Baby showers will always have their place. They are a wonderful tradition that help new mothers to collect all.of.the.things. However, this generation of moms is realizing that simple is the greatest way to live. Instead of owning everything, it is of greater value to choose high-quality items that will last. Your generation is throwing cloth diaper parties and celebrating pregnancy over a brunch and children’s book party.

But, there is a new trend worth considering, the Postpartum Party.

Simply put, this gathering can be as 'hippie' as you’d like. It can take place within a week of having your baby -and filled with sage burning and birth story sharing, or it can be held over several weeks - once you are done bleeding, and are feeling more put together.

Do not panic: The party is not to pass your baby around for everyone to touch and breathe over. You can wear your baby and let your few friends kiss some fresh baby toes as they stop by. The 'party' is a calm gathering that celebrates you, the mother, and welcomes your baby. The entire point of this ‘party’ is to help you transition into motherhood with a village.

Truth:

Your pregnancy glow will be gone.

You will be leaking breastmilk through your shirt.

You will have a million questions.

You will be more in love than you have ever been.

You will not want to cook, but you will want to eat.

Laundry will build-up fast, but you will not want to fold it.

You will be tired, but you will be energized.

You will crave conversation - about your baby.

How to Throw a Postpartum Party

Talk to a close friend and ask her to help you ‘host’ your postpartum party. This will involve an on-line sign-up app, freezer meal (or hot, ready to eat meals) suggestions, chores that can be completed, and small gift card ideas. Once your baby is born, friends sign up for a day and time to ‘stop by.’ They work for 20 minutes or so completing their volunteered ‘chore’ and then sit with you to oooh and aaah (or sip champagne, no judgement). The entire event can be as short as 30 minutes, or it can last as long as you and your friend would like. No one should come without food.

You are suppose to be a hot mess. You do not get out of your breastfeeding-friendly nightgown. You are allowed to nap while help is there. You are allowed to eat what they bring right in front of them. You are allowed to sit while they invade your home and empty your dishwasher and bring you a glass of ice water. You are allowed to love your village and let them BE YOUR VILLAGE.

This is what the postpartum period should look like, and your generation will help bring us all back to this lifestyle.

Continue on, brave mamas. Continue making waves and creating change. You are all wonderful mothers.