If you are or have ever been a Birthright client or volunteer, you are likely familiar with the term “layette”, a mid-nineteenth century word commonly used in the United States to refer to a collection of clothing and accessories for a newborn child.
For a Birthright client, a layette (also referred to by us as a “baby care package” or “baby shower in a bag”) is a show of encouragement on behalf of the Birthright team to offer affirmation and support as she nears the end of her pregnancy.
What Is Included In A Birthright Layette?
Typically, clients set an appointment with one of our counselors about 6-8 weeks prior to their delivery to discuss their birth plan, any lingering questions or concerns, and to
receive a layette of new baby items hand-picked especially for her and her little one by our volunteers. We offer gender-specific as well as gender neutral layettes that include diapers, wipes, blankets, sleepers, onesies, bibs and other essentials for baby.
Additionally, in our effort to continue providing holistic, client-centered care, our moms also receive a small “blessing bag” filled with self-care items for her and the reminder printed on the front, “Love Yourself, Believe in Yourself—We Do.”
Gifts & Blessings From Birthright Volunteers, Staff, & Community Contributors
The opportunity to support the incredible women we serve in this way through the gift of a layette and blessing bag is made possible by the many donations of items from organizations, church communities, families, schools and individuals who strive to support not only us, but the women we serve through their prayers and generosity. We have even had supporters go ‘above and beyond’, providing hand-knit blankets that are so dearly appreciated by the women and children who receive them.
We have been blessed to see firsthand just how much of an impact this small gesture can make in the lives of our clients, one of whom shared recently “As a new mom, I would not know what to do without the help of all the gifts and baby stuff you gave to me. We have no family locally and this was such a blessing!”
As an organization and community at large, we want our moms to know that they are celebrated. We want to validate them in the brave decision they have made to welcome a new life into the world, to share in the excitement, reassure any anxious thoughts and to remind them Birthright is here with them to finish this amazing journey together
