The Guest Curator: Ana Stephens, Licensed Midwife, Lactation Educator & Founder of The Madre Space
In our Guest Curator Series, we are asking some of our favorite creators, entrepreneurs, and tastemakers to tell us what they would put in a Nurtured 9 Gift Box to celebrate and support other women who are starting their motherhood journeys. In this edition, we’re unveiling a supportive postpartum care package, curated by an expert in postpartum care: Ana Stephens, Licensed Midwife, Lactation Educator & Founder of The Madre Space.
Meet The Curator
Ana Stephens is a Licensed Midwife and Lactation Educator, and a Mama of four. Through her online practice, The Madre Space, she supports women with a blend of holistic wisdom and evidence-based care, helping them feel grounded, nourished, and empowered through every stage of pregnancy and postpartum. Her unique offering of “virtual midwifery care” provides the option for mothers to include a layer of holistic support alongside conventional maternity care. You can find her at @themadrespace and www.themadrespace.com.
Ana Stephens’ Nurtured 9 Curate-Your-Own Gift Box Design!
The Curation:
what’s in ana’s gift box for a postpartum mom?
Why Ana Chose These Items:
“These are the things I wish every new Mom had in arm’s reach during those tender first weeks. As a Midwife and Mother of four, I chose each item in this box to bring comfort, calm, and confidence to the messy, magical postpartum season.”
Perineum Ice & Heat Strips - “I tell all my clients: your perineum is a hero. Give her something to ease the swelling, soreness, and heat with these easy-to-use strips. A must-have for those early recovery days.”
Nurtured 9 Maternity/Postpartum Pajama Set - “You deserve to feel beautiful, even when you’re bleeding, nursing, or haven’t showered. These buttery soft pajamas are nursing-friendly, bump-friendly, and breathable enough to wear all day (and night). I practically lived in mine.”
8 Sheep Organics Magnesium Sleepy Body Lotion - “One of my favorite tools for anxious, overtouched postpartum minds and restless legs. This lotion is a dreamy, toxin-free way to calm your nervous system when sleep feels elusive.”
Plush Socks with Non-Slip Grippers - “Because there’s nothing more grounding—physically or emotionally—than a pair of cozy socks with grip when you’re pacing through witching hour or padding to the bathroom at 2 a.m. These became part of my uniform after every birth.”
Nemah Renewing Nipple + Lip Balm - “Nipples and lips—two places that get chapped fast and are often overlooked. This clean, compact balm soothes both and is a staple in my postpartum bag.”
Ma Balance and Harmony Postpartum Care Mask - “Hormonal shifts after birth can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. This luxurious mask supports balance and invites you to take a moment for yourself—even if it’s just five minutes with the door locked.”
Boobie Hydromom Electrolyte Drink Mix Hydration - “Crucial for recovery and milk supply—but plain water doesn’t always cut it. These mixes are packed with electrolytes and actually taste good. I always keep extras on hand for clients and myself.”
Mom Village Voucher (printed “coupon” for helping the new mom) - “This one gets me emotional. Every new Mom deserves a village, but sometimes the people who love us don’t know how to help. This ‘coupon’ makes it easy to ask—and receive—real support.”
A huge thank you to Ana Stephens for sharing her thoughtful gift curation with us!
Stay tuned for more Guest Curator articles from Nurtured 9 as we tap more women to share their Curations and Stories. If you’d like to nominate a creator, entrepreneur or tastemaker who’s interested in sharing, drop us a note!