How to Support a New Mother: Thoughts From Your Therapist Palm Desert

What New Moms Need and Want

Supporting the new mother in your life is an incredibly important and meaningful gesture. Here are some ways you can offer to provide support.

Offer Emotional Support

Becoming a mother can be overwhelming, so lend a listening ear and provide a non-judgmental space for her to express her feelings. Encourage her and remind her that she's doing a great job. Sometimes it’s hard to make time for a phone call so offering to stop over with some tea and fold clothing, wash dishes or prep a meal while you chat can be a way to offer emotional and physical support at the same time.

Provide Practical Help

Therapist Palm Desert Lauren Fox, LCSW recommends offering physical support to new mothers

New mothers often have their hands full, so offer to assist with practical tasks. You could help with household chores, cooking meals, running errands, or even babysitting so she can have some time for herself. Holding the baby so she can make a phone call to her insurance company or write some thank you cards or simply close her eyes for 20 minutes without having to be alert to the baby can be incredibly helpful.

Bring Meals or Groceries

Preparing meals can be challenging for a new mom, so consider cooking some meals in advance that she can easily heat up. Alternatively, you can offer to pick up groceries or takeout for her. The early months of a new baby’s life are very busy for new parents. Learning how to ensure their own nutritional needs are met can sometimes feel like a distant thought. Letting the new mom in your life know you aren’t coming over for a baby visit (unless she’d like that), but would like to drop off some pre-made food or take out so she knows she’ll have a meal for herself to look forward to.

Offer to Babysit

New mothers often need a break to rest, catch up on sleep, or engage in self-care activities. Offer to babysit her child for a few hours, giving her some time to relax or attend to personal needs.

Assist with Baby-Related Tasks

Help out with tasks specifically related to the baby, such as changing diapers, soothing the baby, or taking care of the baby while the mother takes a nap, showers, goes for a walk around the neighborhood or catches up on a task she’s been having difficulty getting to.

Educate Yourself on Newborn Care

Learn about newborn care and offer helpful advice when needed. Be knowledgeable about common challenges, such as breastfeeding, sleep routines, or colic, so you can provide guidance or suggest resources if she seeks assistance.

Be Patient and Understanding

Understand that a new mother might be experiencing physical and emotional exhaustion. Be patient with her as she navigates this new phase of life, and offer understanding and empathy whenever she faces difficulties.

Provide Social Support

Encourage the new mother to join support groups or connect with other mothers who are going through similar experiences. Social support can be invaluable in helping her feel less isolated and providing a platform to share her concerns and joys. New mothers groups and lactation groups are great local opportunities to get connected with other moms in the same phase of life.

Check in Regularly

Keep in touch with the new mother and regularly check in to see how she's doing. Send supportive messages, call her, or arrange visits if she feels comfortable. Knowing that someone cares and is there for her can make a significant difference.

Remember, every mother is different, so it's essential to respect her preferences and boundaries. Ask her directly how you can best support her, as she may have specific needs or requests. Your presence and genuine care can make a world of difference during this transformative time.

Therapist Palm Desert, Lauren Fox, LCSW

I hope this blog on ways to support the new mom in your life was beneficial for you. If you or someone you love is wanting more support in your motherhood journey, reach out to me! We can schedule a 15 minute phone consultation to discuss what is happening for you and explore if more individualized mental health support could be beneficial for you. I would be happy to help get you connected. Feel free to call me at 805-930-9355 for a free 15 minute phone consultation. If you are looking for help with pregnancy, postpartum, pregnancy loss, infertility, birth trauma or hypnotherapy, you can read more about how I can help within this website.

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