Everyone remembers to get something for the new baby. It's even easy to remember a breastfeeding kit, but the thing most new mamas need is hard to ask for. Her body has just done the most amazing thing, but there's some wear and tear involved (perhaps literally). And our culture has come far from the days when Aunt Matilda flew to a new mama's side for six weeks, taking care of every detail and admonishing mama to "get back in bed!"

 

New mamas these days don't get much time to rest and heal before they are on diaper duty, burp patrol, and milk and cuddle call 24/7.

Our Marketing Mama recalls a story her mother told, "When I was born, my mom's aunt came for six weeks.  My mom couldn't rinse out a diaper without her yelling to get back in bed or "you'll lose that milk".  She got cabbage leaves, made dinner, cleaned and ironed my dad's shirts. Nowadays?  You're last pampering is when someone closes the door at the hospital.

 

We have some caring ideas to help nurture a new mama while her body recovers. And if you are a new mama, don't be shy about asking for what you need. The first couple of weeks can be so blissful, all those happy hormones are busily pumping to help you forget your sore bottom, but once that stops, and Papa or partner goes back to work, there's still a tired, achy mama and a needy baby trying to make heads or tails of each other!

 Organize a food delivery calendar among friends so the new family doesn't have to worry about meals for a while.

Gather menus from local delivery restaurants, with gift certificates or cash for delivered meals.

Schedule a time to come hold the baby while the new mama gets a shower. It's a small gesture that makes a big difference when she's got breastmilk and baby burps in her hair!

Make up homemade gift certificates for laundry service. Offer to have her leave it on the porch so she doesn't worry about being a mess. Schedule a short visit for when you come back with a load of clean, folded laundry!

Gift certificates for a grocery store trip are great too. Or if you're heading to the store, give her a call to see if there's anything she needs.

When you do visit, make sure to ask what she needs (vacuuming?, and be ready to jump in to help. Don't expect to be entertained, bring snacks so she doesn't have to think to offer, and ask if it's OK if you take over her kitchen to make you both some tea.