Be a Friend

Ways to Help A New Mom Friend

Isn't it crazy when you stop to think about life stages? Think back... you blinked and now you graduated college with that degree you worked so hard for. You blinked again, and you are dating your love. Another blink and you are wedding planning with some new bling on your left hand! Blink- you're married and happy as ever! Blink... you're expecting your first baby! Another blink... and suddenly your hangouts with friends include lots of burp cloths, stroller parking, and diapers.

While all of these life stages are wonderful on their own, each transition can have some challenges! I know I was so blessed with so much help as we welcomed our son and I wouldn't change a thing. You're always told to "accept the help"... but new mommas, really do accept it! Let your friends and family love you!

If you're looking to love on a new mom friend, I've got some key ways you could take away some of her stress and support her as she makes this transition into motherhood for the first time, or again!

Ways to Help a New Mom Friend

1. Meal Train- This was HUGE for me! Not having to plan meals everyday while in the transition of becoming a new parent can be such a blessing. Ask your friend if they have a meal train or if you can set one up for them as a show of support and love!
2. Naps- Because let's be honest, there was not sleeping well in the third trimester, but then that little bit of sleep really falls off the map when you are feeding a newborn at all hours! Offer to come by and snuggle that baby between feeds so that new mama can get a nap in for herself!
3. Watch the big kids- Just because a new baby came into the family doesn't mean the older siblings are suddenly self-sufficient. If anything, these "big kids" (who are sometimes not very big at all!) need more attention and love as they transition into the roll of big sibling. A playdate can be just the right thing!
4. Laundry & Dishes- While this may not be for everyone, be a friend who comes over to have community with that new mama, regardless of the laundry being folded on the couch or dishes in the sink. If you are a close friend, jump in and help fold or put away dishes! Little things like that mean the world so this new mama can have a minute to herself when the baby is napping rather than doing chores.
5. Be a listening ear- Sometimes new mamas just need to talk it out. There is so much good, so much hard... so much change that comes with welcoming a baby into the world! She will never be the same ever again and may just want to talk it all out with you knowing there is only support for her on your end.

So friends, seize the moment...

You get to be a blessing to the new mom friends in your life. Don't miss that moment! If you've been in their shoes before and sorted through all the changes that come with having a baby, you know exactly how to support and make these new mamas feel loved. I just encourage you to actually jump in and take action to support them. It is amazing how our mindsets change when we realize we aren't alone!