How Do You Care for New Moms?
Signs she is a new mom:
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She has a tiny baby around her all the time
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Looks tired! (Level: Pro Ultra Max)
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She is breastfeeding/bottle-feeding the tiny baby around the clock.
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What is sleep? She has no idea.
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She has been through a lot physically in the past months.
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She has been through a lot mentally in the past months.
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She is going through a lot physically and mentally right now.
If you see a new mom around you, she needs to be cared for. Her body is healing, she is healing, and she needs support - emotional and medical.
So here are 8 ways you can help a new mom through this challenging journey:
1. Encourage without imposing
“Don’t do this”, “Do it this way”, “Why did you do this?”, “Why did you NOT do this?”!!
She needs support, not investigation. Help her through the process. If she needs guidance, guide her in a non-condescending way. If you want to help her, help her with your actions. If she is having trouble swaddling, tell her how to do it in a calm, patient way instead of saying, “Oh, you don’t know how to do this?”
2. Bring her home-cooked, healthy meals.
Doctors recommend iron and fiber-rich food post-pregnancy. Many Indian cultures make traditional food like gond ke laddu, methi ke laddu, panjiri, which is known for its high iron content. Nuts and fruits are good for a recovering mother. This is an excellent way to help the moms stay nourished and show you care.
3. Help her with the baby and the household chores
Take the baby off the mother’s hand for an hour or two while the baby sleeps. Give mom some space to catch up on her sleep or get out for a walk. Take over basic tasks like making the baby’s formula, cleaning up, or running an errand. The mother is tired, and any task you can take over from the mother, as little as it may be, is helpful for the mom.
4. Listen carefully.
Sometimes moms will not say if they are having trouble, but listen carefully, and you will hear. Does the mom look sad? Is she aggressive? Is her behavior unusual in comparison to her general demeanor? It is likely that she is suffering from postpartum depression. Provide assistance connecting with a medical professional.
5. Offer Emotional Support Without Judgement:
Have you seen a cyclone? That is how it goes with emotions in mom's brain. Emotions are all over the place, and talking them out helps her put things in order. Listen to her without judgment. Let her share her feelings, fears, and frustrations as openly as possible. Sometimes, all she needs is an empathetic ear, not solutions.
6. Take pictures/ videos
She is going to be grateful for this forever. These moments won’t come back, and as difficult as this time is, it is also beautiful. Looking back on these moments, she is only going to feel happiness and love. The more videos you take, the more memories she will have to look back to.
Note: Don’t invade her private space. Mind the boundaries.
7. Arrange for Professional Help:
If possible, help her arrange visits from a postnatal nurse or a doula who can provide professional guidance and reassurance in the first few weeks. This can be invaluable, especially for first-time mothers. Help her connect with other new moms or local support groups. Knowing she’s not alone in her journey can provide immense emotional relief. These networks can also be great for sharing tips and experiences.
8. Bring gifts she might love
Okay, I know. This sounds materialistic, but material things do provide a dopamine boost, especially when the gifts are adorable. She will love it when you choose something special for her baby from our collection of baby clothes.
Our delightful baby essentials line includes everything from soft cotton co-ord sets to the cutest baby night dresses. Each piece is perfect for babies, ensuring both comfort and style are delivered with care. Giving a gift from this baby dress collection not only shows your support but also adds a little extra joy to her day.
Conclusion
Remember, the best way to care for a new mom is to be present, be patient, and be supportive. Motherhood is not glorified just because… every stage of motherhood is a challenge in itself. The journey that once began with uncontainable joy continues to be as beautiful as can be, but the hardships, too are beyond imagination. Your support and love mean a lot, especially now.