5 Ways To Help Moms In Their Postpartum Era
Having three kids in four years has given me a crash course in the postpartum life. I have quickly learned what is most helpful, the best supplies, and how to survive. Because that is what moms are doing for the first many, many weeks after having a baby: surviving.
When I brought home baby number three last month, I was lucky to have a village of people able and willing to help. I had many friends ask “how can I help?” Seasoned moms know that the less decisions you have to make when you’re running on caffeine and a prayer, the better.
#1: Bring food
“I’m bringing you Central Pizza; what pizzas would you like for you and the kids?”
“I made lactation balls and have a coffee for you.”
“I bought snacks for the kids.”
“Here’s an UberEats gift card.”
Music to my freaking ears. When in doubt, bring a family something to eat. Anything to eat. Keeping mom on the couch and out of the kitchen is a beautiful gift.
#2: Clean. Clean anything.
See a few dishes in her sink? Wash them.
See the car is a disaster of goldfish and spilled milk? Grab the keys and take it for a wash.
Is there a mountain of clothes? Just start folding.
Saving mom time loading the dishwasher or folding mountains of clothes is huge. For this child, my grandmother gifted me several sessions with a housekeeper, and I cannot tell you the relief it brought to my day each time she came to clean the house. Help moms hold their babies and not the broom.
#3: Offer to run errands
Running a “quick” errand is almost nonexistent for a postpartum mom unless it’s through a drive-thru. Offer to do a grocery run, pharmacy pickup, daycare pickup, etc. for a mom. The more a mom can think about resting and less about putting on publicly accepted pants, the better.
#4: Keep it brief
I love to visit. I am an extrovert. But in this season, I am a sleepless extrovert whose social capacity is limited. If you are visiting a new mom, be wary of overstaying your welcome. A brief visit to let her know that you care and her baby is beautiful is the perfect way to fill her cup without occupying all of her attention.
#5: Taking a night shift
It’s a big ask, but for those who can spare the time and sleep, offer to help mom in the evening. Offer to take care of the baby for the night while mom gets some extra well-deserved rest. As new moms know, even an extra hour of sleep can be life-giving.
