How to support a new Mother
There is really no happier time than when a new baby joins the family or your circle of friends. So cute, so small, so squishy - and they smell so damn good! It can be easy to get carried away with the excitement of the bub (understandably) and forget that the real star of the show is the Mum.
Many of us want to desperately help a new Mum but aren’t exactly sure how?
It’s normal to be at a loss and to wonder what is helpful and what is not so much.
We spoke to Georgia Hartmann, Naturopath and Founder of Hormone Health Studio based in Newcastle who has a passion for helping women thrive through every step of their hormonal health and fertility journey. After a diagnosis of Premature Ovarian Failure in her early 20s, Georgia underwent her own hormone health journey to conceive her first son naturally. Understanding the whirlwind of postpartum, she also enjoys preparing and supporting parents through the newborn haze.
And, now being a Mum of two, Georgia has learnt a thing or two about the types of support a new Mum will thank you for.
Ask what you can get them at the supermarket
Many Mum’s throughout their Motherhood journey will experience decision fatigue. So rather than asking them broadly what they need, try offering a supermarket run and be specific. Essentials in those early weeks include nappies, maternity pads, onesies, milk and bread, plus any other breakfast and dinner items.
Drop off a meal or coffee at their front door
Avoid knocking or inviting yourself in to relieve the pressure of the parent/s having to dress up or tidy the home. Simply send a message afterwards saying there is food or coffee at the door.
Offer to take any older children (or dogs) to the park
Even just for an hour and if you can pack some snacks in preparation. That relieves any pressure on a parent having to be organised when you get there. In the early days when one day blends into another, the last thing a new parent feels like doing is taking their dog for a walk. Offering to exercise them - even if it’s just once a week is one less thing they will have to think of.
Organise a meal train
MealTrain is a free and easy website to use that allows you to nourish a growing family in those early weeks. You simply add the recipient, dietary considerations and then invite your loved ones to select a date to drop off a meal. This allows you to have a schedule with your family and friends to ensure the freezer isn’t packed one week and empty the next.
Organise a cleaner
One of the best gifts you can ever give a family is a visit from a cleaner. Perhaps organise a gift voucher they can use when it suits them. Or, even when you next visit do the dishes and a load of two of washing.
