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There are a lot of admirable careers, but nurses who help deliver babies probably deserve some of the top spots. That’s why so many expectant moms and dads find themselves wondering whether they should be purchasing gifts for labor & delivery nurses.
Let’s think about it for a moment – childbirth is no easy feat, and for most of us moms, we’re not in the best frame of mind throughout the process.
AKA, we might put our labor and delivery team through hell! So sorry, y’all!
All the while, though, these nurses stand by like saints as we yell, scream and beg them for a five-minute break when it’s finally time to start pushing (or was that just me?)
If you’re wondering whether thank you gifts for labor and delivery nurses are allowed, or you’re trying to figure out what to get, our community has the answers you need. From bottles of wine to relaxation kits, we’ve narrowed down the best options if you want to bring a gift to your birthing team.
Are You Allowed to Buy Gifts for Your Delivery Team?
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Before diving into the who, what, when, where, and why of gifts for labor and delivery nurses, it’s essential to answer a straightforward question:
Are they even allowed to accept gifts from patients?
The answer is…it depends.
There’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to bring gifts or snacks for labor and delivery nurses in most situations. However, what’s important to know is your particular hospital’s policy on this type of thing.
Especially considering our current mid-pandemic state, some hospitals or birthing centers might not want you to bring outside items in for their staff.
Call your local hospital or reach out to fellow moms who have recently delivered there to find out whether thank you gifts for the labor and delivery team are acceptable.
You should also find out if there are any restrictions on the types of gifts you bring for your labor team. Some healthcare facilities are fine with small gifts or snacks but won’t allow their staff to accept gift cards or money from patients.
3 Reasons You Should Think About Buying Thank You Gifts for Labor and Delivery Nurses
Let’s get one thing straight – there’s no reason you HAVE to purchase a gift for your birthing team. With that in mind, though, it’s always an excellent way to say, “Hey, thanks for putting up with my crazy ass while I pushed this watermelon-sized creature out of my vagina!”
If you’re on the fence about whether you want to buy gifts for your nurses, consider these three reasons it might be a good idea:
- Your labor and delivery nurses work hard for you throughout your entire childbirth experience. In reality, you’ll spend more time with them than your actual doctor.
- Nurses spend long, hard hours at the hospital – often without receiving any gratitude for the extraordinary job they do.
- Your nurses are your advocates throughout labor and delivery. If, for example, you’re writing a birth plan or trying to figure out how to naturally handle those active labor contractions, your nurses will be the ones to help you have the birth experience you’re dreaming of.
How Many Nurse Gifts Do I Need?
On average, an expectant mother will work with 2 – 3 labor and delivery nurses throughout her birthing experience. Keep in mind that if you end up laboring in the hospital for an extended period, you could have more.
If you’re worried about having enough gifts for each nurse, you could always provide one large snack tray or something similar for the labor and delivery floor to share.
When Should You Give Them Their Gifts?
When it comes to figuring out when to give your labor and delivery nurse a gift,
There’s really no right or wrong answer.
Some parents choose to give their birthing team gifts right from the start. This is a good idea if it’s food best enjoyed while it’s fresh. In other cases, new moms and dads might wait until the deed is over and their little one is wrapped safely in their arms.
Not sure if you actually want to give thank you gifts to your labor and delivery nurses?
There’s no rule saying it has to be done while you’re in the hospital. For instance, after my second daughter’s birth, I hadn’t planned on bringing gifts for my labor and delivery nurses.
When everything was over, though, I was incredibly grateful to the nurses who’d helped with my delivery. She was honestly my savior during the process, and I wanted to let her know how much I appreciated her, so I sent a small gift to the hospital after we got home.
Are Snacks for Labor and Delivery Nurses a Good Option?
Okay, let’s spout off some truth – most people love food. That’s it, no question about it – as human beings, the vast majority of us really enjoy eating.
It should come as no surprise that snacks for labor and delivery nurses are a welcome token of your appreciation.
If you’re interested in bringing snacks, consider some of the following options:
- Cookies
- Pizza
- Coffee
- Fruit Trays
- Protein Snacks (Helps them keep their energy up during those long shifts!)
You could put together a snack tray on your own or order something pre-made and have it delivered.
Don’t forget to find out your hospital’s policy on snacks for labor and delivery nurses, though. They might not allow you to have food delivered from outside locations.
And Now…the Best Gifts for Labor and Delivery Nurses!
So, now that you know why thank you gifts for labor and delivery nurses are a thoughtful idea, you’re probably wondering what to buy.
We’ve compiled a list of our favorite products and ideas for the best gifts for labor and delivery nurses!
1. Labor & Delivery Nurse Survival Kit
Who doesn’t love a good survival kit-type present? Whether it’s a new mom survival kit or a postpartum recovery kit, these types of gifts are always a popular option. That’s why a nurse survival kit is a great idea if you’re looking for gifts for labor and delivery nurses.
While you can put all sorts of different things in these types of kits, here are some of our top picks:
- Cosmetic Bags
- Hair Ties or Scrunchies
- Ink Pens
- Candy
- Hand Sanitizer
- Lip Balm
2. Funny Nurse Mugs
Maybe you’ve heard of “funny mom mugs,” but did you also know there’s an impressive collection of funny nurse mugs that are sure to tickle the funny bone of your labor and delivery team? Fill one of these with some candy or other snacks for your labor and delivery nurses for a complete gift.
3. Hand Repair Set
Think about how much time nurses spend washing their hands, wearing gloves, and using hand sanitizer on any given day – it’s no wonder many of them suffer from annoying dry skin and cracked hands.
Why not give them a soothing Burts Bees hand repair cream set? Not only is this an affordable gift for labor and delivery nurses, but it’s also basic enough that any nurse is sure to love it.
4. It’s a Beautiful Day to Catch Babies Keychain
This adorable keychain from Etsy is one of the best gifts for labor and delivery nurses. Not only does it feature a beautiful design, but it also comes in various colors and finishes to fit your style wants and needs.
5. Badge Reel
Badge reels are a pretty standard addition to most nursing uniforms. If it’s something your nurses are going to be wearing anyway, it might as well be a cute one!
These rhinestone badge reels from Etsy come in a wide variety of different styles and themes. Whether you’re looking for a thank you gift for labor and delivery nurses that’s sweet or funny, this shop has you covered.
6. Nurse-Themed Jewelry
Who wouldn’t love a beautiful, new necklace or bracelet? If you’re interested in giving your labor team a piece of nursing-related jewelry, there are plenty of great options online.
7. Relaxation Kit
If you’re interested in something a little more indulgent, these “Nurse” relaxation gift boxes from Etsy might be the ideal option. They include various products, such as candles, bath bombs, and lip balm.
8. Wine
Ahh, alcohol – what gift list would be complete without some type of adult beverage? While wine could be a controversial option (not everyone drinks, after all!), it’s also a favorite gift among labor and delivery nurses.
When they get home at the end of a busy day, cracking open a bottle of vino could be the perfect end to the day.
If you decide to get a bottle of wine, why not add a personalized tag to the bottle? These products from Etsy are some of our favorites and can be used with any of the previous gift ideas, too.
Thoughtful Gifts are a Sweet Gesture for Your Labor Team
The labor team at your chosen hospital is going to play a significant role in the birth of your child. Offering thank you gifts for labor and delivery nurses is a great way to acknowledge the care they’re providing.
From snacks for labor and delivery nurses to survival kits, any of these gifts are sure to be a bright spot in the day of your team.
If you’ve had a baby before, did you bring gifts for the labor and delivery nurses? If so, what did you give them?
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Kristen Bergeron is a freelance writer from Florida. In addition to writing, she is a wife, mother of two beautiful girls, Hadley and Scarlett, and a part-time photographer. After overcoming infertility and having two successful IVF cycles, she’s made it a personal goal to help educate men and women on the realities of fertility struggles. She is passionate about supporting fellow women who are trying to navigate the complicated world of conception, pregnancy, and learning to be the best mothers we can be.
