How to Support a New Mother

Smiles and laughter often intertwine with moodiness and tears when a new baby is brought home. After the experience of labor, a new mom can use some help.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flower Bouquets
• Scented Candles
• Champagne
• Pizzas
• Casserole Dishes

1. Ask her how she likes to be supported. Does she need personal time alone? Does she need a friendly shoulder to lean on? Does she have a to-do list of regular chores?

2. Respect her moodiness. Her hormones are running amok, a new chapter in her life is unfolding, she's healing from labor and she's getting no sleep.

3. Cook her a few of her favorite recipes and freeze for future dinners.

4. Bring flowers or scented candles to brighten up the house.

5. Hold the baby so she can have some personal time to sleep or take a bath.

6. Run errands for her. More diapers? Breast pads? Receiving blankets? Groceries?

7. Help out with the laundry. Tiny babies produce loads of it.

8. Tidy up the house for her - take out the garbage, load and unload the dishwasher, and even clean the cat's litter box.

9. Return phone calls for her and/or take messages.

10. Ask if she needs help with driving the baby to the pediatrician.

11. Let her know that you're there for her as a support.

12. Most important, admire the new arrival. After the experience of giving birth, all mothers beam when others praise their precious baby.

Tips & Warnings

• If you think a prospective mother will need extra support after bringing baby home, suggest that she hire a postpartum doula. These experienced women provide caregiving for the mother as she recovers from labor and begins to learn about caring for her baby.

[Allandra]

on 7/21/2007 Definitely call ahead to see if you can come. Instead of giving her chocolates or champagne, she would appreicate gifts that are more practical like diapers and food made by you. Don't overstay your welcome - 1 to 2 hours is plenty of time. Remember, new mothers are tired and need plenty of rest and TLC. Offer any help when you are there.

[AmmiLou311]

on 6/15/2007 Call ahead before showing up, or better yet plan a day or so ahead of time. That way new mom can have planned out what she needs to get done or can count down the days (or hours) until that much-needed longer than normal shower, non-interrupted nap, or whatever she needs/wants more than anything

on 11/22/2005 A new mother wants to show off her baby and interact with the "outside" world. However, keep your visit short. She is still learning how to meet her baby's needs and is sleep-deprived. Don't visit en masse and don't overstay your welcome!