05/06/2026
As we approach weekend, let’s chat about the post-partum period and an un-popular truth: Our role is to meet the new parents’ needs while THEY focus on meeting the baby’s needs.
The first few weeks to months after a baby’s birth is an important period for the new little family to bond and get to know one another. Attachments are formed and parents learn their baby’s cues and needs. While it’s tempting to step in and take over childcare with the intention of letting Mom/Dad “ease into parenting” or get other tasks done, keep in mind that, once you leave, they will likely be less in-tuned with Baby’s needs.
Additionally, while healing from birth, Moms often cannot do certain chores (carrying laundry, changing sheets, bending over to empty/reload the dishwasher…); therefore, your assistance with meeting those needs- and setting them up with frozen meals and a clean house when you leave- will be more beneficial for their mental load and transition into taking on their parenting responsibilities.
Finally, your “help” isn’t actually helpful if it makes more work for the new parents. Come only when asked. Clean up after yourself (you’re not a guest right now!) Complete tasks that THEY need/want done- not what YOU assume (just ask them, then figure out the rest!)
