So you volunteer or you have been asked to help a new mom at home. Now what?
As I reflect on my first few weeks home with a newborn, I had my fair share of frustrations. There were some moments, I felt like a bother to those that were ‘helping me.” Other times, I didn’t think people cared and the “help” was only offered selfishly to see the baby.
Reflecting on this precious time, I thought it would be helpful to highlight some ways you can physically help out with minimal stress for you and the parents.
Clean Up Around the House for Mom
Seriously though, during our nesting phase, we cleaned the house from top to bottom. There was some serious organizing too that I am still kind of proud of, but here is the kicker. It goes downhill super fast. lol Yes. Things don’t stay clean long. Shocker š
One HUGE help is tidying up around the house for the parentals. This can be washing dishes, doing the laundry/ folding, mopping the floor, vacuuming, cleaning the bathrooms etc. By helping out in this area, I don’t mean YOU hold the baby while mom or dad clean the kitchen or mops the floor. NOPE! I mean you help bust some suds or put some clothes in the washing machine. No Professional Baby Holders
No Professional Baby Holders
Yes, I know sometimes there may be a need to have help holding the baby here and there, but please don’t expect to sit and hold the baby all day when you are supposed to be doing other things to lighten the parent’s load. I even remember being asked, “Do you want me to hold the baby while you wash dishes?” No, I don’t, but thanks for offering.
Make Groceries and/or Cook a meal
As we prepared for home life with a newborn again and plus a toddler
Run an Errand
Besides groceries, there are tons of other adulting things that need to be done after the baby arrives. Offering to run a few errands can be the perfect way you lighten the load. Maybe a run to the post office or to exchange that baby item they really need.
Occupy the Older Child(ren)
Maybe the parents you are helping out have children already. They could be school age or even a toddler like my son. Tending to the older children is just as important as caring for the new baby. It is an instant adjustment. Some ways to support them are dropping off/picking up from school, helping with homework, making them a snack or doing a fun play activity.
Snap a Pic of Mom and Baby
I know this doesn’t run across many peoples minds. Maybe it’s the photographer in me that always sees things through the lens of a camera, but capturing moments with baby, mom and/or dad can be the greatest way you can physically help out.
These family firsts with a newborn are priceless. Many won’t be in everyday photos together because someone has to take the picture. So pick up your phone and snap a few pics. The formalities do not matter and will be appreciated for years to come. My husband actually took the photo for this post. Although, I wasn’t social media ready I will cherish this moment forever.
So there it is. My tips and suggestions on ways you can help out mom and/or dad when they get home from the hospital. Whether you can help out for a day or help out for a month. I am sure the parents will be so thankful during this once in a lifetime event.
Do you have any other tips, I didn’t cover here? List them in the comments. I would love to hear and possibly update this post for future reading.
Got questions? Or interested in collaborating? Be sure to send me a message.