Do you bring gifts for labor and delivery nurses? Here’s what the staff (and the behaviorist) say

BabyCenter series “Going Viral” it opens up the parenting process and separates the practical from the hype.

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Both times I gave birth to my children, I was aware of everything the labor and delivery nurses did to me. She helped me feel at ease, she came with joy (when I couldn’t), and she helped me feel more confident as a mother of a newborn. The first diapers are very small, and starting to breastfeed is always fun.

So it makes sense that it has become a tradition to give labor and delivery nurses a gift or a kind note to say thanks, we did it! These gifts range from thoughtful thank you cards to care packages filled with snacks, toiletries, and other goodies that these angel nurses can enjoy during their shifts.

Now moms in the BabyCenter Community are also looking for ways to show their gratitude: “I wonder what gifts everyone has given you nurses and techs that helped you at the hospital,” says user EllyO90. “I’ve been able to meet all the staff … so I’m very grateful for their care.”

But how do you thank someone – or a group of people – for such a great job? And is it better to bring gifts first? Here’s what an ethicist thinks moms should do, including the best labor and delivery gifts moms can bring. If you’re hoping to plan a gift, feel free to steal these sweet ideas.

Should women give gifts to their family members?

First things first: If you’re giving birth, you’re going through a lot. If you don’t want to plan, buy, and bring gifts (when you’re in a busy work environment!), that’s fine. Nurses do not expect to receive gifts from their patients.

According to culture, recognizing labor and delivery nurses is a gift and good form, says sociologist Lisa Mirza Grotts.It will open a new window. “We give gifts as an expression of gratitude, and few people give more of their time, care, and kindness than the nurses who help bring a child into the world,” she says.

That said, a heartfelt “thank you” may be enough, Grotts says. “Gratitude doesn’t have to be another responsibility,” he explains. “A handwritten note, a positive note, or an employee appreciation form that mentions the nurse by name can be very helpful – and can help get professional recognition.”

If you want to bring gifts, have something the group can easily share, such as baked goods or individual snacks, says Grotts. “Avoid money or expensive gifts, unless you are making a donation to the hospital,” he advises.

If you want to buy gifts for your nurses, here are some ideas

Remember, gifts are not necessary – zero pressure! – but with good hands if you want to. Need some inspiration? Here are some sweet ideas from BabyCenter moms, including some who work as labor and delivery nurses themselves:

Create a group gift basket

Many moms put together gift baskets (instead of goodie bags) that can be given to all employees at once. Here’s how to proceed, advises BabyCenter mother and nurse AKmomma25. “Some good things to put in would include snacks, sweets, hand cream, maybe a pen,” she says. “Nurses get a lot of food, so some options are good!”

One BabyCenter mom agrees: “As a nurse, I can tell you that there are never enough diapers, hair ties, and pens when you need ’em!” adds AmyInMA77.

Need a list of ideas? Here’s what moms from the BabyCenter Community recommend for nursing gifts:

• Pens
• Sticky notes
• Mini makeup brushes
• Mini facial moisturizers
• Lip balm
• Eyewear
• Snacks on their own
• Chocolate
• Drinks
• Hair scrunchies
• Pictures of the Claw
• ID badge videos
• Mixed electrolyte packs
• Minutes
• Gum
• Coffee beans
• Protein foods

If your time (and energy) allows, you may also want to consider making several baskets: one for the delivery nurses and one for the hospital nurses. All nursing teams will work around the clock for you and your baby, so it’s always a good idea to make sure everyone is covered.

Create a self-care package

A woman put together small packages to give out during training. “I’m proud of them,” Sam68w wrote in the BabyCenter Community. Each had a foot mask, lip mask, under eye mask, lip balm, tie/clip, gum, pen, badge marker, crispy marshmallow square, and a 10 centimeter charm. (Pa!)

Order food

“One thing we always love is healthy food,” said BabyCenter mom and maternity worker Kko0514. “It shouldn’t be too much.” They recommend ordering a tray of subs, Chipotle, or bagels with cream cheese and coffee. “You’ll probably have a lot of people who care about you, and even though personal gifts are wonderful, often (technically) we can’t take them or someone gets forgotten,” she says.

FYI: While most service and delivery departments accept edible gifts, some may not. “We don’t allow any food in the nursing areas anymore to treat infections; only rest areas,” says BabyCenter operator and head of the TwinsAND1more2024 medical department. If you’re thinking of bringing food in or having it delivered, just ask to find out the rules.

And if preparing meals seems like too much planning, consider offering gift cards to local restaurants or catering services so nurses can order appointments and supplies.

Write a thank you note

Write a thank you note (something you can do and send later anytime!) with beautiful handwriting. Community member RedElisa says she’s received baskets full of snacks, drinks, hair ties, and stationery, including donuts, pizza, tacos, and cute-themed gifts. But one thing stands out: the thank you card. “Many nurses are just happy with a thank you card,” she explains.

Another delivery nurse, Rubyummm, said that she doesn’t care even if it’s on the radio: “One time a patient wrote the words ‘thank you note’ on a small piece of notebook paper.

Give a glowing review

A medical expert at the BabyCenter Community said to take action: “You can also fill out a survey…” This means a lot. They are often included in performance reviews, so if you have someone who went above and beyond, share that with the elite.”

If you can’t afford to give a gift or don’t have enough time to write a letter (you’ll have a baby, after all!), that’s fine. You don’t need to bring a gift, a letter, or anything other than yourself.

Just take it from nurse Liltater in the BabyCenter Community: “As a nurse myself, I honestly feel like we don’t really expect gifts, and a heartfelt thank you means a lot.”