Most people don’t think of childbirth as a time well-suited for giving something back. After all – and understandably – the period during which your baby is born is likely one characterized by busy hospital visits and weeks in bed, nights without sleep and extensive trips to the mall. It’s certainly a hectic time. But a major event in our lives, especially one that provides us with the blessing and miracle of life, is always a great opportunity to take some time, appreciate what we have, and give something back to the community around us.
Here are a few ways that you can do this as part of your child’s birth:
-Donate gifts. Most families receive numerous gifts upon the birth of a child. Many times these gifts are repetitive – a family may receive two strollers, for example – meaning that any excess can be donated to a parent in need. A couple can also request that friends make charitable contributions in the baby’s honor rather than providing a traditional gift.
-Give the umbilical cord to science. The stem cells of umbilical cords have tremendous scientific value for their ability to grow and to form tissues of other organs. Because of this, the cord blood banking cost is well worth it, as it may someday be of lifesaving value to someone who needs a new heart, kidney, or liver.
-Go eco-friendly. Your child’s birth will likely require numerous purchases, many of which will be products that eventually end up in a landfill. Rather than giving no heed to this waste, you can instead make a point of buying recyclable diapers and making your own baby food. In this process you’ll insure that your child gives something back to the environment.
-Support a charity. There are numerous global charities that support infants and children in need. Newborns in Need, March of the Dimes, The Children’s Health Fund, and Compassion International are just a few of the many options out there. By supporting such a charity you can help work to give a disadvantaged child the same opportunities your new baby will get.
These are just a few of the ways that you can give back upon the birth of your child. A baby’s birth is always an exciting time for a parent and a family, but it’s always good to count our blessings and remember the less fortunate at the same time.
Disclosure: This guest post was brought to you by Amanda Green.
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I haven’t decided if I am going to bank my babies cord blood or not. Guess I better make that decision soon so I know if giving the umbilical cord to science is an option. I like the idea though!
Great ideas! One of our best friends’ daughter was stillborn just a few weeks before the birth of my son. We feel so blessed to have had a healthy baby that we donated to Walk to Remember a group that supports families affected by still birth, miscarriage and infant loss after he was born in honor of our friends daughter. I’ ve also done this the past two years hear his birthday and we will do this after our daughter is born in November! Now I lay me down to sleep is another great organization to help families through this type of tragedy.
i would go eco friendly! i love all that new stuff they have out . such great ideas listed on here
What great ideas. I really like the idea of donating duplicate items you receive. We all know that your baby grows so fast it doesn’t wear half of the clothes you buy for it.