Best new mum gifts for complexish situation

[MagicClawHasNoChildren]

My friend is having her second baby via C-section soon. The baby will need surgery soon after birth, and will be in hospital for a while after that - my friend might be able to stay with the baby, but she does have another DC so will probably go home and commute until the baby can come home too.

What can I get for her that would be helpful, or useful, or just plain nice? I've had a C-section myself so I've already given the fibre/drink plenty/wear massive pants advice - but I'm at a loss for what to give her (and the baby!) when they already have a lot of stuff and are also going to be in a more difficult position recovery-wise than would normally be expected.

Budget's about £50 for her, and then up to £20 for the baby. I'll get her other DC something, too, but they're easier as my DC is a similar age!

Vouchers for the coffee shop at the hospital / kindle books / the offer to sit with the baby if allowed

The days are long when your baby is in hospital as your 'caring' role is very different than with a normal newborn

Thank you!

I'll look into the vouchers for the hospital cafes and whatnot. I was wondering about a Cook voucher, that she can get a big freezer food delivery with, as well.

I won't be able to sit with the baby (or her other DC), unfortunately, as I'm just going back to work myself

Do you know what her plans are with feeding? I was exclusively pumping when DS2 was on NICU and my sister bought me a pumping bra, which gave me an lot more freedom than needing to hold everything in place.

A nice dressing gown or a short Kimono top from
'One hundred stars'

The short kimono is £48 and postage is free so that falls in your budget

It'll be very useful re a thin cover over other tops for breastfeeding etc as well as just being a lovely useful item of clothing

I'm sorry to hear her baby is going to have surgery & having to stay in. I hope that gives a good outcome!

After a c section I'm surprised she's going to be able to commute.

I presume she has a DH/DP & hopefully some child care for the eldest.

'Cook' is a great idea, but it's expensive.

its so hard to know without knowing her home/hospital/financial situation, but you can't go wrong with a gift card for the hospital cafe if they do them.