Food over flowers please! New study shows bringing food beats all other gifts for new mums

September is the most popular month to give birth, according to the Office of National Statistics and with thousands of new mums adjusting to life with a new-born, a new study has highlighted the important role food plays for new mums during the new-born period.

According to the study, almost half of mums [46%] say someone bringing food would be the most valuable type of support in the first few weeks after giving birth. This is higher than someone bringing new-born essentials [40%], someone helping with housework [44%] and even someone coming to care for the baby so the mum could rest [34%].

HelloFresh’s Senior Recipe Development Manager, Mimi Morley said:“ Eating well during the new-born phase is absolutely crucial. A balanced, nourishing diet helps rebuild strength, foster healing, and maintain energy levels. Whether a mum is breastfeeding or bottle feeding, she needs wholesome, satisfying meals rich in protein, fibre, vitamins and healthy fats spaced through the day.

It’s equally important to get rest and lean on support networks: allow others to help with meal prep or cooking so you can focus on healing and bonding with your baby. You don’t have to do it all alone, asking for help with preparing healthy, filling meals lets your body get what it needs to thrive.”

When it comes to the types of gifts new mothers find the most helpful, food is third on the list, with just new-born essentials and baby clothes taking priority. But food is preferred over flowers, self-care packages for mum, baby toys and books and even alcohol despite mums missing out on it for nine months.

The study also found that 82% of new mums struggled to prepare and cook nutritious meals following the birth of their baby. The study was carried out by food box provider HelloFresh, who now want to encourage anyone visiting a new mum in October to prioritise bringing food over presents.

Mimi also said: “Welcoming a new-born is a beautiful yet demanding time, and every new parent deserves support, especially when it comes to nourishing themselves. HelloFresh meal kits are designed to take the stress out of mealtime.

“With easy online ordering, a variety of menu options, and step-by-step recipes, even the busiest parents can enjoy wholesome, home-cooked meals without the hassle. Our meals are crafted to be both nutritious and straightforward, ensuring you have one less thing to worry about during this precious time.”

According to the study, 88% of new mums believe food brought to to their home in the weeks after giving birth would have been helpful, but when it comes to gifts for the baby, almost a third [28%] found receiving gifts “a little overwhelming”, highlighting once again that it truly is food that new mums want over well meaning gifts.

It appears food brings joy to new mums almost instantly after giving birth. Tea and toast is commonly served to new mums following the birth of their baby and according to the study, two-fifths [40%] of new mums called the simple dish “one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten”.

When it comes to the type of food new mums are craving, there is definitely an overarching theme:

The top 10 most popular meals new mums crave after giving birth

Pizza
Burger
Curry
Pasta
Paella
A roast
Fish
Sushi
Jacket potato
Stew