SURPRISE, we are expecting Baby #6 later this year! With that in mind we are currently walking the road of needing a little extra help right now as I am experiencing the wonders of first trimester. Ever wonder how to best Help an Expectant Mother going through her first trimester? Or maybe a new mother who just had her baby? Often times we ask how we can help; the mother will say they will let us know and then never gets back to us. So, we are left guessing what they may need or the best way to help them. While it is fresh on my mind, I wanted to list a few Ways to Help an Expectant OR New Mother.
Prepare Meals to Help a New OR Expectant Mother
This IS huge whether you are going through pregnancy or just welcomed your baby! Having others help with meals takes that burden off of you as cooking may make you feel nauseous. Or maybe you are too tired to bother, but your family needs to eat. Whether preparing a few freezer meals. Getting some premade meals from the store that can be frozen for later. Or purchasing a gift card to a restaurant the family enjoys, these can all be a welcomed blessing!
Over the years we have had friends and family either come over and batch cook freezer meals with me. Purchase premade meals that could be frozen and eaten later. Picked us up something from a favorite restaurant. Or provided us with gift cards to use on those nights when we were too tired to bother with dinner. We have appreciated all of it!
Clean the House OR Do Laundry
During the first trimester or right after birth most women are too tired to do much or need to take it easy so they can heal properly. A clean house and laundry are often low on the list of priorities. However, offering to pick up the slack can be a wonderful way to Help an Expectant OR New Mother. Wash and fold some laundry. Clean bathrooms. Vacuum the house. Make their family dinner and then clean up afterwards.
Keeping a house clean and doing laundry for 7 people is no easy feat. Having my husband take over a majority of the household chores during first trimester and after the baby is born take a huge load off of me. Also knowing that after the baby is born my parents will come and help not only watch our older kids, but with the household chores for a few days, lets me relax knowing my family will be well taken care of while I rest and relax after birth.
Run Errands
Offering to run errands is another great way to Help an Expectant OR New Mother. This could include a Target Pick Up. Picking up any new prescriptions. Take an older child to an extracurricular activity. Handling whatever the errand may be not only helps Mom relax knowing the task is taken care of, but Dad now has some extra help and isn’t running himself ragged.
In the past we have done pretty well being prepared before baby gets here so there are limited outings the first week or two after baby. However, since I have family coming to help after birth I know if a need should arise, we have others around who could pitch in and run any errands.
Help Watch Older Kids
Whether during pregnancy or after offer to watch older kids. Or maybe take them out of the house for a few hours. This gives Mom and Dad a break to rest or use what little energy they have on other things.
My parents and In Laws usually come visit and or stay for a week after a new baby is born. Knowing my kids are in good hands and Sam will have extra help as well is always a comforting thought. While we may be tired the first few weeks adjusting to a newborn’s needs and our growing family, we will not be completely worn out with family around to help.
Cut a New OR Expectant Mother Some Slack
Whether pregnant or just welcoming a baby cut expectant or new moms some slack. We will forget things. Be late texting or calling you back. We might come across as rude when really, we are so tired we can’t think straight. Being there for a mama in your life and being willing to help in any way you can is such a sweet gift. Even if they say, “I’ll let you know”.
Have other Ways to Help an Expectant OR New Mother?
Please share them in the comments!
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