Bringing treats/gifts for nurses?

[GuavaGirl]

So I've read the recommendation, from a few different sources, of bringing something for the nurses, when you're at the hospital to have your baby. Is anyone doing this?

Is it something you give just to your nurse, along with your birth plan?
..Or do you just give it to the nurses desk when you arrive?
I've heard of lotions or baked goods. Which is better? Any ideas for pre-made yummy treats?

[isras1]

I work at a hospital as a nurses aide and we love to share food. So, there is always something around to munch on. But what I've noticed is that the OB section will come over to our department and join us, which we love to share. Usually, the OB nurses and CNM's are called in and don't always have time to grab food or enough food to last the whole birth. I would just leave it at the front desk when you check in, so you don't have to worry about getting it to the nurses. Baked goodies are always great to bring.

[newlywaaz]

the suggestions I received from my cousin (a night nurse) were to bring at least one healthy-ish option for each junky treat, and always make the snacks somewhat portable. She says, lots of people bring gooey desserts that are delicious, but not practical and not nice for the hips!

[akat]

Hypnobabies is very specific that it be junk food - nothing healthy, lol.

We get way more candy and treats for Christmas than we can ever eat, so I'm planning on bringing a big box of truffles that we haven't opened.

[organicpapayamama]

I have done this for my births and have suggested it for my clients ( I am a doula). I bring a bag of cookies for each shift of nurses along with a copy of my birth plan for each shift as well. It has worked like a charm so far.

[RedOakMomma]

Honestly, I think this is going too far. We've brought treats and muffin baskets in when our sons have been in the hospital for serious care, but I would NEVER have thought to bring treats in when I'M the patient!

I mean, if you have a slow labor and that's what you want to do with your time, that's fine, but it does seem a little overboard Martha Stewart to be bring a muffin basket (or something else) to your own labor and birth.

My best friend is a L&D nurse, and she has repeatedly told me that the greatest reward of the job is to be present when babies arrive...to see the new faces, the joyous family, to be of real help to a woman in such an intimate, special time. NEVER has she mentioned a tray of brownies!

Keep the focus on the woman and the baby, I say. A simple heartfelt thank you is good enough.

[Jenica]

I agree with RedOak, baking cookies is the last thing I'm going to be doing when I'm in labor and this is coming from the woman, who's friends call her Martha Stewart. I mean I made tea and served cakes to people on my wedding day in between getting my hair and makeup done. I thrive on that stuff normally, but while in labor?? Umm... no. I planned on getting some nice lotions or something similar as a thank you for my MW and the nurses who help me out. Something that can be set up way ahead of time and packed with my hospital bag.

[mumkimum]

Dh is an RN and employee where we'll be giving birth - so we know we're kinda set up for a tad more special treatment which we really appreciate.

Our plan for this birth is to pick up a pizza or some donuts for the unit.

[GuavaGirl]

OP Here.

I'm still undecided on the whole thing, but I know I definitely wouldn't be baking anything. I was just thinking more of something I could pick up at the store and put in my hospital bag. Part of me thinks it's a fun idea and I really do appreciate nurses who are so helpful....and then the other part of me wonders if they'll think it's weird or I'm shmoozing or something.

[JTA Mom]

Originally Posted by GuavaGirl

OP Here.

I'm still undecided on the whole thing, but I know I definitely wouldn't be baking anything. I was just thinking more of something I could pick up at the store and put in my hospital bag. Part of me thinks it's a fun idea and I really do appreciate nurses who are so helpful....and then the other part of me wonders if they'll think it's weird or I'm shmoozing or something.

I think it will be really appreciated. Some of the nurses I had with ds2 were amazing. Completely awesome. At the end of my stay I wish I had thought to bring something!

Ami

[RedOakMomma]

What about something special, but not material? You could bring in a sheet of paper, or part of a baby book, and ask the nurse to write her name and a few words...take a photo of her with the baby, etc., and add it into the life/birth story of your child.

I just think we're way overboard recently with giving gifts. It's nice, yes, but it's so material. As if we can't use words to express a sincere, valued thank you, or just know person-to-person that our time together has been life-changing and special. Now there has to be a gift! SOMETHING must be made or purchased!

I'm all for making people feel appreciated, but I just don't think getting a cup of fancy teas or some lotions for helping with a BIRTH is the most appropriate way to truly show appreciation. Totally my .02, though.

[gorgorita]

I will definitely give something for my midwives AFTER the birth. I was actually thinking to bring something in the office for postpartum visit or send it in.
As for the nurses in the hospital - think it's weird. Maybe I am wrong

[SheBear]

I'm planning another homebirth, and my mw has on her list of birth supplies (in the "in case of transfer" section) a box of chocolates for the nurses. Never would have occurred to me before!

I'm totally not planning to need a transfer but any excuse to buy chocolates, I say....so I'll have some on hand, and we can enjoy them the homebirth! I am planning to do a tour of the hospital to which I would transfer if necessary, and when I spoke to the lady via phone (about my hb plans, etc.) she was so nice and encouraging that I am thinking about taking a basket of homemade muffins when I go to tour.

And we had a teensy breech/possibly twins freak-out at my last appointment that convinced us to get an ultrasound we hadn't planned on....and the OB/CNM office we went through for that was so great to squeeze us in quickly (and not charge us an arm and a leg!) that I'm intending to make up a basket for them maybe next week....just as a thank-you, not as a bribe!

Also, I need to get on a baking kick and get some muffins/etc in the freezer so that I have quick n easy breakfasts for the kids after the baby is born...so if I manage to get that done, then I could always grab something out of the freezer and take it to the hospital if I do need to transfer.

But you know what would really rock?? If I were a nurse, I swear I'd move heaven&earth and totally ignore all hospital policy and protocols for the mom who brought in a tray of sushi! ohhhhh, yeah! That mom could have anything she wanted!

[feminist~mama]

Food is awesome and always nice- and sometimes we are SUPER busy and it's hard to find time to get food, so it's lovely when families bring in treats/pizza/etc.

Honestly though- I'd MUCH rather have a personal, well-thought out note/card. I love to see notes that thank the whole department and "the great nursing staff", but notes that say "Thanks Jennifer for the fabulous labor support/ breastfeeding help/ whatever" really mean a lot to me! One mom sent a card thanking me for giving her "the real scoop on the pain meds" and credited me for helping her have the birth she wanted- that was way better than a cookie!

[Jenica]

Originally Posted by SheBear

IBut you know what would really rock?? If I were a nurse, I swear I'd move heaven&earth and totally ignore all hospital policy and protocols for the mom who brought in a tray of sushi! ohhhhh, yeah! That mom could have anything she wanted!

mmmm sushi I've been craving that my whole pregnancy! now I'm drooling

[Kellyh_01]

I'm a nurse, and yes, we love goodies - anything. And we don't think it's "schmoozing" or that you expect special treatment. Nor do we expect that patients will give us something. But it is a nice treat, especially if it feels like we "bonded" a little during our care of the pt. One family owned a bakery and brought in a variety of fresh sourdough breads. Boxes of candy are common. A small bag of coffee is nice - anything. Some people bring a gift when they arrive. Many wait until after the delivery or family will bring in something the next day. Some patients give a gift for the nursing staff to share, and some will have a few small things for the 3 or 4 nurses who directly cared for them. My favorite gift was a mug. The father of the baby was a potter and they gave each of their direct care nurses a handmade mug. Each one was different, and I love it - I am sipping from it as we speak. Gifts are a nice treat, but don't feel obligated either. Personally, I would only gift if I felt like I was treated well.

[veryerin]

I brought a bag of chocolates and a cheapo bowl to put them in. We put them on the table in our room. At first, a few nurses told me I shouldn't be eating a bowl of candy while in labor, and when we said that it was for them, the midwives and doctors, they were like "Wow, really?". It was really cute. One midwife kept coming back to see me over and over just to get chocolate. They seemed to enjoy it

[glabrn]

Hello,

I know this post has been here awhile, but being a nurse I had to speak up!  I'm not a L&D nurse, but I did spend a lot of time in L&D as a nursing student.  I'm a medical oncology nurse now, but my heart remains in L&D and I hope some day I can be a CNM!!  I will have to agree that truly (this is hokey...look out!) the greatest "thank you" we can recieve is a heartfelt verbal one from the patient and their family.  Directly being acknowledged for our help and the work we do is honestly the greatest reward.  Now, if you feel hard pressed and ABSOLUTELY have to bring goodies I liked what one person said about bringing something decadent and something healthy.   I like both!  Cookies and a fruit tray.  It's just an added bonus.  :)  Completely unnecessary but is greatly appriciated! :)

[Jasmin314159]

I love the idea of bringing a few scrapbook pages for the nurses anyone really that would enter my room to jot down something....as they will be witnessing in part the most wonderful experience for me! I think that is awesome to record the day they were born etc.. For a baby book. Also a dish of canny and a dish of something healthy for anyone stopping by. I mean down to the guy that brings in your tray of food, draws blood or takes INS info. Seems like them being smiling and in a nice mood will add to the joy of the day!!

[Bird Girl]

We brought cookies to our first birth and it was well received. This time, I'm hoping to bring treats for the post-partum care--I think they get a little ignored sometimes.