Things you can do for a new mum...

I'd love to compile a list of things that visitors can do for new mums when they inevitably turn up to visit the new baby. What kinds of nice things did people do for you when you first had your baby? What did you WISH they had done? Let's make a great big list!

I'll start:

* Bring me a casserole that will keep in the fridge or freezer for a couple of days -- it's not like I have time to cook!
* For pity's sake, RING before you come and ASK if it's okay to come round. Don't just turn up! Don't! I don't care how close we are!

Ok but here is a question i have - a friend had her bubs now four weeks ago - she said she would call us (her friends) and none of us have heard...we got the baby name from her best friend, and her boss got email photos to circulate(they are not techno savvy so expected that)....but now we have all stayed away and noone heard from her - what do WE do??? do we wait and see or ring and risk annoying a first time nervous mum - we had wanted to help her out....????

Can you send her a txt? I would txt her or ring her and say you'd love to bring her some baking and see the baby for 20 minutes, when it's a good time for her, and then let her tell you when that good time might be. She might just be expecting people to turn up at her place (as they ALWAYS do, right at the beginning) and may be wondering where you are! If she's a friend, I'd say that it HAS been 4 weeks, so you could tell her you wanted to give her some time to settle in and you're hoping she'll have a little bit of time for you to visit.

I would get in touch, by now its been long enough for her to get settled plus also if she hasnt contacted anyone maybe she is feeling a bit out of her depth but doesnt want to ask for help. Some adult company might be welcome.

Edited by my2angels

Oh and on the things people can do for new mum, one thing a friend does for me all the time is fold my washing. She knows its something i hate doing and its hard finding time to do with a newborn. Also bring some food, just muffins or a coffee/hot chocolate etc even if the new mum has said no dont worry cos often you feel rude asking people to pick something up for you. Plus it means you dont have to feel pressured in making the visitor coffee or food.

lol my mum used to fold my washing and I'd actually get titchy cos that's one thing i like doing and she would fold everything differently so i would HAVE to refold it.

Bringing stuff is nice.

mum2paris wrote: lol my mum used to fold my washing and I'd actually get titchy cos that's one thing i like doing and she would fold everything differently so i would HAVE to refold it. Bringing stuff is nice.

I like doing things my way too, but really, if someone is offering to do it for you, why complain? It took me a while of DP doing things for me to realise that in the scheme of things, it doesn't really matter

For the new parents, I make a meal/some baking.. we are the first in our group of friends to have a baby, so we haven't really had the chance to do things for others yet.

One thing my mum did (and still does when she visits) is to do the dishes.. it is such a big help! and sometimes she will clean the bathroom or do other chores if I let her.. I feel guilty sometimes that she is doing my housework!

A pamper pack like a magazine, some chocolate, bubble bat etc in a little paper carry bag make a nice gift for the new mum too

Oh and if they are a really good friend I would suggest going round and making thier bed/bedroom all nice.
I know the main thing I kept telling hubby i wanted to come home to was a nice clean bedroom and new sheets and covers on it but he forgot each time. I would have been so nice after horrible hospital sheets and bed. Of course if they werent such a close friend it might be a bit strange to be changing thier sheets lol