By Sandra J. Bardsley RN, LCCE, FACCE, CD

Baby clothes, baby gear, baby toys… all of that is “ooh” and “aah”-worthy, but what expectant mama couldn’t also use some pampering for herself? Here are 8 great gift ideas for mommies-to-be, all available close to home.

1. Send them off on a babymoon!
A babymoon trip or weekend retreat lets couples enjoy one last romantic getaway before baby arrives. It’s also a celebration of their transition into parenthood. Many programs or packages offer childbirth education and training, such as Lamaze techniques, in addition to plenty of fun and relaxation. Check out www.joyfulbirthclasses.com or www.babymoonfinder.com for more information.

2. Pamper her with a spa treatment.
A certified pregnancy massage therapist can ease away her aches and pains and help her love the pregnant body she’s in. A skin care consultation is another great spa service for expectant mamas. Experts can offer skin care advice to aid her with the many changes that occur throughout pregnancy.

3. Treat her to an endorphin boost!
Gentle exercise and prenatal yoga classes help women prepare physically, mentally and emotionally for labor and birth. Workouts designed and monitored specifically for pregnant women are offered at several local specialty gyms. Prenatal yoga classes, prenatal Pilates classes and other “core body” preparation programs are offered at lots of local studios. Treat her to a membership during her pregnancy, or a prenatal class series.

4. Give the gift of wellness.
Acupuncture treatments or Bowen therapy can help reduce back pain, nausea and acid reflux, possibly turn a breech baby into the optimal birthing position, and even start or enhance labor. Acupressure is another alternative therapy that works well for many women seeking relief from pregnancy discomfort.

5. Feed her!
For expecting mamas who are ever-hungry and extra-tired, homemade meals are a welcome treat. You can prepare meals for three months before and after birth. If you’re short on time, you can also pick up a gift card from a service like Dinner My Way or Dream Dinners. They offer healthy, just-like-home-cooked options, and they take care of the preparation so she doesn’t have to.

6. Comfort her.
Pick out a fluffy, feminine new robe in her favorite color. Skip the satin and look for something cozy, soft, and oversized (like organic cotton). She’ll love having something so comfy on those sleepless nights during the latter part of pregnancy, and when the baby comes!

7. Take care of the cleaning.
During the last months of pregnancy especially, when most women can’t even tie their own shoes, she’ll really appreciate a pair of helping hands to do the scrubbing, sweeping and mopping for her. You can volunteer your own services or give her the gift of a professional housekeeping service. This is a great gift to use after baby’s arrival too, when new mommies would much rather sleep than fold laundry or do dishes.

8. Give her support—when she’ll need it most.
Doulas are specially trained and know techniques to help labor and birth progress more easily. They also serve as advocates in the hospital during delivery. In both these ways, they help decrease medical interventions, including Caesarean sections, while increasing mothers’ satisfaction with their birth experiences. For more information, check out www.betterbirthsacramento.com or www.dona.org.