7 Helpful Ways to Support A Mama With A Newborn

Recently, a dear friend of mine welcomed a beautiful baby boy into the world, and it instantly brought back to the early days of bringing my own newborns home. As a mother, encountering a newborn often evokes memories of that tender time when our own little ones entered our lives. For some of us, it may feel like just yesterday, while for others, it could be years ago. Yet, regardless of the passage of time, the experience of welcoming a newborn is so cherished and joyous.

The cuddles, the awe of getting to know your new baby’s personality, and the whirlwind of emotions—it’s all part of the magic of those early days. However, amidst the excitement, there’s also a sense of overwhelm as you navigate the journey of caring for your precious little one. Witnessing my dear friend bringing her newborn home sparked thoughts about how we can truly support new mamas, or those expanding their families, to help ease the challenges of those initial days. Here are 7 helpful ways to support a Mama with a newborn.

#1 Sending or Bringing A Meal: The 1st of the 7 helpful ways to support a Mama with a newborn.

One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to support a new mother is by sending or bringing a meal. I vividly recall the overwhelming relief I felt when I had my first son and didn’t have to worry about cooking dinner! The mental exhaustion of caring for a newborn, feeding every two hours, leaves little room for anything else. I considered it an enormous blessing when my local church organized a food train, allowing people to sign up to bring my family meals well past the first month of my son’s life!

Even if you are not able to make a meal because you are a busy Mama trying to take care of your own little ones, sending pizza or using a food delivery service from a local restaurant are other great alternatives to bringing a meal! We all know the fantastic feeling of not having to cook dinner. Why not give that perfect feeling as a gift to a wonderful friend who just had a sweet baby?

#2 Ask To Take The Older Siblings For A Few Hours: The 2nd of the 7 helpful ways to support a Mama with a newborn.

Another helpful way to support a mother with a newborn is to arrange a time to take the older siblings out for a while. Providing care for the older siblings can offer tremendous support for the mother—it’s surprising how much! It gives her the chance to take a nap, shower, or simply have a moment to exhale and take a break.

I remember bringing my daughter home and the first month being a significant adjustment for my newly two-year-old son at the time. Honestly, it was also quite challenging for me too. A good friend of mine kindly offered to take my son for a few hours one afternoon, and it turned out to be exactly what I needed. Managing two children under two was incredibly tough, and I didn’t realize just how much I needed a break to simply shower and exhale. When my son was returned, I felt genuinely thankful and better equipped to handle life’s major adjustments.

Sometimes a Mama just needs support and time to just focus on her newborn or self-care like a shower. If you are able to offer that peace to a Mama with a newborn, do it! It will be greatly appreciated!

#3 Arrange For A Visit And Bring A Coffee/Tea.

Arranging a visit is the simplest but it is truly the best way to support a mama. I always cherished having visitors when I had both of my babies. Sure, the house might have been a bit upside down, but I didn’t mind. I simply craved the company and someone to hold my baby while we chatted. It made the newborn stage even sweeter and fostered a sense of fellowship for me

If you have a good friend who recently had a baby, give them a call and arrange a visit. Bringing along their favorite cup of coffee or tea would be a delightful surprise! Imagine the joy of snuggling with the newborn while the mother enjoys her favorite beverage. It’s a simple yet meaningful gesture that shows you care.

#4 Take away little stressors that can be easily done while you visit!

After arranging a visit and spending some time together, consider asking if it would be alright to throw in a load of laundry or do a quick load of dishes. You can even invite her to join you in the kitchen while you tackle the dishes, continuing to enjoy each other’s company. Serving another mother who has recently had a baby is truly fulfilling. Not only do you help take away little stressors for her, but you also provide peace of mind. It’s one less thing on her plate, giving her more time to soak up those precious baby snuggles or catch up on some much-needed sleep!

#5 Accompany A Mama on Her First Outing with a Newborn.

Accompanying a mother on her first outing with a newborn, whether it’s to a doctor’s appointment or to the park, truly demonstrates your support for her. This gesture meant a lot to me, and I know it holds significant value for other mothers as well!

I remember feeling terrified to drive anywhere with my newborn baby. It was a real struggle because there were so many follow-up appointments we needed to attend after having a baby. I felt incredibly blessed to have my sister-in-law step in and support me by picking me up and taking me to my first couple of appointments. Her gesture meant the world to me, and with her support, I was able to overcome my fear of driving with my newborn.

I also had other close friends come around to support me, whether it was going to the park for the first time or shopping. Their presence made a huge difference. Maybe you have a friend with multiple kids who could use some assistance getting to church on a Sunday. What a wonderful chance to show care and support for a fellow mother by reaching out and offering your help in any way you can.

#6 Call and Listen

Another excellent and supportive way to show care for a mother with a newborn is to simply give her a call and genuinely inquire about her well-being. Take the time to listen attentively. Offering her a supportive space to express any concerns she may have or share the exhaustion she feels due to the demanding transition. Let her know that her feelings are valid and that you’re there to provide comfort and understanding throughout this challenging period. Just dedicating the time to truly listen can make a significant difference.

The period after having a newborn can be both incredibly beautiful and challenging. Providing a space for a mother to be seen and heard is vital. I believe the postpartum healing phase is often overlooked in discussions. Our bodies undergo immense changes, and it’s not always easy. Feeling isolated and alone can intensify these challenges. Having a friend to talk to about it can make a significant difference.

#7 Pray

The last of the 7 helpful ways to support a Mama with a newborn is to pray for them. Prayer holds incredible power and serves as a profound expression of caring for someone. When I had my son, I had severe postpartum anxiety, to the extent that I couldn’t sleep. I was consumed by the fear that if I slept, something terrible would happen to my son. I often found myself nodding off on the couch with my newborn in my arms, while my husband kept watch over us. It was undeniably one of the most challenging periods of my life, and I vividly recall praying fervently for my son to grow bigger so that I could escape the grip of that overwhelming fear.

In my darkest moments, I found solace in the presence of incredible friends who understood my struggles because they took the time to inquire, listen, and pray alongside me. One dear friend made it a daily routine to call me, sharing in my tears and offering prayers together. I’m certain that her prayers and our conversations over the phone played a pivotal role in helping me navigate through my postpartum anxiety.

So pray for the Mamas with newborns. They so desperately need it. A lot of moms are fighting battles that we cannot see, but God sees them, and praying to Him makes a difference. Also, it is important to gently encourage your friend to seek the right medical help when needed as well! Offer to accompany them to appointments or help them research therapists or support groups. If you are looking for great articles to read and share, I love going to Focus On The Family Parenting Archives to search for great reads that may help in some trying seasons.

Final Thoughts:

It’s a true blessing to support a mama with a newborn or in any stage of raising little ones. Sharing life as a community of mothers makes it richer and more beautiful. I’m deeply grateful for all the mamas I have the privilege of journeying through life with.

I hope that this has encouraged and inspired you to think about some mama with newborns that you can love and support!

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Hugs, Mama. You are doing a great job!

Cassie