It can be confusing and overwhelming knowing how to help a new mom. Seasoned mothers know exactly what was helpful to them in their postpartum period, but new mothers and friends of new moms may not know the best ways to support their friends. Despite the best of intentions, it is easy to overlook simple ways to lend a helping hand.
Being a DC Newborn Photographer, I have had the opportunity to chat with many new mothers on what has been most beneficial to them once they bring baby home from the hospital. The answers are pretty simple and straightforward.
1. ASK to come by – even if you planned something pre-baby.
Those first days home are exhausting for so many reasons. Mom may be figuring out how to breastfeed, she may be unable to even hold her baby, or she may be running on one hour of sleep (or all three!). Even if you have something planned in advance, check in to see if she is taking visitors.
2. Respect the mother’s wishes.
If mom does not want hospital visitors, respect that, if mom does not want home visitors in the first couple of weeks, respect that, if mom does not want anyone else holding the baby, respect that. She is likely overwhelmed and needs time to settle in.
3. Bring food.
If mom does want you to visit, bring food. I recommend bringing food to eat for the visit AND a frozen meal she can eat later. Even better – organize a meal train for the first couple of weeks. Pre-kids, I always wondered why new parents didn’t have the time to eat. It didn’t take long to realize that doing anything was difficult with a new baby. Zach ended up doing all of the cooking for Perry’s first year since I was so occupied feeding Perry.
4. Offer acts of service – a great way to help a new mom.
As I mentioned above, mom likely doesn’t have time to do laundry, clean, or sleep. You can offer to clean the house or have it professionally cleaned. You can offer to do some laundry – chances are, there is A LOT of laundry to do. If she is comfortable with it, you can offer to watch the baby while she sleeps. Watch older siblings. Any of these acts of service can do wonders for a mother’s soul.
DC Newborn Photographer | Marie Elizabeth Photography
Marie Elizabeth Photography specializes in fine art Maternity, Newborn, and Family Photography based out of Washington, D.C. She also serves the areas of Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, Falls Church, Vienna, Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase, Kensington, Silver Spring, College Park, and Riverdale Park.
It is always an honor to serve as your DC Newborn Photographer. I provide a custom, luxurious experience to lead you every step of the way, beginning with a planning guide to make you feel confident and prepared, a consultation to achieve your portrait goals, a client wardrobe, hair and make-up artists, and finally, artwork to adorn your walls and preserve your memories forever. Let me be a part of your story today.
Marie Elizabeth is a newborn photographer serving DC, MD and VA. She creates elegant, romantic, and whimsical fine art for nostalgic mothers with a full-service experience. Marie offers maternity, baby, family, milestones and motherhood photography.
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