Ways to Help the New Mom

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A new mom’s first few days can be exciting, wonderful, joyful … and exhausting. There is so much focus on baby that mama often forgets (or doesn’t have time) to take care of her own needs.

For some new mothers, grandma can help out or their significant others can take time off work, but not everyone is as blessed. Regardless of who is there the first few days or weeks after baby, there is always room for others to offer support … and it’s much appreciated as mom becomes acclimated with her new bundle of joy.

ways to help the new mom

They Need Food

The last thing that a new mom has time for is cooking. However, eating healthy and nutritious food is soooo important in order to keep up with the scheduled feedings, diapering and general care of the new baby. (All on very little sleep.) Below are ideas on ways to keep mom and the new family fed — just make sure to check on dietary restrictions first.

  • Bring food that can be eaten with one hand. This allows the new mom to hold the baby and still get something in her belly. (Meal examples: muffins, mini-quiches, chicken salad in pita bread, and fruit.)
  • Prepare meals that can be easily cooked and/or frozen (if necessary). Mom doesn’t have time to follow complicated instructions to enjoy your carefully crafted entree. And you never know how much food the family will have from others, so it’s helpful to make something that can be put in the freezer and cooked in the weeks following when the support has died down … but baby’s needs haven’t. (Meal examples: stuffed shells, lasagna – try Mexican lasagna for variety, taco filling, and chicken casseroles are great go-to options.)
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Casseroles and lasagna are great options for mom to cook now or freeze for later.
  • Ask if she has a slow-cooker. If not, buy her one — she will thank you later. Consider providing her with a yummy recipe and the ingredients needed to make it (remember, think simple). I used mine in the days after our daughter was born and still rely heavily on it when I need to prepare a hot meal without much fuss. There are lots of meals that can be made in the slow-cooker. Tip: if you are going to buy a slow-cooker, be sure to choose one that will fit an entire chicken. (Meal examples: Vegetable soup, macaroni and cheese, and even baked potatoes.)
  • Buy gift certificates to restaurants they love. Honestly, a new mom will probably eat anything that is available, but having those favorite places is always a plus (just make sure they have takeout or delivery). Those first few days and weeks are a bit of a blur. (Restaurant examples: Moe’s, Outback, Chinese … even fast food!)

* Bonus: Need some great, easy recipe ideas? Check out several of our favorite meals (recipes included) the family will love!

They Need Sleep

It is not unusual for a new mom to be extraordinarily sleep-deprived. If you are visiting and the baby is sleeping, encourage the new mom to take a nap while you watch for the baby to awaken. This gives her permission to feel like she doesn’t have to entertain you, as well as a little comfort knowing someone else is watching over the baby. After I had my daughter Caroline, I felt like she needed to be watched constantly the first few days. I only slept when my mom was watching her. If the new mom is breastfeeding and the baby wakes up and wants mom, you can take the baby to her.  If you feel comfortable and it’s okay with mom, try to soothe the baby a little while longer before you wake mom up. It may seem like a small thing, but when you are going on next to no sleep, fifteen more minutes is heaven.

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Who doesn’t love cuddling a new baby? Offer to watch baby so mom can get some much needed sleep.

Also, check with mom ahead of time before you stop by for a visit. You never know if it’s the one time during the day mom has time to shower, put on makeup, catch up on laundry, or just have a few moments to herself.

They Need Comfort

One of my best friends just had her first baby. She has a great support system in place with her mom and her husband, along with friends and family. However, there are still things she needs just for her after the birth. Now that she has experienced motherhood for herself, she said she will always include the following two things just for mom as shower gifts: nipple cream and ice packs (as well as Desitin for baby). I couldn’t agree more.

We focus so much on what the baby will need (and let’s face it, it’s more fun to buy a cute outfit for baby than nipple cream), that we don’t always think about mom. And trust me, no one wants to make a trip to the store at 2 a.m. because your nipples are sore from hours of nursing a new baby. New moms are adjusting to their new role and are so focused on taking care of the baby. It is important for others to step in and help them take care of themselves.

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Baby clothes are adorable as gifts, but what does mom REALLY need … just for her as a new mother?

What was the most helpful thing that someone did to help you take care of yourself in those first few days with a new baby?


Sweater Photo credit: Christie Hurrell / Foter / CC BY-NC; Mom Photo credit: annstheclaf / Foter / CC BY-NC; Sleeping Photo credit: TempusVolat / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA; Gift Photo credit: theogeo / Foter / CC BY

3 COMMENTS

  1. Such a great list, Lori! It was also really helpful having friends who are up at all hours – whether due to insomnia, their job, or motherhood – tell me that I could text them or play Words with Friends while nursing in the middle of the night.

  2. Great article Lorri! Your advice on ways to help a new mom are perfect! One of the things a good friend did for me after I had my son is come over to my house and cut my hair! I needed a haircut so bad but wasn’t ready to take my infant (preemie) out or ready to leave him at home without me! That “at-home” haircut was so helpful!

  3. Two sweet friends from high school arranged to have meals delivered after the birth of my second child. Those meals were a god send. I was so overwhelmed, and it was one less thing I had to worry about. Great advice for the village!!

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