What to do for gifts for Maternity Nurses

Thundyrkatz

Hello everyone,

My wife and I are expecting our first child in the next few weeks, and I have heard that a little kindness towards the nursing staff can go a looooong way.

Of course, we would always be kind to the people who are caring for us, but what I am referring to is some small gifts. For what I have heard this small act can buy a lot of good will, both during our stay and potentially setting us up with some helpful stuff when we leave.

So the question is, what to do for an appropriate gift, and how to deliver it (no pun intended).

Our thoughts were to get some quality chocolates and put them in small gift bags, make like a dozen or so of these bags and put them in a basket. Then make a sign saying something like "Thanks for all your help, please take some chocolate" and put that on the basket. Then leave said basket by the door to our room. That way nurses can take some as they see fit, and as shifts change, new nurses can take some too.

So, anyone out there done anything like this, or have an opinion on the topic? Or better yet, is a maternity nurse?!

Thanks!

wonderpug

Get a biggish gift box of jelly bellies and give it to them at the beginning of your stay instead of the end. Then they all get to share, find their favorite flavors, etc.

We did this just a few weeks ago for kid #2 and it was a huge hit.

ceres

I don't know exactly what his bailiwick is, but @MegaMan001 is a nurse and may have some input.

Sir Carcass

We've made them a homemade dessert both times, danish coffee cake both times I believe.

Maguano

When my son(s) were born I brought in a box/jug of dunkin coffee and donuts, and then when we left the hospital, we gave them one of the numerous flower arrangements that we had received.

MagicToaster

When my daughter was born, I had a big box of Godiva chocolates in my room. When ever any staff came to my room to do anything, I'd ask them to take as many as they wanted. This had a good side effect that when ever we called a nurse, they would come faster than on days that we didn't set up any chocolates.

After our departure, they were pretty happy with the left over chocolate. Any sweets you give them will go a long way.

MegaMan001

Thanks for lighting the Nurse-Signal, Ceres.

Food, man. Food.

Something that keeps throughout the day like doughnuts or baked goods, chocolates, or if you want to spring for something bigger get a simple lunch order in like sandwiches.

Nothing too expensive because you can get into some ethical situations. A family member of a person who I successfully resuscitated gave me a $100 dollar gift card, which I had to turn down and it was kind of awkward.

But, yeah, food or coffee or something.

Thundyrkatz

Awesome guys, thanks everyone for the good tips. Lets hope this is the biggest of my worries on that day!