The Dos and Don'ts of Blessing a New Mom
When a new baby comes into the world, friends and family are happy to shower the little one with gifts and love, but often times their mommies are over-looked. With all the work that went into carrying and birthing their new little bundle, they could use some attention as well.
But there are some rules when it comes to showering the new mommy with attention and gifts. Here are some suggestions for how you might bless a sleep-deprived, head-over-heels-in-love-with-her-new-baby mom that might need a little extra TLC.
Providing a meal
Do bring something edible. If you're a regular Julia Child in the kitchen, then a home-cooked meal might be just the thing to treat the new mom and her hungry family. But, if you're skills in the kitchen are less than stellar, then bring the growing family a gift certificate to a restaurant that delivers.
Don't bring something experimental. This is not the time to try out that amazing new recipe you pinned six months ago. You could ruin the meal or the new mom's appetite if your effort falls flat.
Taking pictures
Do take pictures of the new baby with permission. Everyone wants a picture with the tiny, pink bundle, but you don't want to overwhelm the baby or their parents by snapping too many pictures. Ask mom if she wants you to come back another day and take some posed shots of the family to have as a keepsake when she has had a chance to shower.
Do offer to have pictures printed. The new mom's days are now filled with feeding, burping and changing weird mustard-colored diapers. So, she's probably not going to have much time to have pictures of new little one printed. Offer to pick them up at the local pharmacy or grocery store. It might even be nice to present them in an inexpensive album.
Helping out with chores
Do ask what you can do to help. If you see a sink full of dirty dishes or a floor that needs sweeping, you might be able to jump in and clean up without asking. But when it comes to laundry and deep cleaning, it's best to ask before you start washing and folding their unmentionables.
Don't assume they want you to grab a broom and clean up. If your friend or family member is a private person, they might not want you moving furniture to find hidden dirt or putting away their clothes. Be sensitive to their feelings and their collection of cardboard boxes.
Bringing a gift for mom
Do bring something she can use. It is important to bring something for the new mother that makes her feel special, but is not going to add to the clutter. Find a pretty, monogrammed insulated cup that will encourage mom to drink more water when she's breastfeeding.
Don't bring decorative items. Leave the inspirational posters and picture frames at home. While they might look nice in a few months when the new mom has time to do something other than supply her baby with around-the-clock nourishment, they are not a practical gift at this time.
Bringing supplies
Do offer to pick things up at the store. Before you head over to "ooo" and "aah" at the new baby, try calling the new family and ask if you can get them anything at the grocery store or pharmacy. While diapers and wipes are nice to have, it's the post-partum craziness that leaves you without toilet paper and milk for the rest of the household.
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About the Author
Jessa is the Editor-in-Chief of Hooray for Family and the mom of three energetic children. She has a BA in Mass Communication/Journalism from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and is a long-time resident of Central Texas. When she isn't writing and editing, she enjoys playing board games with her kids, teaching Sunday school and channeling her creativity into craft projects.
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