Holding the Mama: The Support Women Want After Birth

Welcoming a new life into the world is a momentous occasion, but the postpartum period that follows can be full of emotional ups and downs for mothers. Supporting women during this delicate phase is crucial for their birth recovery and mental health. Here are some practical tips on how to support the new mama in your life:

1. Provide Nourishing Meals: Ensure that the new mother has access to nutritious meals. Consider organizing a meal train within the community, providing her with healthy, home-cooked food to support postpartum recovery. Here is an excellent resource for some information on postpartum nutrition: https://lilynicholsrdn.com/real-food-postpartum-recovery-meals/

2. Offer Emotional Support: Actively listen and offer a compassionate ear. Motherhood is filled with a spectrum of emotions, and having a non-judgmental and understanding friend or family member can make a world of difference. Additionally, ensure that you are not adding to her mental load. Do not make assumptions about what she wants, always ask what she needs in the moment. Respect her boundaries and allow her the space she needs to bond with baby.  Lastly, always ensure that you check-in before dropping by. With crazy sleeping schedules, spontaneous visits, while well intended, can add a great amount of stress and put the mother in a vulnerable state.

3. Share Household Responsibilities: Assist with household chores to alleviate the burden on the new mother. Simple tasks like laundry, cleaning, and grocery shopping can free up her time and energy to focus on bonding with the baby.

4. Encourage Self-Care Opportunities: Encourage the mother to prioritize self-care. Whether it's a relaxing bath, a short nap, or a quiet moment with a book, supporting her in taking time for herself is vital for her overall well-being.

5. Offer Practical Help with Childcare: Help with babysitting or caring for older siblings, giving the new mother some respite. This enables her to rest, recover, or attend to personal needs without the constant demands children have.

Also, in my doula experience, sometimes a pick-me up latte goes a long way.Just letting them know you are thinking of them, there for them, and sending your love can make a world of difference.