Being a new mother can be scary and stressful, especially if it’s your first time. You might feel like you have no idea what you’re doing or don’t have enough support from friends and family to get through it all. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can help new mothers who aren’t even friends with you yet. Whether it’s babysitting their child so the new mom can take a break or showing them the ropes by telling them about the best parenting tips you know, there are plenty of ways to help them out!
Ask her what she needs
It can be tough adjusting to life with a newborn. You can give her a new mum hamper from Mama Jewels, which includes the best and basic items for a new mum and the baby. I know that it’s not just the sleepless nights and relentless diaper changes that are challenging; it’s also the feeling of being disconnected from friends and family for many months. The good news is that there are things you can do to help make this time easier for your friend or family member who has just become a mother.
Help with the baby
- Help with diaper changing, feeding, and bathing.
- Provide meals or help with grocery shopping.
- Offer to watch the baby so that the mom can sleep.
- Offer to run errands and do household chores.
- Offer one-on-one playtime or take over the bedtime routine while the mother rests.
Bring her meals
There are many things you can do to show your support for someone going through pregnancy, labor, and parenting. Bringing them meals is one of the most helpful things you can do. The delivery of food provides sustenance and an opportunity for you to stop by and check in with your loved one on their way back from the hospital or after a tough day at home with their newborn.
Do some household chores.
Even if you don’t have kids, this one is pretty self-explanatory. It doesn’t take much time or effort and will show your loved one how much you care about them. It’s nice to come home to a clean house. If you’re feeling ambitious, go ahead and make something for the next day, like breakfast for the morning after a night of sleep deprivation.
Massage therapy can help ease aches from sleep deprivation and postpartum depression.
Give her some gifts
- Give her some time. Encourage her to take breaks when she needs them, and remember that she may not be up for anything more than the essentials right now.
- Keep in touch. It’s hard to keep up with everyone, but try sending an email or making a phone call just once or twice a week – something as simple as I hope you’re feeling better can make all the difference.
- Bring over dinner or some groceries. Or you can buy her a new mum hamper which includes all necessities for the newborn baby and the mother.
Listen to her
Listen to her when she talks, even if you don’t want to hear what she has to say. She needs someone who will listen and give advice. Don’t be afraid you’ll say something wrong or upset her – because it’s probably what she needs most right now.