Written by Mia.
School never really taught how often a baby needs to eat in a day and how to put a fussy newborn to sleep. It’s overwhelming to absorb all that information from the get-go. Learn how to support a new mom at the beginning of her parenting journey.
BEING A NEW MOM CAN BE A SURPRISING STRUGGLE
Any mother can confirm that motherhood is hard. About 66% of moms say being a parent is more complex than initially thought. And it’s no surprise, as there’s this new and precious bundle of joy whose life you’re responsible for.
You try to crunch in all the lessons to give the love and care your baby deserves despite worrying if you’re doing it right. As the new mom’s confidant, it’s essential to support them in their journey to figuring out parenthood.
HOW TO SUPPORT A NEW MOM
Figuring out how to support a new mom comes with many questions, like “What exactly is helpful for them?” or “Am I supporting them or getting in the way?” Step zero is to communicate and gather the boundaries of your loved one. From there, you can start to figure out what kind of support they need. Here are a few actions to take inspiration from:
1. OFFER TO COMPLETE TASKS
One of the best postpartum gifts for a new mom is to offer physical support. Let the new mom focus on caring for their baby and volunteer to do chores. For example, clean the home for the family. Make sure to use baby-safe cleaning products!
If a new mom’s household is among the 70% that owns a pet, take responsibility for feeding and walking their furry friend. You could also buy them groceries and help them with meal planning. Try your hand at cooking for them, too.
2. TAKE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS
The early years of a newborn go by so quickly. Give your loved one a couple of souvenirs by taking photos and videos of them and their baby. You can use your phone or buy a camera to store all these media.
Upload the digital files to a cloud storage space only you and your friend can access. You can also put the copies on a flash drive for extra security.
3. SEND SELF CARE GIFTS
Every new mom is working around the clock to care for their baby. It’s important to remind them to practice a little bit of self-care.
For example, give them a journal to write down their thoughts or a book that they’ve been dying to read. You can send them a care package with skincare products. These can help them freshen up and relax in the shower before bed.
Consider including items that moms need after giving birth and throughout postpartum recovery. Some good choices are Motherlove's Nipple Cream, Sitz Bath Spray, and Mom's Bottom Balm.
4. GIVE HER WORDS OF AFFIRMATION
New moms will likely worry if they’re doing a good job. The best way to support them is to reassure them. Say they’re already trying so hard to care for their newborn and how lucky that baby is to receive so much love. Little compliments to remind them how amazing they are go a long way.
5. INVITE HER TO A MOM'S GROUP
Who better to understand a new mom than her fellow mamas going through the same experience? Find a group to provide her with social support. They can share their thoughts or coping mechanisms with postpartum struggles or laugh about their discoveries when caring for their baby.
You can find many mom-and-baby classes near you. These include mommy and me yoga, music classes, and mom and baby meet-ups.
6. ENCOURAGE HER TO GO ON DATES
Take care of the new mom’s baby and urge her to go on dates. Parents may seem significantly less satisfied in their relationships than non-parents, especially at the beginning when the change is more than apparent. Encouraging the parents to leave the house for a quick dinner or coffee date on the weekend can give parents a much-needed break. It can also help keep the spark alive between them.
7. HELP HER GET SLEEP
It’s natural for parents to feel pretty sleep-deprived, especially early on with a newborn. Help her get some rest by encouraging her to lie down and watching the baby for her. Even just a few naps here and there is already amazing. You can also gift her soft pillows and bedding to create the perfect sleeping quarters.
UPLIFT NEW MOTHERS
Take the tips above and focus on supporting a new mom. Lighten the load as they learn the ropes and become the best mother ever. They will surely appreciate your assistance along the way. A new mom never forgets who showed up to support her and her family in the early days of postpartum!
