How to Support New Moms: A Detailed Guide for Everyone

Becoming a new mom is a transformative experience filled with joy, challenges, and a need for robust support. Whether you’re a dad, sibling, grandparent, friend, coworker, or even a child, there are countless ways to contribute to a new mother’s well-being. This guide explores how different family members can provide tangible and meaningful support to new moms, ensuring they feel loved, supported, and empowered. Remember, “it takes a village to raise a child.” As a growing family ourselves, we’ve lived through these firsts and can confidently say that new moms will appreciate everything here, no matter how big or small.

Dad’s Role: Superhero Support for New Moms

1. Tackle Household Chores

Dads wondering how to support new moms can lighten the new mom’s load by diving into household chores and baby care:

Diaper Duty: Be the diaper-changing champion, handling blowouts with a smile.
Chef Extraordinaire: Take over meal prep, order healthy takeout, or organize a meal service. Cook Unity offers delicious, healthy options at prices cheaper than takeout. Check out our code for $50 off your order plus free shipping!
Laundry King: Handle the laundry, especially the endless baby clothes with mysterious stains.
Bath Time Buddy: Take charge of baby baths and bedtime routines.
Household Manager: Run errands, pay bills, and keep the household running smoothly.

2. Emotional Rock

Emotional support is crucial for new moms. Dads can:

Active Listener: Listen without jumping in with solutions. Just being there makes a big difference. After our first child, I realized my wife didn’t appreciate being asked if she was tired. Obviously, she was! Instead, I learned to listen actively and be present for whatever she needed.
Encourager: Encourage her to express her feelings and validate her emotions.
Patience Extraordinaire: Be patient and understanding during hormonal changes. Remember that new moms just went through the largest change in hormones in their lives in a very short period of time. Imagine playing the best golf game of your life and suddenly ending up in every possible hazard. That’s how unpredictable emotions can feel!
Reassurer: Constantly reassure her of her incredible efforts.
Quality Time Partner: Spend quality time together, like watching a movie or taking a walk.

3. Self-Care Advocate

Ensuring that the new mom has time for herself is essential. Dads can:

Baby Sitter: Take care of the baby while mom takes a nap or a bath.
Hobby Helper: Encourage her to pursue hobbies or activities she enjoys.
Date Night Planner: Arrange for a babysitter so they can go out for a date night.
Feel-Good Facilitator: Support her in attending feel-good activities like exercise classes, spa visits, or pampering sessions.
Calming Environment Creator: Help create a calming and relaxing home environment.

4. Knowledge Seeker

Knowledge is power. Dads can:

Reader: Read books or articles about postpartum care and baby development.
Classmate: Attend parenting classes together.
Informed Partner: Stay informed about breastfeeding, sleep schedules, and developmental milestones.
Support Group Member: Join support groups for new dads to share experiences and advice.
First Aid Expert: Learn first aid, baby care techniques, and have emergency numbers stored in your phone.

5. Communication Champion

Effective communication and planning can alleviate stress. Dads can:

Ultimate Philosopher: Discuss parenting philosophies and approaches. Don’t assume you already know the answer. Parenting styles should be a conversation.
Schedule Planner: Plan and share schedules for work, daily life, and baby care duties.
Goal Setter: Set short-term and long-term family goals.
Open Communicator: Keep open lines of communication about any concerns or needs.
Routine Builder: Work together to establish a routine that suits both parents and the baby.

Siblings Turned Awesome Aunts and Uncles Supporting New Moms

1. Practical Helpers

Newly crowned aunts and uncles wondering how to support new moms can step in with practical assistance:

Babysitting Heroes: Babysit to give new parents a break and bond with their niece/nephew.
Meal Prep Masters: Help with meal prep or drop off home-cooked meals. If unsure what to make, gift cards to local restaurants are always appreciated.
Household Assistants: Assist with household chores, like cleaning and organizing.
Errand Runners: Run errands like grocery shopping or picking up prescriptions.
Doctor’s Appointment Buddies: Watch the baby during doctor’s appointments or while the mom naps.

2. Emotional Companions

Siblings can make a huge difference emotionally:

Regular Visitors: Visit regularly to provide company and reduce feelings of isolation.
Active Listeners: Listen and offer a shoulder to lean on without judgment.
Parenting Experience Sharers: Share their own parenting experiences and tips.
Affirmation Givers: Encourage and uplift with positive affirmations.
Family Activity Organizers: Include the new mom in family activities and outings, if she feels up to it.

3. Self-Care Supporters

Helping new moms find time for themselves is vital. Siblings can:

Baby Duty Volunteers: Offer to take the baby for a few hours so she can relax.
Spa Day Planners: Arrange for a spa day or a quiet day out.
Hobby Encouragers: Support her in pursuing hobbies or joining groups.
Event Organizers: Plan and organize mom-focused events like a small gathering or a movie night.
Routine Helpers: Help her create a daily routine that includes self-care activities.

4. Resource Providers

Sharing useful information can be very supportive. Siblings can:

Recommenders: Recommend books, articles, and apps related to parenting.
Local Resource Guides: Introduce her to local support groups or community resources.
Child Care Connectors: Share lists of trusted babysitters or child care services.
Postpartum Class Finders: Help her find postpartum exercise classes or mommy-and-me groups.
Parenting Trend Spotters: Stay informed about parenting trends and techniques to share insights.

5. Financial Supporters

Sometimes, financial support can ease the burden, but it is in no way an obligation. If you feel that financial contribution is a way you’d like to show love and support, you can:

Essential Buyers: Offer to buy baby essentials or contribute to larger purchases.
Future Fund Creators: Set up a fund for the baby’s future needs.
Medical Expense Helpers: Assist with medical expenses or other unforeseen costs.
Service Givers: Gift subscriptions to services like meal delivery or cleaning.
Budget Helpers: Assist with budgeting and financial planning if needed.

Grandparents: The Wise and Wonderful Guidance for New Mom Support

1. Practical Assistance

Grandparents, are you questioning how to support new moms? Don’t forget that you’ve been here before and can provide invaluable practical support:

Night Shift Heroes: Take over night shifts occasionally to allow parents to rest.
Meal Makers: Cook and deliver nutritious meals or snacks.
Household Helpers: Help with house cleaning, laundry, and yard work.
Regular Babysitters: Babysit regularly to give parents a break or time to run errands.
Nursery Setup Assistants: Assist with setting up and organizing the nursery.

2. Emotional and Moral Support

Grandparents can be a source of emotional stability:

Listening Ears: Offer a listening ear and empathetic advice.
Frequent Check-Ins: Be available for frequent check-ins and visits.
Reassurance Givers: Reassure new parents about their capabilities and parenting choices.
Positive Affirmation Givers: Share positive affirmations and celebrate small wins.
Open Communicators: Encourage open and honest communication about needs and concerns.

3. Financial Help

Financial support can alleviate stress, but this is in no way an obligation. If grandparents choose to contribute financially, they can:

Expense Contributors: Contribute to baby-related expenses like clothing, diapers, and formula.
Medical Bill Helpers: Offer to help with medical bills or insurance.
Savings Account Setters: Set up a savings account or fund for the baby’s future.
Service Payers: Pay for services like house cleaning or meal delivery.
Gear Gifters: Gift essential baby gear or contribute to bigger purchases.

4. Experience and Wisdom

Sharing their experience can be incredibly helpful, but tread cautiously as parenting methods have changed:

Pause Before Insight: Pause before offering insight and ask how they do something. Gauge your child’s comfort and confidence level in certain tasks before offering advice. If they are masters at swaddling but struggle with bath time, reserve your comments and ask if you can try something to see if it still works or might work for their grandchild. If it works, the natural ah-ha moments are the best teaching lessons. While offering advice might have the best intentions, remember that your children are tired and might be frustrated, so the advice, as well intentioned as it may be, could be interpreted as evidence that they don’t know what they’re doing.
Parenting Tips: Offer tried-and-true parenting tips and techniques.
Healthcare Navigation: Help new parents navigate healthcare and vaccination schedules.
Babyproofing Advisors: Provide advice on babyproofing the house and creating a safe environment.
Tradition Sharers: Share family traditions and cultural practices related to parenting.
Emotional Guides: Guide them through the emotional ups and downs of parenthood.

5. Self-Care and Bonding

Supporting the well-being of new parents is crucial. Grandparents can:

Self-Care Encouragers: Encourage new parents to take breaks and focus on self-care.
Date Night Facilitators: Take over baby duties so parents can have a date night or alone time.
Family Gathering Organizers: Organize family gatherings that are inclusive and stress-free.
Relaxation Technique Suggesters: Suggest relaxation techniques or activities like yoga and meditation.
Balance Helpers: Help maintain a balance between baby care and personal life by supporting the parents’ needs.

Kids as Super Siblings to Support Moms

1. Baby Care Assistants

Allow your little ones the opportunity to support moms. Children can feel involved and helpful by:

Diaper Fetchers: Helping with simple tasks like fetching diapers or bottles.
Lullaby Singers: Singing lullabies or reading stories to the baby.
Bath Time Assistants: Assisting with bath time under supervision.
Entertainers: Keeping the baby entertained with gentle games.
Basic Care Learners: Learning and performing basic baby care under adult guidance.

2. Love and Affection

Encouraging positive sibling relationships is important. Children can:

Gentle Huggers: Give gentle hugs and kisses to the new baby.
Early Bonding: Talk to and coo at the baby, fostering early bonding.
Gift Makers: Create handmade cards or drawings for the baby.
Family Activity Participants: Participate in family activities that include the baby.
Toy Sharers: Share their toys or belongings with the new sibling.

3. Patience and Understanding

Teaching patience helps the whole family. Children can:

Quiet Time Respecters: Understand and respect the baby’s need for sleep and quiet time.
Patient Partners: Be patient when parents are busy with the baby.
Feeling Expressers: Learn to express their feelings and needs constructively.
Attention Sharers: Practice sharing attention and being mindful of the baby’s schedule.
Empathy Builders: Develop empathy and understanding for the baby’s needs.

4. Household Helpers

Children can contribute to the family by:

Tidy Uppers: Helping to keep the house tidy by picking up their toys.
Table Setters: Assisting with setting the table or basic meal prep.
Pet Carers: Feeding pets or watering plants.
Laundry Helpers: Sorting laundry or folding small items.
Grocery Helpers: Helping with grocery lists or putting away groceries.

5. Positive Home Environment

Creating a nurturing atmosphere is essential. Children can:

Calm Home Maintainers: Help maintain a calm and peaceful home.
Family Bonding Promoters: Participate in family activities that promote bonding.
Appreciation Showers: Show appreciation for the baby and new parents.
Quiet Players: Engage in quiet play when the baby is sleeping.
Milestone Celebrators: Celebrate milestones and special moments as a family.

Friends and Coworkers: How to Support New Moms as Unsung Heroes

1. Pop-In Pros

Sneaky Helpers: If you’re close, pop in with purpose—bring food, load the dishwasher, or fold laundry. Surprise her with coffee or a bagel. Little things make a big difference.
Errand Enthusiasts: Run to the store, pick up prescriptions, or handle the dry cleaning. Free up her time for what matters most—rest and bonding.

2. Meal Train Masters

Feeding the Soul: Organize a meal train or gift a subscription to meal delivery services. Ensure the fridge is stocked with easy-to-prepare snacks and meals. Pro tip: Label meals with cooking instructions to make them foolproof!
Gift Card Givers: Not nearby? No problem! Send a gift card for grocery delivery or takeout—because no one says no to a ready-made meal.

3. Emotional Anchors

Encouragement Engineers: Send texts, postcards, or even voice notes reminding her she’s doing a stellar job. A well-timed “You’re amazing!” can turn her whole day around.
Quiet Night Companions: Plan low-key hangouts or movie nights. Bring the cozy vibes and leave the stress at the door.

4. Sleep and Self-Care Sidekicks

Sleep Champions: Watch the baby so she can catch up on sleep, or contribute towards hiring a night nurse. Rest is the best gift you can give!
Pet Whisperers: Walk the dog, scoop the litter box, or play fetch. Caring for her pets shows you care for her too.

5. Memory Makers

Photo Ninjas: Offer to snap candid photos of her with the baby. These moments are precious, and she’ll be grateful you captured them.
Celebrate Her Beauty: Remind her that she’s beautiful, inside and out. A compliment can work wonders when she’s feeling run down.

These small but impactful gestures from friends and coworkers can significantly lighten the load, ensuring the new mom feels cherished and supported on every level.

Conclusion

Supporting new moms requires a collective effort from all family members, each bringing their unique strengths and abilities to the table. Whether it’s sharing practical tasks, providing emotional support, or fostering a loving environment, every bit of help counts to support new moms. Long-term and consistent support is key, as the postpartum period extends beyond the initial weeks. By embracing these roles, dads, siblings, grandparents, and even young children can make a significant positive impact on the new mom’s journey, helping her navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood with confidence and ease.

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About the Authors: We’re a husband and wife team with over 30 years of experience in finance, investments, and marketing, committed to helping growing families make informed decisions. Think of us as that older sibling who’s been through it before and ready to share our mistakes and successes. Learn more about our journey from insecurity to financial security where we conquered adversity to reach the top 10% of our peers.