'Don't forget the mum at a first birthday party'

"Celebrate her milestone. Think of what she's been through for a year."

When receiving an invitation to a child's first birthday party, the first thought is, 'What do I get a one-year-old?'

But are we forgetting the mum? That's what Chelsea Delgado, a mum of three, thinks, and has said as much in a video on Instagram. 

"This is something I think we should do when babies turn one. If they’re throwing a party for that one-year-old, bring a present for the mum. Think of what she has been through for a year."

Chelsea says it doesn't have to be extravagant or expensive, just a small acknowledgement of the person who has given birth and raised the birthday baby who is being celebrated.

"Mums know that the first year is rough. Let’s be real; the one-year-old baby is not gonna want anything or need anything - happy with milk and a water bottle. The mum she could use a gift card to Target, Amazon or Starbucks and treat herself," Chelsea continues. 

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Getting to this milestone took blood, sweat and tears

She isn't wrong; what does a 12-month-old know about their birthday? If there were no party, cake or balloons, it would just be another day. But the milestone is huge to a mum.

"You might not even be sleeping yet. A while, yes, let’s celebrate the baby, let’s also celebrate the mum and the big accomplishment that she has just achieved. It’s the first anniversary of giving birth, and I think there’s no better or more appropriate time to celebrate that big mark."

Many were ready to accept their much-deserved gift, as well as add this to their to-do lists next time they received a one-year-old's birthday invitation. 

"It’s a BIRTHday for a reason," commented one viewer. 

"Yesss! A gift certificate for some sort of service. Like house cleaning, a babysitter, a massage, a nail salon, etc. is also nice as well. Or that Stanley Cup that she doesn’t wanna spend $50 on!" said another. 

A third suggested, "I've been saying for years that all birthday parties should include an after-party for the parents for surviving another year of parenting!"

And we loved this response: "I give my mum a gift on MY birthday because she went through hell and birthed me. I hope others are inspired to do the same (PS my dad gets a hug lol)."

Why not give a little something to the mother - she's been through it! Source: iStock

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"It's not my birthday"

Most viewers agreed with Chelsea's idea and said they would use it the next time they received a first birthday invitation. But not everyone was ready to dish out a mum-present. 

"When you become a mother, you get Mother’s Day and have a birthday yourself. Why are you trying to take your kids' birthday?" one said. 

"No, I disagree. Please don't bring me things on my child's birthday. I don't want more things, and I don't want it to be about me," another added. 

Chelsea was quick to respond to those who weren't so keen on the idea, explaining that it's an acknowledgement from one mother to another of how hard that first year is.

"If someone brought you a gift, unprovoked (because I’m not suggesting you ask for anything, I’m suggesting your friends throw in a little surprise) would you feel happy or upset that they celebrated your first year of motherhood? That’s the perspective I’m trying to share."

On a final note, Chelsea added, "If I can, I like to get a little something for the mum and the baby. Focus big on the mum. We all talk about how much we need a village, and I think this is one little way that we can show up for each other."

Originally published as 'Don't forget the mum at a first birthday party'