14/05/2024
I know that after I had my first baby I often thought back on times I had visited a new Mum and cringed at how little to no help I was 🫣. I sat there and cuddled the baby and often bought the most impractical yet well-meaning present whilst Mum made me a coffee. Yep. Absolutely no help at all! It wasn’t that I was being insensitive, you just don’t know what you don’t know!
In the whirlwind of welcoming a new baby, it’s easy for well-meaning friends and family to overlook the needs of the new mother, especially if they’ve never gone through postpartum themselves. Instead of expecting her to play host and entertain guests, my focus as a postpartum doula is on providing unwavering support and nurturing her through this often very intense and emotional time. So yes - I’ve become slightly better at meeting my friends and family’s new babies 😂
If you’re invited to meet a new baby, remember that your presence should be about offering support to the mother first and foremost. Here’s how you can help:
1. 🙏🏼Listen:Take the time to listen to the new mum’s experiences, concerns, and joys without judgment or interruption.
2. 🙏🏼Offer Practical Help**: Whether it’s preparing a meal, doing some light housework, or running errands, lending a helping hand can ease the new mum’s load and allow her to focus on bonding with her baby.
3. 🙏🏼Provide Emotional Support: Adjusting to motherhood can be overwhelming, so offering a shoulder to lean on and words of encouragement can make all the difference.
4. 🙏🏼Respect Boundaries: Be mindful of the new mum’s need for rest and privacy. Don’t overstay your welcome, and always respect her wishes regarding holding the baby.
