10 tips on how to support a mother
The time has come: A good friend gives birth to her first baby. Although a child is the most beautiful thing in the world, now the real stress begins for the new mother. The following tips will show you how you can help her with very small things – she will thank you.
1. Keep her back free during family visits:
Mother-in-law approaching? Be “accidentally” on the spot, kidnap the chatterbox for a coffee and answer questions instead of your girlfriend so that she can treat herself to a short break. This creates a good mood and relieves the young family.
2. Tell her about your “baby mishaps”:
Be open and honest: What have you already done? Bathed the umbilical cord even though you were told in the hospital not to do it? Such stories help a new mother deal with the pressure of wanting to do everything right. Everyone makes mistakes. All’s well.
3. Bring pretty maternity clothes:
Even if your girlfriend wants her old figure back – the baby pounds won’t just disappear in the blink of an eye. Make her happy and occasionally leave a new, matching top there. She will be grateful for one or the other comfortable piece in the wardrobe.
4. Give her something she really needs:
Does your girlfriend really need twenty pairs of branded baby shoes or super expensive designer rompers? Gifting is not about outdoing each other, but about doing something good for mother and child. Diapers, baby powder or just chocolate for mom’s nerves work wonders.
5. Tell her husband about your “dusty sex life”:
Maybe just a little white lie to give him a hint with the fence post, but maybe also a cautionary example. In any case, this statement will motivate him to put his own needs behind for the time being. If you want to spur him on, emphasize how much your sweetheart helped you with the baby.
6. Bring something delicious to eat:
With a delicious meal you relieve the new parents immensely and help to mobilize the power reserves. The family probably has the most stew and soup – but honestly: Who wouldn’t like to have a huge pizza or a truckload of ice cream?
7. Text her regularly – but don’t expect an answer:
Even if she has a baby now and probably doesn’t have time to respond to every text message, send her links to blogs or videos that might interest her. When breastfeeding, on the toilet or in short breathing pauses, she will be grateful for any distraction. Just show her that you think of her and are always there.
8. Study instructions she doesn’t have time for:
“How does a breast pump work?” These and many other questions will be buzzing around in the mind of a new mother. Of course, she also has to deal with it herself, but with your expertise you can play her wonderfully and offer first assistance.
9. Always be unbiased and neutral:
As a young mother, your friend’s every decision is closely watched and evaluated: by her own family, other mothers – and of course by herself as the harshest critic. Therefore, be refreshingly different and meet their decisions without judgment. She will be happy not to have to justify everything.
10. Agree with her. Always.:
Even if she says cute things like: “As soon as I get back to work, everything will be much easier!” Instead of waking her up now and confronting her with the reality of what the combination of work, household and baby really looks like – leave her the straw. Panic attacks, frustration and resignation do not help in stressful situations.