Being a new mother is hard. Plain and simple. Many women agree that it is one of the hardest things they've ever had to go through. We want to support our friends and family after they've given birth, but sometimes that can be difficult. A combination of unwillingness to ask for help and insufficient time to even think to ask can leave a new mother feeling alone. There are things you can do, though, to take some of the stress away.
Just check in.
Even if she doesn't respond, knowing someone is thinking about her can help a new mom get through the day. A simple text that lets her know you're there, thinking about her, and ready to help means a lot.
Keep her fed.
A new mom barely has time to take a shower, let alone cook a meal! Bring dinner, snacks, or groceries to keep momma fed. Bonus points if you can figure out the foods she might like before she has the baby. That way, when she's knee-deep trying to clean up after a blowout, she doesn't have to think about the fact that she always gets a #8 with fries.
Send resources.
Maybe you want to support the new mom in your life, but your time is limited. A Venmo or DoorDash gift card will always be appreciated. She and the family can use what you send when they need it most.
Be mindful of germs.
Visit her – yes – but don't if you've been sick or been around someone who's been ill. A baby's immune system is not fully developed, and what seems like a little cold for you could be a big problem for them. And a sick baby is not worth a visit with a friend.
Share educational resources.
A new baby comes with so many unknowns, which means a lot of Googling. And with so many opinions out there, it can be challenging to navigate the information highway. Gift the new mother with the Baby Playbook by ParentMD. It's filled with all the information she needs to conquer the first year. From feedings and sleep to setbacks and milestones, she can get answers from board-certified pediatricians.
