The Best Ways to Emotionally Support a New Mom (2024)

FAQs

The Best Ways to Emotionally Support a New Mom? ›

Avoid offering unsolicited advice or judgmental comments. Instead, provide encouragement, affirmation, and reassurance. Let her know that she's not alone and that you're there to support her every step of the way. Celebrate Milestones: Celebrate the small victories and milestones of motherhood with the new mom.

Keep the Support Coming

It's easy to support a new mom from a distance—phone calls and video calls, sending meal deliveries or small gifts can be a bright spot in a hard day. And remember—if she doesn't answer the phone or text back quickly, she has a lot going on!

Our advice for new moms:

It's perfectly acceptable to set baby down in a safe place and give yourself a breather sometimes. It's also important to note that it's never safe to co-sleep with your baby. (Check out number 7 for more on that.) But in general, don't worry about spoiling your little one.

Spend time with her at her house in your PJs/sweats so she doesn't feel out of place. Offer to watch the baby so she can shower or take a nap, or get out of the house. Offer to clean her house or do some chores she hasn't been able to get to. Make her a meal so she doesn't have too.

What can you give a new mom for herself? Elevated loungewear and cozy throw blankets are just two ideas of things you can give to a new mom for herself. “A support pillow or silk pillowcase can be nice during late-night feeding sessions,” Reardanz says.

The support needs of a new mom can change significantly over time. In the initial weeks, practical help such as meal preparation and household chores are often most needed. As the new mom settles into her role, emotional and social support take on greater importance.

What not to say to a first time mum? ›

The first three months with your baby often seem the hardest. Sleep-deprived parents can feel overwhelmed, but that is normal and you will quickly learn how to read your baby's cues and personality. Don't worry about “spoiling” your baby at this stage. The more responsive you are, the more secure your baby will feel.

Most people find the first six to eight weeks to be the hardest with a new born baby. And while people may not openly discuss many of the challenges in these early weeks of parenthood (if at all), there are a number of common hurdles you may face at this time.

'Depleted Mother Syndrome' refers to a mother who has poor health- mentally, emotionally, and physically- due to the growing burden of raising her child/ren. Basically, a child demands many, many things, and the list only gets longer as they get older to be honest.

Encourage her to talk about her feelings and listen without judgment. Help with housework before she asks you. Encourage her to take time for herself. Breaks are a necessity; fatigue is a major contributing factor to worsening symptoms.

Therapeutic approaches such as individual therapy, trauma-focused therapy, attachment-based therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy can play a vital role in healing from the trauma of an emotionally distant mother. These approaches address deep-seated trauma and provide tools for recovery.

Being an emotionally available parent means being present and attuned to your teen's emotional needs. It involves actively listening to your teen, showing empathy and understanding, and responding to their emotions. It requires you to be patient, compassionate, and flexible.