Recently, I saw a post on instagram where an expecting mother was sharing that she had a nesting party after the 32 week mark. What’s a nesting party, you ask. A nesting party is to support the mother prepare for birth. Usually pregnant women are more inclined to prepare or “nest” by cleaning and organizing for the baby’s arrival during the last few weeks of her pregnancy.
She had her friends come over and help her prepare for her postpartum period. She created a list of tasks, instructions for each task for her guests to help. I love this idea because she was able to rely on her community for support.
Her guests helped her prepare her nursery; making the crib, putting together the changing table, separating the baby clothes, and washing the clothes and baby cloths. Others helped her prepare for the actual delivery by helping her put together a delivery bag - which consists of items she will need before, during, and after the delivery. While others helped out with the postpartum preparation such as washing the bottle, breast pumps, meal prepping, created padsicles - they put the pads in the freezer that are to ease the pain after vaginal delivery, mineral salt bath washing the baby’s bottles and breast pump parts. Each guest also wrote a note for encouragement that she could read during and after her delivery.
The guests and hosts had time to catch up, had a meal, and snacks. If both parents are open to it, they could invite both sides of the family or friends to join and the men can help during this process too.
It will be a great way for guests to spend some quality time with the family who is expecting right before baby arrives. Of course, folks are encouraged to take pictures throughout the event. You can have your friends and family come over to enjoy this process. I also like this idea because it may relieve the pressure of having a baby shower for those who are not comfortable in having one or may want to take it easy because the pregnancy is more strenuous on the mother.
The decision is up to the expecting parents. Either one will work depending on the family, and how the pregnancy is coming along. Some may want to do both after reading this post :), but regardless of which one is executed it is important to rely on your village even if it’s your closest friends!
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