My friend Georgie gave birth to a baby girl this weekend ?!). I wanted to help her, so I looked back at my postpartum experiences and read through comments from readers for suggestions. Here are 10 ways you can help a new parent.
FRESH food is best.
“We were very grateful to have lots of frozen meals for our second child (much appreciated!) don’t get me wrong!) Ros says that someone came with trays of fruit and vegetables, and it was absolutely amazing. A reader named Molly agreed: “We ate such heavy casseroles (gleefully because postpartum hunger does not get picky), but it was an awesome gift to give cut-up fruits and vegetables.” Devorah says: “A premade salad with dressing on the sides. Although I wanted to eat salads, the thought of standing at the kitchen counter and chopping vegetables was exhausting. You can make your own or order from a restaurant that sells salads.
Stock the fridge with food.
Amanda says, “When we returned home with our first child, our neighbors had stocked the fridge. And 11 years later, it’s still a wonderful memory.” Juice, deli meats, cheese, bread, and fresh fruit are all great options for making quick meals. A chocolate cake was also a nice touch. “The best gift I received was a package from Russ & Daughters that included coffee, bagels, cream cheese, smoked salmon, and chocolate babka,” says Jamie. It was delicious! !”
You can choose the food they will like.
Joanna says, “People are very kind when they ask you what you would like to eat. But I was so tired of making decisions.” A reader named Naomi agreed: “The day I returned from the hospital, my husband kept asking me what I wanted for lunch. I was like, “Make me anything!” “I cannot make this choice!”
Bring soft pajamas or a robe.
K. says, “My mother-in law gave me cotton pajamas as well as the softest and lightest robe.” “I LIVED in this robe and secretly loved the fact that it was for me. In the beginning, it’s all just about the baby.” Bonus: Wash them first. Megan says: “My mom gave me comfortable new pajamas, which she had washed with baby-safe detergent!” It was amazing that she went the extra mile because I was paranoid about my baby’s sensitive skin as a new mom.
Consider a new set of underwear.
Joetta writes, “That’s all that I wanted.” “During pregnancy, all my clothes were stretched out. Pretty undies helped me feel again like myself.”
Offer to either stay or leave.
You can either leave or stay with your new parents. Cynthia recalls, “My coworker had gone on maternity leave, and I happened to be in her area one day.” “I stopped at a deli and bought two sandwiches and drinks. I texted her that I would be dropping by in five minutes. She could either stay for a while or leave. She burst into tears when she opened the door. She was overcome with emotion when she opened the door. Schedule your visit for a weeknight if you can get out of work before your friend gets home. This will allow you to be there an hour before your friend’s partner comes home from work. )” says Maggie. Joy replies: “Oh, that is brilliant. When I returned from leave, I was a clockwatcher until 4 p.m.
Get out your sleeves and take on any chores.
When Toby was a baby, my friend Abbey came over and did all the dishes. I can still remember how weeping at her kindness. “Take out the trash. Take the dog for a walk. If she doesn’t offer, don’t ask for the baby to be held. Listen to her,” said Jordan. Do some laundry or fold small onesies. “The best thing anyone could do was walk into my home and lay a new set of sheets on it. Whitney writes, “Heaven!” Take something with you when you leave. “Empty your diaper genie, empty the trash, clear away old newspapers or anything else,” Chelsea says. If you have any outdoor chores, consider them. Heidi says, “We had a baby in the NICU for ten weeks.” “Our neighbor hired her lawn service to maintain our lawn. It was great to have one less thing to worry about in the household.
Listen to her story of birth. Sarah says, “Give her the time to tell her story in her style.” Don’t compare your story with hers. Could you not give her platitudes? Be present. You can help her to process the enormity of what just occurred.”
If there’s an older child, play with him. When my daughter was born, Aly says that our friends took our three-year-old energetic to the playground. “It was so relaxing to be alone with my baby. Even if you don’t know your older child well, it’s good to entertain them in their room with toys for an hour.
