May is for Taking Care of (NEW) Moms
During the month of May we want to take time to honor and thank all of the mothers in our practice for all that they are to their families, their communities, and themselves.
Moms – YOU ROCK!
To become a mom, there are so many changes that must happen in a person’s body (and life!) that shows just how incredible the human body is! Think about all the changes that happen during the development of an infant. Two cells bind together and without instructions or coaching merge to form a new life. Within roughly 40 weeks, someone is born and someone’s life changes forever (we’re looking at you mom and you’re doing great!).
Despite these life altering changes, there seems to be an emphasis on mothers needing to “bounce back” almost immediately after birth. It takes 9 months to grow another person and I would argue it takes about that same time to heal from the process. Immediately after birth, all eyes are on baby but who is left to look after mom?
The post-partum period can be incredibly challenging – learning how to care for another life and still healing from pregnancy, labor, birth all while being pressured to “return to normal.” Despite the challenges, that post-partum phase can be such a precious time. With the challenges and the importance of this time in mind, we’ve compiled a short list of ideas on how to support the new moms (or second or third or many times over moms) in your life.
BRING FOOD!!!
Or send a gift card to their favorite restaurant. Or drop off a snack basket. Without expectations of being entertained by the new parents. Pro Tip – ask for any allergies or preferences BEFORE birth so you can have that information ready to go and don’t have to try to get that information from very stressed and busy new parents once baby is here.
Help with their other kids.
If you’re close to the parents, offer childcare for any other siblings. Even a school pick up or drop off will be appreciated!
Offer to take care of their pets.
With a new baby around, it can be hard to keep up with the typical tasks, like taking out pups for their daily walks or doing the dreaded chore of changing the litter box. Help out where you can!
NOTICE MOM!!
After birth, most people want to meet the baby or talk about them, which is understandable! However, it is important to make an effort to notice the parents too. Even just a kind word to let them know they are doing great will be appreciated! OR if you aren’t good with words, send a gift just for mom. Maybe a gift certificate to a spa to get their nails done.
Be mindful of the parent’s needs and wants!
This is just a reminder that in our efforts to support new parents, we need to check in on what is actually helpful. There are some people who want you to drop by to help and some who want support from a distance. There is no right or wrong way to accept help after birth, which is so important to pay attention to what the parents’ needs. Be mindful to create a space where they can verbalize what will be helpful and what will stress them out unnecessarily.
And to our new parents, consider this your encouragement to ask for what you need. Oftentimes there are people around who want to help, but don’t know how. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your village. You may be pleasantly surprised by the response.
