10 Practical Ways to Support Your Friend Who Just Became a Mom

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So, your friend just welcomed a little one into the world! You love her and want to lend a hand during this significant life change. It’s important to ensure that your good intentions actually provide support rather than just making you feel better about yourself. Let’s simplify how you can assist your friend during this transformative time.

There are two scenarios that may apply here: you have kids yourself and remember the not-so-helpful gestures that people offered, or you’re childless and could use some advice. Regardless, your role is to be a supportive and understanding presence. Your friend is navigating a whirlwind of emotions and changes, from dealing with postpartum challenges to adjusting to the responsibilities of motherhood or adoption. Here’s how you can step in and make a difference:

1. Bring Over Some Meals: This is perhaps the most impactful gesture you can offer. New moms are often too busy caring for their babies to think about their own meals. Instead of asking if she’d like dinner, just show up with food.
2. Organize a Meal Train: Are you catching the theme? Nourish her family! A meal train will take the pressure off her to cook and ensure she receives food for weeks. Online meal sign-up platforms can help you coordinate this effortlessly.
3. Keep Visits Focused on Her: Adjusting to her new life can be overwhelming. Avoid making the visit about your feelings or concerns; let her lead the conversation as she navigates her new normal.
4. Refrain from Giving Unsolicited Advice: Unless she directly asks for your input, hold back on sharing your own experiences or tips. Just listen to her; she may be feeling overwhelmed and doesn’t want to hear what worked for you.
5. Share Your Baby Gear: While you probably shouldn’t offer your breast pump, feel free to pass along quality baby items like a glider or carrier. Your friend will appreciate the generosity without feeling pressured to accept everything.
6. Avoid Bragging About Your Own Experiences: Now is not the time to recount how easy your own parenting journey was. Your friend is likely exhausted and feeling the weight of new responsibilities.
7. Include Breakfast with Dinner: When you bring dinner, think about adding breakfast items or snacks too! Easy-to-eat foods will be a blessing for her as she juggles her new role.
8. Be a Good Listener: Check in on how she’s feeling. She might be dealing with a range of emotions, from anxiety to postpartum depression. Allow her the space to talk if she chooses.
9. Don’t Critique Her Baby: Every baby is unique, and comparing or questioning any aspect of her child is not helpful. Just offer support without judgment.
10. Avoid Sharing Horror Stories: New parents don’t need to hear about the challenges of toddlerhood right now. Keep the focus on her and her new baby, and save the stories for later.

Your friend will greatly appreciate your kindness and the reminder that she’s still an individual beyond her new role as a mother. Approach her with a spirit of support, and don’t expect any immediate thank-yous. And for the love of all that’s good, don’t forget to bring lasagna!

For more insights on the journey of motherhood, you can check out our other blog posts terms and conditions here. And if you’re looking for more resources on home insemination, this guide is an excellent resource. Additionally, this article provides great information on IVF processes.

Summary

Supporting a new mom is about providing practical help and emotional support without overwhelming her. From delivering meals to simply listening, your presence will remind her of her individuality as she navigates this life-changing experience.