07/08/2021
I’m the days and weeks postpartum, moms and parents need all the support they can get. It’s not a time for parents to be hosting visitors who want to see the baby, but rather a time for visitors to come bring food, help around the house, run errands, etc while parents adjust to surviving while caring for a new baby.
Here are some ideas of what loved ones can do to help ⬇️
Nurturer Story by Jojo a postpartum doula and Infant Sleep Educator
What a new mother really needs …
Bring a sustaining meal. The best postpartum foods for a new mum are things that are warm, nourishing and easily digested such as soups, stews, broths and dhal. Heat it up while you empty the dishwasher and give the kitchen a clean and then serve it to her and offer to cuddle the baby* while she eats. Make her a cup of tea and ask if she would like you to cuddle baby* while she drinks it – hot for a change!
Offer to cuddle or rock baby* while mum has a shower and maybe even a nap.
* Keep in mind that some mothers aren’t ready to hand their baby over in the first few weeks, and that’s ok. There are lots of other things you can do to be of help.
Run the vacuum cleaner around the house and hang out or fold any washing that needs to be done. Throw away any dead or dying flowers and empty bins.
If baby and mum are napping, cook some dinner for her and leave in the fridge for the evening. Give the fridge a bit of a tidy and throw out any food past its best.
If mum is happy for you to take baby for a walk in the buggy or baby carrier, do this while mum has a shower and a nap. Alternatively, take toddlers or older children out for an hour so mum and baby can rest.
Ask her if she needs any supermarket shopping picked up on the way. Specifically, she might need nappies, pads, milk and some dinner! Unpack it when you arrive.
Make her bed. Put on clean sheets if necessary and puff the pillows. Put some flowers by her bedside table and encourage her to see her bedroom as a sanctuary where she can ideally spend as much time as possible resting with her baby.
Give her a foot and head massage or shoulder rub before putting her to bed.
Be a listening ear. Let her voice all of her joys, fears, anxieties and frustrations in a safe, non-judgemental space. Try to avoid giving too much ‘advice’ (new mothers are bombarded with it) but instead encourage and affirm her and let her know that she is the very best mother for her baby, she’s doing a great job and it’s ok to make mistakes as she learns her way with this new little person.
