Happy Friday everyone! Hope everyone had a great week. So I wanted to talk about something a little different today and no I am not pregnant haha. I am at that age where my friend group is having kids or thinking about having kids in the near future and I have watched quite a few people around me become mothers. Because of this, I know how much some people struggle - especially in the beginning of motherhood. The days where they are getting no sleep, they are hardly eating because the baby requires all of their attention, and they feel like they might not survive one more day.

Is it a hard transition when it comes to becoming a parent? Yes. Is it worth it? Definitely. Does it deserve celebrating? 100%. If one of your friends or family members is welcoming a new child into their home soon, please read these tips on ways to celebrate a new mom. I promise they are useful!

Bring Her Food

Remember what I said above about parents not having time to cook and eat? It’s very true! To make it easier for them, bring the new parents food! I highly suggest food that is easy to heat up, easy to freeze, and nourishing for her healing body. So, options such as soups, stews, or even bakes are great. If you are looking for a few things, why not make good-for-you brownies (that boost lactation!), a coconut milk chicken stew with turmeric (great for healing!), and a few jars of homemade bone broth? These are fantastic options for the healing mom and the tired dad. 

Offer To Clean The House

One thing that a new mom might not tell you is that she is struggling to clean the house, cook, and do laundry. Maybe she cannot do it due to having a c-section, or more of a traumatic birth, maybe she just does not have the energy, or maybe she wants to soak in the newborn snuggles. Either way, it is a major struggle for a new mom - or really, any mom and it’s not something that they want to do. So, why not offer to help out? I am sure that it would be much appreciated! Most people come to hold the baby, but not many people offer to do any work while they are there. The new mom is constantly having to try to keep her home clean for visitors, without the time or strength to do so.

Hold Her Baby While She Naps

Another winning way to celebrate a new mom is by asking her if you can hold her baby - but don’t make her do any work while you are there. Instead, urge her to nap, read a book, take a hot bath, or whatever else will help her relieve some stress and get some energy back. Again, I believe that this would be much appreciated for any new parent!

“What Do You Need?”

I’ve learned not to ask “what do you need?” but to instead, say something along the lines of:

• “I would love to vacuum for you. Where is your vacuum?”

• “If it is alright with you, I am making you dinner. Do you have any food aversions?”

• “I’d love to hold your baby! Why don’t you get some rest while I am here? I am sure you need it and I’ve got this handled!”

As a new mom, it can be really challenging to ask for help. You feel as if you should be able to do it all. It’s natural to breastfeed, stay up all night taking care of your baby, change diapers constantly, have to keep up with the house, and the list goes on… Right? If this mom is still working, throw on additional time and effort. It’s impossible to do it all and deep down, she probably knows this, but will she admit it? Probably not. So, don’t make her ask for help if you know that she needs help. Instead, take the time to offer help first.

Although it changes with time, it does not necessarily get any easier when it comes to juggling it all. As time goes on if you think about it, ask those questions again - in different ways. If you know that they are struggling with something, try to be their “village” and be there for them. You could ask questions such as:

• I know you are struggling to keep up with work. I would love to watch your daughter for you tomorrow morning. Would that be okay?

• You have not had a chance to relax in a while! Go grab a pedicure while I play with your daughter. I would love to spend time with her.

• Do you want to grab coffee and chat tomorrow morning? I bet you could use some adult time and I would love to see you guys!

Come With Gifts

Come with gifts because even if they say they don’t need anything, who can resist adorable baby clothes?! Not me! I love shopping at By George Baby for sweet “coming home” gifts. Their Little English clothing options are the absolute sweetest! The reason I love By George Baby so much? They are a local NJ store that offers trusted and luxury namebrands such as The Beaufort Bonnet Company, The Proper Peony, Kissy Kissy, Little English, and more. They have the best options for gifts, Christening outfits, holiday outfits, pajamas, and more. You can find them at 825 River Road in Fair Haven, NJ.

Let Her Unload

Last but not least, let her unload. Postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression are way too common and sometimes, all it takes is for her to talk her emotions out. But, a lot of new moms do not have that support system that lets them talk it out. So, be that support system and let her unload her thoughts and feelings!