Gifts for midwives

Anonymous

Gifts for midwives

I will be having my 2nd baby at a big tertiary hospital in Melbourne due to medical issues and I was wondering what little pressies etc have people given to the midwives/docs? With my first one, we have a big box of chocolates and flowers but I guess they get heaps of that... Something practical and not too expensive as I don't know who the midwifes will be :) Also, I will have a midwifery student so would like a little gift for her too...

Any ideas would be really, really welcome!!

Posted in:  Health & Wellbeing, Pregnancy

9 Replies

Anonymous

I'd stick with food that can be shared around. My sister works in the medical profession. There are very strict rules on what they can accept as presents. Honestly it all gets a bit awkward and embarrassing.
If you don't want to do chocolates do something like macarons, something that can be shared amongst staff for morning tea.
Depending on how long labour goes you could end up with a surprisingly high number of midwives.

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Anonymous

OP here...My last labour was very quick but due to complications, where were a lot of people in the room! Hubby had time to count (bless his cotton socks!) 16 people lol hence why we went with chocolates and flowers etc! I was hoping for something a bit better that people can still share.

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Anonymous

They basically can't accept anything more than that. They have very strict code of conduct.

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Anonymous

What about scarves - if you have a boy, blue, or girl, pink :)

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Anonymous

I'm a midwife - chocolate or cake is always the answer! Depending on when your Bub is due you could even do a seasonal fruit basket - at Xmas our doctors buy a big box of cherries for each ward.
As for your student, write her a heartfelt card telling her what she does well and include a photo of Bub for her also - I've still got a card from one of my follow through women and I will sometimes read it after a particularly rubbish shift. You could do the same for the midwives caring for you as well. It really is the little heartfelt gestures that mean the world, we aren't in it for the money! I was lucky enough to receive a card and photo from the mum of the first baby I assisted into the world as a midwife, and I treasure that to this day (it actually arrived after a few really difficult days where I was questioning my choice of career and really helped remind me why I do what I do - i have a few similar cards now and they all live together)
All the best for a safe birth for you and your little one!

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Anonymous

Aww you just gave me goosebumps! I'll follow your advice for the student - she is such a lovely soul and I hope after a bad shift, she will be able to sit down and reflect on what she has already achieved xx

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Anonymous

I made up a morning tea bag for my midwives. It had things like fancy coffee sachets, tea bags, fancy biscuits, chocolates, lollies. I also wrote a card and stuck it in the bag.

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Anonymous

How bout a platter of fancy little sandwiches? I know a few nurses and midwives. They work so hard, I know they'd appreciate something decent to eat when they get a spare minute.

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Anonymous

The most meaningful gift I've received from a patient was an email to my boss (via the compliments and complaints email address at my hospital) identifying me by name, along with some of the other midwives that contributed to the high standard of care that this woman had received. Honestly, it has stayed in my memory a lot longer than chocolates (although I love them too lol). It sits in my CV for future job applications, it was in our team brief at work so my hard work was recognised by colleagues and management, and it made me feel so incredibly appreciated. And because of it, I can remember the woman and her partner by name and think of her every time I see it. It cost her nothing, but meant so much. Good luck with the pregnancy, birth, and new bub - all the best xo

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