Boxes of Love for Mom provides new mothers with items that are meant to inspire and support around a few key areas: food, self-care, baby-care, and fun. We also hope that each family will enjoy their uniqueness, and the time and care with which they are put together.
Why Food?
New mothers may be shocked at the depth and breadth by which their infant needs them, especially in the first few weeks of motherhood. Those first few days and weeks, although blissful, can be extraordinary in their intensity, so much so that it is easy for mom to forget to eat. This may be even more difficult for families experiencing food insecurity at the time of birth. Providing food to new mothers is so important to Boxes of Love for Mom, especially at a time when much of mom’s energy is going into feeding her new baby. (Not to mention healing, figuring out new routines, and learning about the new little miracle she created.)
Why Self-Care and Baby-Care?
What items first come to mind when you think of a baby shower? Diapers, wipes, onesies, receiving blankets, infant clothing, strollers, bottles, etc.? What about a gift basket for the new mother? Does she like tea? Will she need breastfeeding support items? What about a journal to record her thoughts and new experiences with baby? How about a gift certificate for a day spa or pedicure before everything transitions to thinking about the little piece of her heart that is now outside of her body?
Encouraging self-care for new moms (as well as baby-care) is vitally important to Boxes of Love for Mom. Mothers need to know that it is AS important that they take care of themselves as it is their new baby. (After all, you cannot pour from an empty cup.) Sharing support items with new moms is just the beginning. Creating communities and social expectations that, yes, new moms are going to need time and space for postpartum care, sustained self-care, reconnecting with themselves as an individual, and mental health support, amongst so much more, is vital for the health of our mothers, babies, and future generations.
Future Goals: Boxes of Love for Mom would love to be able to include postpartum care and breastfeeding support items for new mothers, as well as small packages of diapers.
Unique
Boxes of Love for Mom is a grassroots effort to provide support, care, and share the love we have for mothers and new parents. We are a unique community of caring individuals in Western Massachusetts who have come together with a common goal: show new mothers that they are loved, valued, important, and supported. Part of the way we have been able to do this is with the generous donation of time and skills of so many talented individuals in our family and community who lovingly handcrafted knitted blankets, hats, booties, and infant clothing to share with each box. (Ex. Five hand-knitted afghan blankets were made and distributed, each taking 1 week to create.)
Why Fun?
Sometimes it is easy to get lost in the struggle of feeds, diaper changes, naps, and middle-of-the-night wakings. While there is undoubtedly joy and peace in many of these moments, it is also extremely hard work! Infants are incredibly cute, science proves the smell of their heads is addicting to new mothers, and the snuggles are off the charts. But sometimes new moms need a simple reminder that their child’s needs will not always be the same, or quite so intense. It won’t be long before you’re playing with playdough, blowing bubbles, or coloring with crayons together! (Oh and mama, so, so, so much more! Wait until the first “I love you.”…)
