A first-time mom undergoes a sea of sentiments, including extreme joy, despair, tiredness, and wholesome adoration during the days following postpartum.
And while it’ll warm her heart to see her loved ones cuddle her newborn, it’s easy for new moms to feel ignored and struggle with a host of new challenges, including sleep deprivation, baby blues, and postpartum depression.
Although each new mom’s needs will vary as they cope with the changing role in life, here are some ways one can extend support to a new mom in your life:
1. Find out what she needs
In the early postpartum days, a new mom has many tasks to do and millions of thoughts racing through head. So, it’s almost impossible to foresee what she might need at any particular moment.
However, a simple question like “what can I help you with?” could elicit a variety of responses:
- A quick hot shower
- Some fresh air to breathe
- A fresh hot meal
- Taking a break from holding the newborn
- A nap
- Needing time to run an errand or finish a household chore
So, even if the response is “nothing”, she might be appreciative and feel loved that you inquired.
2. Offer moral support
The first few weeks after childbirth are difficult for all mothers, but it’s especially hard when they have no one they can turn to or trust. You’ll be able to provide that support by listening and offering comfort when needed.
3. Do It If It Needs to Be Done
For a co-parent or spouse, this is especially crucial.
By taking charge of an infant task (attempting to change a diaper, trying to take over nighttime feeding, swaying a crying baby, helping with milk burps) or completing a household task (dishes, washing clothes, cleaning the house, etc.) without ever being asked, you can demonstrate that you are partners and that the duty of parenting and maintaining the home isn’t entirely hers.
4. Be patient
New moms are often emotionally fragile, so try to be more understanding and don’t expect her to always be happy or smiling all the time.
Many women also need their time to adjust physically and emotionally before they feel comfortable talking about their concerns or asking for advice.
5. Use encouraging words
When you’re trying to help a new mom who is struggling, use words that are encouraging and uplifting. For example:
- You’re doing an amazing job!
- It’s okay to take a break/cry
- You are the best advocate for your baby
It’s also important to not body shame new moms as they recover in the postpartum period.
If the woman who just had her baby is still trying to get back into shape after months of giving up on her goals, it’s okay for her not yet to have achieved them.
She can always make another attempt at losing weight and improving her fitness level later on as time goes by since it’s never too late to start a healthy eating plan or exercise routine.
If you know a new mom struggling with identifying feelings and emotions of motherhood, Blosson Hypnosis can help!
Rekha Shrivatastava is a certified hypnosis expert who offers subconscious mind healing techniques on how to get rid of subconscious fear of being a first-time mom, feeling of constant mom guilt, and weight loss programs in Rochester, NY.
You can also call us at 585-281-2988 to schedule an appointment.
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