How To Show Love To A New Mom

Watching my friends become mothers has been a great joy from throwing showers, planning with them, and welcoming them and their new bundle home.

I love throwing together a basket of goodies to drop by their house and have some go-to items I include. You do not need to do all of these or even any of these- there are plenty of ways to let them know you care! I customize what I do based on the person, timing and what I can reasonably do myself, as well as whether or not it is an in or out of town friend. Sometimes I pull together a whole selection of useful things that are nice to have when bringing home baby, sometimes it is just one nice thing like some pretty new lounge wear or robe. This is also all provided basic needs are met. Otherwise sending over diapers or other necessary supplies is your best bet.

Here is how I like to handle meals and gifting for new mamas:

For meals I usually do take out. Sometimes I make something myself, it just depends. Whether I do takeout or homemade I like to touch base with the parents to see what they’re craving or avoiding, and if they’d prefer something they can freeze or eat immediately.

I use sites like mealtrain.com to organize a meal drop off schedule. That way the family and everyone can see and participate in the effort – even remotely with so much access to meal delivery options.

In addition to dinner, I like to throw in a few extras. For instance, I add on a dessert, wine or something else to drink. I take in to account anyone who might be staying in the house like a visiting grandparents. If I am dropping the meal off versus having a meal service deliver it like UberEats or Favor, I often include pretty paper goods so they don’t have to think about dishes if they don’t want to! I think it is also nice to add on something for breakfast – think muffins, banana bread, fruit salad, pre-made Starbucks iced coffee etc … Also snack items for them to enjoy throughout the next few days for instance dips like pimento cheese, hummus and veggies, chicken salad, etc …

I also like to include non-food items. For instance, a little toy or treat for any siblings. Sometimes I even bring something for the family pet, like a chew toy. Something sweet for the new baby, like a soft rattle or a meaningful keepsake. Stationary like this Katie Corley Art sweetness would be so nice. I loved seeing Margaret’s name on stationary and personalized as much as I could when she was first born. I like to include something special for the Mom like a robe or some cooling eye gel patches. One of my favorite gifts I received was a drapey Barefoot Dreams cardigan that was so easy to throw over a nursing tank and leggings which is what I lived in for a bit especially since Margaret was a winter baby. This gauzy pink ruana c/o Wonderfully Made Clothing Company is the perfect weight for the summer months. Soft and delicate and would be perfect for some nursing modesty. Also from Wonderfully Made Clothing Company, I threw in the pretty scripture cards for my friend last week. It is such a tender time and words of encouragement are nice to have on hand. Other useful items are welcome additions like Lanolin, cooling pads, hair ties, dry shampoo or Epsom salts are also always nice to include. I try to call before I’m headed over to check and see if there is anything in particular I can pick up on the way.

Treats for the sibling! Here are some fun big brother and big sister gifts that have been hits in the past. We especially love playdough kits like the Young, Wild + Friedmand options. I try to choose things to entertain them or celebrate them that won’t make too much of a mess or involve too much of mom and dad. Of course if you have a two under two situation that can be hard to accomplish, but something to shoot for!

What a privilege it is to celebrate and take care of our friends during such a special time. I am sure any way you honor them will be more than appreciated. Acts of love like stopping by to hold the baby while they do whatever the need or want to do can mean so much. Coming over to play with the older siblings or taking them for a play date can provide much needed relief! And even just picking up the phone to chat for a bit or leave a message so they can hear you’re thinking of them. A little bit of love goes a long way!