Prenatal, Birth or Postpartum Box: How to Choose

The short answer: choose by stage. The Prenatal Box suits the first and second trimesters, the Birth Box suits the third trimester and labour, and the Postpartum Box suits the weeks after birth. If you're buying in the third trimester, the Birth & Postpartum Bundle covers what's coming next.

Each box was created by Kate Fawcett, Registered Midwife, and each includes one of Kate's guides along with comfort items chosen for that stage.

The Prenatal Box (1st and 2nd trimester)

Best for: someone who has just found out, or is in the middle of pregnancy.

What's inside the Prenatal Box:

• Kate's Prenatal Guide
• A herbal tea blend
• A flaxseed and lavender heat pack
• Belly butter or balm
• Epsom salts
• A peppermint headache oil roller and magnesium spray
• A pregnancy journal

The Birth Box (3rd trimester and birth)

Best for: the final weeks of pregnancy and preparing for labour.

What's inside the Birth Box:

• Kate's Birth Guide
• A labour oil blend, a wooden labour comb and a chamomile bar
• Labour of Love honey and raspberry leaf and mint tea
• A perineal spray and Joni overnight pads
• Vanilla lip balm, a reusable silicone straw, belly butter and a hair tie
• A birth announcement card

The Postpartum Box (4th trimester)

Best for: the first weeks after birth, or as a gift around the due date.

What's inside the Postpartum Box:

• Kate's Postpartum Guide
• Lovebee nipple balm, silver nipple cups, nipple shields (while stock lasts) and cotton breast pads
• A silicone breast pump and a wet bag
• A Muskoka tallow soak, a calming oil blend and Lake & Oak tea

An optional perineal spray add-on is available.

When a bundle makes sense

• The Birth & Postpartum Bundle pairs the Birth Box and Postpartum Box. It suits anyone in the third trimester, and makes a good group baby shower gift.
• The Complete Birth Journey Bundle includes all three stages, for someone early in pregnancy who wants to be supported the whole way through.

A quick way to decide

• Under about 27 weeks: the Prenatal Box
• Third trimester: the Birth Box, or the Birth & Postpartum Bundle
• Baby has arrived, or is about to: the Postpartum Box
• Not sure how far along she is: ask, or choose a postpartum box. Every new parent needs care after birth.

Shipping is free across most of Canada. Compare all boxes or read Kate's story.

Keep reading: Birth Box vs Hospital Bag: What Each Is For and Preparing for Postpartum Before Your Baby Arrives.

This article is general guidance from The Midwife Box, not medical advice. For questions about her health or what is right for her pregnancy, she should speak with her own midwife, doctor or care team.