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How to Support Friends and Family Who Are New Parents


Supporting our friends and family who are new parents goes beyond sending our congratulations to them; it also involves understanding their emotional needs. A major challenge that new mothers often face is “mom guilt”, where they feel as though they are not doing enough or are not doing things right. When new mothers share these emotions, listen to them, validate their feelings, reassure them that it's normal to feel overwhelmed or anxious, and let them know they’re not alone. (Seppälä, 2017). 


Clear and specific communication is essential when offering help. Vague statements like “Let me know if you need anything”, which are said with good intentions, can unintentionally add stress. (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 2019) Instead, propose specific tasks, such as offering to pick up dinner for them. These practical offers make it easier for overwhelmed parents to accept help. 


Remember to be patient and understanding, especially when communicating with new parents. They may be sleep-deprived and may not respond immediately to calls or messages. However, continue to check in regularly and include a note like, “No rush to reply; just want you to know that I’m thinking of you.”(University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 2022). This makes them feel supported without any pressure to reply immediately. 


Remember that helping out new parents does not only mean taking care of their babies, but also offering to help walk their dog, or fold laundry, can be a big help to them. (Kelliher, 2021). This also creates more time for them to bond with their newborn child, without needing to worry about household chores or tasks they have to complete. 


Lastly, remind new parents to prioritise self-care. Offer to watch their child for an hour or two, allowing them to rest, take a relaxing shower, or enjoy some quiet time. This provides them with a respite that significantly improves their emotional well-being. (Kelliher, 2021).


Written by: Justin Goh


02/2025


References

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. (2019, August 27). How to support a mother who receives a prenatal diagnosis during pregnancy. https://www.chop.edu/news/how-support-mother-who-receives-prenatal-diagnosis-during-pregnancy 


Grinberg, E. (2020, August 5). How to help new parents during COVID-19. UNICEF. https://www.unicef.org/parenting/coronavirus-covid-19-guide-new-parents 


Kelliher, F. (2021, May 6). How to help moms in the workplace. Babson Thought & Action. https://entrepreneurship.babson.edu/help-moms-in-the-workplace/ 


Seppälä, E. (2017, May 12). What kind of support do moms need? Greater Good Science Center. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_kind_of_support_do_moms_need 



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