning meals. ​Sometimes, the best gift for your mom isn’t something you wrap, it’s quality time. Treat your mom to a delicious brunch or dinner at her favorite spot (or cook her something special at home). It’s a simple gesture that says, “Let’s slow down and just enjoy each other’s company.” Pair it with a handwritten note, and you've got a moment she won’t forget. And if you're cooking, don't forget to take care of the cleanup too.

2. LEGO Flowers – A Bloom That Lasts Forever: Fresh flowers are great, but LEGO flowers add a fun and creative twist. These intricate, buildable sets are not only beautiful to display but also offer a relaxing activity she can enjoy on her own or with loved ones. This gift is perfect for the mom who enjoys a creative challenge and a quirky keepsake she can admire all year long. Plus, they never wilt. This is definitely one of my most favorite mother's day gifts from my son.

3. Self-Care Gift Card – Her Time, Her Way: Whether it’s a massage, a facial, a float session class, or a spa day, a gift card for self-care is a way of saying: "You deserve to be taken care of too." Choose a local spa or wellness center, or even a digital gift card for meditation apps, fitness classes, or online therapy. It’s more than a treat, it’s a gentle reminder that her wellbeing matters too. Let her choose how and when to relax and take care of her needs, with no guilt and no interruptions.

4. A Beautiful Plant – A Living Reminder: Plants make great gifts for their aesthetic and therapeutic value. Choose something easy to care for like a pothos, peace lily, or succulent. Every time she waters it, she’ll be reminded of your thoughtfulness. It's perfect for the mom with a green thumb—or even one who just appreciates a touch of greenery indoors. Bonus points if it comes in a cute pot!

5. Household Help – A Break She Didn't Have to Ask For: One of the most practical, appreciated and underrated gifts is help around the house. This could mean hiring a cleaning service, offering to tackle a to-do list she’s been putting off, or simply giving her a day where she doesn’t have to do a thing. You may even consider gifting a laundry service, lawn care, or even a meal delivery subscription. Lightening her load—even for a little while—shows that you really get what she needs: less stress, more space to breathe. It’s the gift of time and peace of mind.

6. Jewelry – A Touch of Elegance: You can’t go wrong with a timeless piece of jewelry. And it doesn’t have to be extravagant either. A simple necklace, a charm bracelet, or birthstone earrings can all carry deep meaning. Add a personal engraving to make it even more special.
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7. Photos – Memories That Last: Collect your favorite photos and create something beautiful: a framed picture, a photo book, or even a digital slideshow set to music. You could even surprise her with a family photoshoot. Capturing and celebrating these memories is a gift she will treasure forever.

8. Something for Later – The Gift That Keeps Giving: Surprise her today a gift for tomorrow. Maybe it’s a ticket to a future concert, a weekend getaway, or even a subscription box she’ll get every month. Giving her something to look forward to is a reminder that her happiness matters every day of the year.

Bonus: If you really want to go above and beyond for a mom in your life, you may consider gifting her something that she absolutely needs. Non-traditional gifts like car maintenance or detailing, planning a home improvement project she has had her heart set on or paying for a month of childcare would be a gesture that would surely be appreciated and not soon forgotten.

​​The best gifts aren’t necessarily expensive or extravagant—they’re about intention. Whether it’s a shared meal, a small token of love, or a few quiet moments of rest, what moms really want is to feel seen, appreciated, and cherished. Any of these gifts will do just that.

Parenting is hard. And confusing. And exhausting. Trust me, I get it. Much of parenting is trial & error and gut instinct, am I right? The honest truth is that only you know what's best for your children and family. But where do you go when you need answers?

The modern world has resources and information literally at your fingertips. But a lot of what is floating around out there is opinion and not evidence-based information from experts. And no offense to Google, but that is the last place you need to go when you are looking for direct and factual data. Please save yourself some time and uncertainty. Instead, here are some  highly-recommended and equally popular resources that can be beneficial to you on your parenting journey.

Websites

• Lucie's List– Great registry guidance, gear reviews, and postpartum tips.
• The Bump– Week-by-week pregnancy tracker, baby name tools, and parenting guides.
• BabyCenter– Trusted site with community forums, due date calculators, and developmental milestones.
• KellyMom– Evidence-based breastfeeding and parenting support.
• Janet Lansbury– Focuses on respectful parenting and the RIE method.
• What to Expect– Based on the popular book, with forums and a strong app.
• ​​Zero to Three​- Child development research and parenting tools from birth to age 3.
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – HealthyChildren.org- Pediatrician-backed advice on everything from pregnancy through adolescence.
• Motherly- Thoughtful, mom-focused content with expert guidance on parenting and wellness.​

Apps

• Peanut– A social networking app for moms and expecting parents to connect.
• Ovia Pregnancy & Ovia Parenting– Tracking tools for pregnancy and baby development.
• Huckleberry– Baby sleep tracking with expert guidance.
• Kinedu– Developmental activity suggestions backed by child development research.
• Baby Tracker– Logs feeding, diapering, and sleep data.
• The Wonder Weeks- Tracks mental development leaps in babies based on neuroscience.

Podcasts

• “The Longest Shortest Time” – Fascinating stories about parenthood, often hilarious and heartwarming.
• “Unruffled” with Janet Lansbury – Practical advice on parenting calmly and respectfully.
• “Evidence-Based Birth” Podcast – Especially helpful for expectant parents who want to make informed birth choices.
• “The Birth Hour” – Real birth stories from all perspectives.
• “Raising Good Humans” by Dr. Aliza Pressman – Expert interviews and modern parenting science.

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When You Need Professional Input

• Your Pediatrician or OB/GYN– Always defer to them for health concerns.
• IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant)– For breastfeeding issues.
• Postpartum Support International– For maternal mental health and postpartum depression help.

Again, nothing beats your gut instinct. But if you need a starting point for specific topics related to pregnancy, birth and parenting, some of these online resources will surely be at the top of your go-to list.

Have you tried any of the resources listed above? Have any to add to the list? Leave a comment below!

Dear Mom,

Whether your baby is days old or a few years into into their adolescent adventures, you have done something incredible. You’ve brought life into this world, and that alone deserves more praise and awe than words can carry.

But now, let’s talk about you.

I know the days blur together. The feedings, the playdates, the exhaustion, the constant wondering if you're doing it "right." I know the love you feel is deeper than anything you imagined, but the weight of it can also feel overwhelming. And somewhere in all of this, you—your body, your mind, your spirit—have likely taken a backseat.

I want to urge you, gently but firmly: please take care of yourself.

Not later. Not when the baby sleeps through the night. Not when you're done pumping or when  they start school. Now.

Here’s why: you matter, too.

You are not just a milk source. Not just the comforting arms. Not just the scheduler, the lovey-finder, the soft place to land. You are still you, and that woman—before baby, during baby, after baby—needs nourishment, sleep, support, joy, and rest.

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s foundational. A well-fed, emotionally supported, and rested mother is a stronger, more present one. You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to do it all. But you do need to be well. Because the version of you that thrives—not just survives—is the one your children, family and community will benefit from the most.

So eat something warm today. Say yes when someone offers help. Ask for it when they don’t. Take a walk. Cry if you need to. Talk to someone. Say no to things that drain you. Protect your peace.

Let go of guilt. Let go of the image of what you think you should be. You’re already enough, just as you are.

Motherhood is a chapter of your life. A huge one, yes. But it shouldn’t mean losing yourself entirely. Your baby needs you—whole, human, healing, and here.

So, fellow mom, this is your permission slip.

To rest. To reclaim pieces of yourself. To be cared for, just as much as you care for your little one(s).

You deserve that.

With love and solidarity,
Another Mom Who’s Been There


P.S. Whenever you need a reminder to pause and care for yourself, say these things out loud:

"I am more than a mother and I will take time to nurture every part of myself."

"Taking care of myself is a part of taking care of my family."

"Taking care of myself doesn't mean 'me first', it means 'me too'."

"When I am healthy, my family is healthy."

Remember, God created you for motherhood and so much more. Embrace the journey.

​Welcoming a baby into the world is one of the most transformative experiences of a lifetime. As new and expecting parents prepare for labor, delivery, and the postpartum period, many consider hiring a doula—a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support. But before you make that decision, it's important to understand what a doula does, what they don't do, and how to find the right fit for your family's needs.

What Is a Doula?
A doula is a non-medical professional trained to support individuals through pregnancy, labor, birth, and/or the postpartum period. There are different types of doulas:

Birth doulas assist during pregnancy and labor.

Postpartum doulas support families in the early weeks after birth.

Some doulas also offer bereavement, abortion, or adoption support.

A doula does not replace a doctor or midwife, and they do not perform clinical tasks like fetal monitoring or vaginal exams. Instead, they are your advocate, coach, and emotional rock throughout your birthing journey.

What are the benefits of hiring a doula?
Studies have shown that having a doula can lead to:

• Shorter labors
• Lower rates of medical interventions (e.g., epidurals, cesareans)
• Increased satisfaction with the birth experience
• Higher rates of breastfeeding success
• Reduced postpartum anxiety and depression

When should you start looking for a doula?
Ideally, begin researching doulas in your second trimester. This gives you enough time to interview a few candidates, build a relationship with the right one, and schedule prenatal sessions. But I always say, it's never too early to start your search because many of the good doulas are booked well in advance.

Here are key factors to consider before hiring a doula:

1. Training and Certification
Not all doulas are certified, and certification is not required to practice. However, reputable certifications (from organizations like DONA International, ProDoula, CAPPA, or ICEA) ensure a standard level of training and ethics.

2. Experience
You may want to know how many births they've attended or how many families they’ve supported postpartum. Experience often translates to better intuition, adaptability, and calm under pressure.

3. Style and Philosophy
Some doulas are hands-on, others are more reserved. Some lean into natural birth advocacy, while others are supportive of medicated or cesarean births. Choose someone whose philosophy aligns with your own.

4. Availability
This will likely be a top priority when choosing your doula. Ensure their on-call window matches your due date, and ask how many clients they take on per month.

5. Backups
Life happens and when it comes to your birth support, you want to make sure that you are covered even in emergency situations. Ask if the doula works with a backup doula in case they are unavailable when you go into labor.

6. Investment
Doula services range widely in cost. It can be anywhere from $800 to $2,500+ depending on your location and the services you receive. Having a budget is a great place to start so you can narrow down your choices. Some doulas offer sliding scales or payment plans so be sure to ask when conducting interviews. Also, check if your insurance or FSA/HSA covers any part of the fee. Be sure that you are comfortable with your investment.

7. Services Included
Many doulas offer packages that include particular services. The most  common things included with birth services and support are prenatal visits, labor/birth support, and postpartum check-ins. You may also inquire about additional services like lactation counseling, childbirth education, or massage therapy.

Overall, these considerations should help you navigate what type of doula you want for support and the particular services you desire. Based on your preferences, needs and budget, you can start the interview process. Many doulas offer complimentary consultations for your convenience.