Our culture doesn’t always acknowledge how much or what kind of support moms need and many moms are suffering because of it! This simple list is full of things you can do to support the mom in your life- whether she just had her first baby and is newly postpartum or had her last baby 5 years ago.
– Give her space to be completely honest, even all the bad feelings, without judgement
– Avoid offering advice without being asked! 
-Give her an hour kids-free. Better yet, give her a self-care assignment for that hour, lest she spend the time doing errands!
– Offer to bring her a coffee/treat/lunch
– Ask her about HER, not just her kids or her responsibilities.
– Expect to see a breast if she is breastfeeding. Just continue talking to her as if nothing changed.
– Never let a newly postpartum woman serve you a cup of coffee.
– Make plans with her with AND without the kids, understanding when it just won’t work out that day.
– Be willing to hang out with her at her house so she doesn’t have to take the kids out!
– Offer to run errands for her, but in a way she won’t feel like a burden about it. Like, “Hey, I’m running to the store, can I grab you anything while I’m there?”
– Refill her water cup or bring her a water bottle.
– Accompany her and the kids to do something fun. Your extra set of hands and your willingness to do this means so much! Now, she gets to enjoy the experience instead of trying to keep the kids wrangled at the bird exhibit at the zoo by herself.
– If you notice anything that concerns you, check in with her about her mental health and gently remind her that it’s ok if she is struggling with some dark feelings. Be ready to suggest r
esources if she asks.
– Buy her or donate to her fund for a cleaning service, a photography session, a birth and/or postpartum doula, a massage therapist, etc.
– Respect differences in opinion and parenting philosophy. It doesn’t have to be talked about!
– Ask her if she would rather you hold the baby so she can shower or nap, or if she would rather you do the dishes. Have the mindset that you aren’t just here to hold the baby, but to serve the new mom.
– Don’t talk about how her body looks, even as a compliment, but acknowledge how amazing it is that she gave birth to a whole new human, even if that was a couple years ago!
What would you add? Let us know in the comments!
