How to Help a Postpartum Mama
Today is a topic I am really excited to talk about. I aim to answer this question for any of those who will be welcoming a baby of their own as well as those who want to know how to really be there for their friends in the postpartum period.
How can I help a postpartum mama?
After having 2 babies in the past 2 years, I have gained first hand knowledge on what is most helpful in those newborn days. Although we are all different and have different needs based on our specific situation, I want to share a few things that I found the most helpful and give some ideas on products to have for yourself or create the perfect mama-to-be gift.
We all know those 3 months after birth can be a challenge. Sleepless nights, soreness, heightened emotions and not to mention the huge shift that is taking place in your home as you adjust to another family member. While it has its challenges, it is also a beautiful time full of newness and growth. I once read that a baby is not the only thing born on their birthday, a mom is too. That truth spoke to and has stuck with me as I have navigated my 1st 2 years of motherhood. I am not the same person I was before my daughter was born and although I would never want to go back, there is sometimes a grief in the transition. We will discuss this topic at a later date when I share my postpartum journey but for now here is the list of things that were most helpful for me in those early postpartum days and my favorite products for mama.
1. Meals: We all have to eat and in those early days cooking a meal is not on the top of the priority list. Even though cooking is one of my favorite things to do, I did not have the capacity to plan, shop, prep and cook meals. My friends and family were the best at helping me prep frozen meals before baby, bringing hot meals ready to eat and sending meal kits/gift cards for food that could be delivered straight to our door. These actions truly meant the world to me and allowed me to nourish my body without having to think about it.
2. Washing hands without having to be asked: My daughter was born in the middle of the pandemic so there was an extra layer of fear in my mama heart when it came to germs. Having to ask people to wash their hands when they came into the house was not something I wanted to do however felt was necessary to protect my new baby. It can feel awkward or cause tension and it was one thing I despised. So if you are visiting a new bundle of joy, voluntarily wash your hands and if you see others that haven't do that mama a favor and ask them for her so she doesn't have to.
3. If the baby gets fussy, offer to given them back to mama: Although sometimes it is nice to have someone else soothe your baby and give you a much needed break, in those early days it can often lead to anxious feelings. When a baby starts fussing in someone else's arms, it can be a helpless feeling for mama so always offer to give baby back at any sign of hunger or discontentment. Of course, if mama says she welcomes the help then absolutely rock that baby to sleep or fix a bottle!
4. Refill her water cup: Water is vital in those postpartum days but refilling can sometimes be hard especially with a sleeping baby in your arms. I know I always realized I needed water when I got comfy, was nursing, pumping or had a sleeping baby on me. So refill mama's cup anytime you see it to make sure when the thirst hits, it is cold and ready for her to take a sip.
5. Make a gift basket of products just for her: These are my top 3 products to give a postpartum mama. The link will take you right to where you can read about these non-toxic products in more detail and purchase for yourself or the mamas-to-be in your life.
1. Claraderm: This was my favorite product to use for healing after birth. Pricey but can be used beyond postpartum healing for any skin irritation or dryness.
2. Stress Away Roller: This is another product good for postpartum and beyond for any of those moments when you need a pick me up. This blend smells so good and has all the happy oils in a roller that mama can apply straight to her skin. I also use it as a chemical free perfume!
3. Chapstick: Dry lips are not fun for anyone but definitely not for a new mama. Kissing on her new baby will likely be one of her new favorite hobbies and this Lavender lip balm is a great clean ingredient option.
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