Happy Birth Day - A Non Traditional Baby Shower!

 

Oh baby, you’re not hip on traditional baby showers, but still want to plan something special for your girlfriend who’s expecting? Why not plan a Birth Day Party–a shower designed around the needs of your friend and the day of delivery. This party is ideal for mothers who aren’t having their first child, or who have already had a traditional shower. It’s also perfect for those who can’t stand the thought of one more silly baby shower game. By turning the focus on the new mother, you can add comfort to her days and nurture her with loving support. Here’s how:

The setting

Showers are traditionally held in homes or in fancy halls. Either would be fine for this party too. But remember, this is an un-shower. So, think about where your girlfriend feels most comfortable. Outdoors in nature? In a coffee shop? Nightclub? Consider her personality and try to make the day about her.

The invitations

PaperHeart Company has a great custom invitation idea that lets you use an ultrasound picture of your pregnant girlfriend. If you choose to make your own invitation, we still like the idea of focusing on your girlfriend and honoring the changes she is going through.

Food and drink

Well of course, you’ll need to think about her favorite foods. Give the woman what she wants! It will be the last time for a long while that anyone will make a fuss over her, so try to get it right. Don’t forget the Birth Day cake…and it had better be chocolate if your girlfriend is anything like ours!

The gifts

Instead of bringing gifts for the baby, ask each guest to bring a gift to make the days around delivery a little easier. These might include: A comfy robe and a pair of slippers to relax in (check out this one), pretty nursing pajamas, a stash of magazines to pass the time in the hospital, snack food for her cravings, music to help her unwind, a good luck charm or a symbol of the occasion (like one of these from Zazzle).  For DIY & some ready-made gifts (or just ideas to use), see this New Mother Comfort Kit, Birth and Beyond Delivery Kit, or Essential Labor Comfort Kit. Girlfriends who would rather give of themselves can make gift certificates for hours of baby-sitting, dinners to deliver, or house cleaning.

Nurturing activities

• Give each shower guest a few diapers and some Sharpies and ask them to write a message to the new mom on the front and/or back of the diapers. These diapers are to be reserved for late night changings by mom so the point is to write something funny or encouraging to give her a little pick-me-up in the wee hours of the night!
• Ask each guest to bring a baby picture of themselves (do not show anyone) when they arrive display with numbers and ask guest to “Name that Baby”.
• For a twist, have each guest complete the following sentence, written to the unborn child: “I know your mother was excited about your birth because_____________.” The answers can be read aloud, and then put inside a penny bank to be opened by the child on his or her birthday (milestone birthday of mother’s choice). This makes a great “time capsule” and is a great way to include the child.
• Before everyone leaves, have them sign up for a date to bring your girlfriend a meal after the baby arrives.

Party favors

What better way to celebrate the new life growing inside your friend than with a tiny plant or seedpacket, wrapped up with a bow in a small, pretty pot? You might try to find baby’s breath or sweet pea plants or seeds to keep the theme going.

Have a wonderful day celebrating your friend’s big event! Let me know how it turns out!