New moms are particularly fragile, so here are 6 things you should say to a new mom.
After 9 months of pregnancy, the marathon that is labour and childbirth, and then the exhaustion of those early days and weeks - not to mention the postpartum hormone crash - most moms just need some kind words, a smile, and a little help.
Whether that's watching the baby while you get some sleep, doing some washing and ironing, cleaning the house, or taking the other kids for a few hours, it's the little things that matter most when there's a new baby in the house.
What you say can also make or break a new mom's day.
6 things you should say to a new mom
So, here are 6 things you should say to a new mom.
- I can do (insert task) while you nap: These few small words can mean so much when you're sleep-deprived, sore from birth, and drowning in a mounting list of to-do's.
- I know it's tough, but you're doing a great job! Never underestimate just how much a little reassurance can mean to someone. Becoming a mom is quite simply wonderful, but it's also daunting and overwhelming and scary at times.
- How are you feeling? The crash of hormones postpartum mixed with the lack of sleep can leave many moms suffering from baby blues or postpartum depression. It's important that you and your loved ones know the signs and check in often.
- Do you need me to pick up anything on my way over to you? It might be something as simple as your favourite takeaway coffee, or maybe it's diapers for the new baby. Either way, this is something you MUST ask any new mom as the days of 'just popping out of the house to do a few errands' will be on hold for a while.
- I made you dinner: You can actually be so tired and consumed by the baby that you forget to eat; or you reach for unhealthy options which won't help your recovery. Dinners from friends and family in the fridge or freezer are a great option.
- Do you want any advice? If not, that's OK: While advice mainly comes from a good place, it can be so overwhelming and sometimes quite patronising to be bombarded by other peoples' opinions in those early days and weeks. Ultimately you just need to work things out for yourself, and other people need to understand that when you want their advice, you'll ask for it.
What not to say
Now that you have an idea of what you can and should say to a new mom, here are a few examples of things you definitely should NOT say.
- Motherhood is tough, isn't it?
- You may get used to the sleepless nights
- You're spoiling him/her
- Should you really be eating that?
- When are you starting the diet?
- Are you going to have another one?
- You can't even think about formula-feeding
- Cheer up!
- If you want my opinion...........
