Many visualize the first few months of motherhood to be a quiet bonding time between woman and child. The peaceful scene of a new parent gently rocking an angelic child, however, often is not the reality. Most new mothers are busy running errands, creating meals, cleaning house and working hard to meet the numerous needs of an infant. In addition, the new mom might be preparing to return to her career following maternity leave. Make a difference in the life of a woman you love by aiding her with the stress of her new role.
Step 1
Remove clutter and clean the house. Do this before she comes home from the hospital so she will be able to relax more than if she steps into an untidy, claustrophobic space. Take care of the yard work too so her first sight of home after giving birth is pleasant.
Step 2
Allow her to develop a routine that works for her and the baby. Ask her what you can do to help arrange things so she can operate smoothly in her new role. Melanie Howard, writing for Parenting, suggests creating rituals based on function so everything is simpler.
Step 3
Encourage her to rest to help alleviate stress. Take over the care of the infant for a couple of hours each day so she can nap, watch television or read. The Child Development Institute suggests listening to music as a way for a new parent to rid herself of stress. Line up a list of family and loved ones to trade off this baby care time if you cannot be the one to do it every day.
Step 4
Deal with the stress of the mother by cooking dinner or arrange for healthy takeout meals for several weeks. The new mother is not going to have the time, energy or desire to be working in the kitchen so make it easy on her. Again, you can solicit family and friends to help out with this daily task.
Step 5
Run all the necessary errands so the new mother has what she and the baby need. Be prompt by going out for disposable diapers and formula before the supply is completely diminished. Take notes on what other things are needed so you have a list to rely on when you shop. Don't forget items such as detergent, toothpaste, deodorant, stamps and toilet paper.
Step 6
Ask the new mother if she wants you to give her a back massage or fix her a foot bath. A woman who has recently given birth needs the extra attention. It will soothe her muscles and aid in relaxing her mind.
Step 7
Give the new mother an entire day off when she is ready for it. Offer to watch the baby for as long as she wants so she can get out of the house. She likely will be stir-crazy after time spent solely at home with her infant. Urge her to see her friends, visit a museum or gallery or watch a film.
Step 8
Encourage a new mother to begin exercising as soon as her physician approves. Walking or swimming are good ways to exert herself physically. Exercise is good for the mood and clears the mind so she can return to her baby refreshed.
Tips and Warnings
- Arrange a babysitter some evening when the new mom is agreeable to a night on the town. Romance has probably taken a back seat lately so it is good if she can rekindle some flames when she is ready.
