If your friend has just had a baby and you’re counting down the hours until you can meet their new bundle of joy, there are a few things to bear in mind before you plan your visit.
Having a baby is an exciting and overwhelming time for a mum, so make sure to put her to the forefront of your mind as most people often put all their attention into the new arrival.
To make sure you support her as best you can, check out our list below of things to remember before you head over to her house. This way, you will get to meet the new baby while being the friend your pal needs during this new chapter of her life.
1. Wait to be invited
After Mum comes home from the hospital, the last thing she’ll probably want is an entourage of people showing up to her house all day to meet her new arrival. Even though you’re excited to meet the newborn, the best thing you can do is send your friend your best wishes and wait to be invited rather than showing up unannounced.
2. Don’t arrive empty-handed
Always make sure to bring something for the new mum in your life. People often only think of bringing gifts and clothes for the new baby and Mum is forgotten about. Put together a little self-care basket filled with facemasks, candles and her favourite chocolate so she can have a little ‘me-time’ when she gets the chance. Bringing some pre-made meals is also a wonderful idea since parents with a newborn may find it difficult to balance adapting to their new life with preparing nutritious and delicious dinners.
3. Listen
Despite wanting to cuddle the new arrival and tell your pal about all the gossip she’s missed while wrapped up in her baby bubble and having restless nights, make sure you take the time to listen to what she has to say. Even if you don’t want to hear about all the details of her labour or feel like you don’t know what to say to comfort her if she’s venting about mum-life, just offering a listening ear will show how much you care and support her.
4. Help out
When you arrive at your loved ones house, don’t sit down with the baby while she makes you lunch and a cup of tea. Make sure she puts her feet up and offer to prepare a meal and sweet treat or lend a hand with washing-up dishes or tidying around the living room so she can have a little break while there's an extra pair of hands in the house.
5. Don’t forget about siblings
If your friend already has older children, make sure they don't feel forgotten about. While you’ll have presents for the new baby, try to bring a toy or book for any siblings so they don’t feel jealousy towards the new little one in their family. Welcoming a baby can be difficult for siblings so give them just as much love and attention as you would before their new brother or sister was born.
