Don't ask when or how she plans to lose the baby weight. Don't tell her about the miracle detox you did after your baby was born. Don't suggest a facial serum. Don't say anything except “you look amazing.” Tell her she looks great and that you can't even tell she just had a baby.
There are a few things every new mom needs to hear, though, so maybe try to incorporate a few into your conversation. Most of these items revolve around a few main themes; we'll call them The Three Cs: Chores, Confidence, and Compassion.
Four in 10 parents said they missed the days they could spend money guilt-free, while a further 35% said they'd simply like a bath or shower on their own. Other things parents missed most included being able swear whenever they wanted to, being able to finish a cup of tea before it goes cold, and romance.
"Underlying a lot of parents' fears is a broad sense of economic insecurity," she says. "Parents are afraid that their children won't have an easy go of it because they aren't having an easy go of it. Many parents today are struggling to make ends meet, and they want a different kind of future for their kids."
So, in a way, the physical link which makes Mum and Baby 'one' is now cut for the first time. Cutting the cord certainly marks the start of life outside the womb, outside Mum, where Dad can start to get involved and physically parent the baby – hold, comfort, nourish and bond with the baby.
That really depends on their needs, but in general you want a gift basket for new moms to include essentials she'll need right before or after going into labor—that can be anything from postpartum underwear to cozy socks, nipple cream, diapers, even a gift card to their favorite eatery or online food delivery service.
Baby blues are the mood swings you may experience after the birth of your baby that can result in unexplained crying and feelings of sadness, anxiety or irritability. Drops in estrogen, progesterone, and hormones produced by the thyroid gland can trigger these symptoms, but luckily, they don't last forever.
The days are long and spent without much human interaction besides time with the baby. While they may be surrounded by people during the day, any free time they have is spent caring for the baby, checking on the baby, pumping for the baby (if they are breastfeeding), and thinking about the baby's needs.
Genuinely asking how they are doing and if they need anything shows you care and gives them an outlet to talk about what they're going through. If they say they are struggling, speak up. "Offer to help them find some new parent support groups or treatment options," suggests Bellenbaum.
Wishing you all lots of love as you start life as a new family. Congratulations to proud new parents! May these tiny feet tiptoe with love into your hearts and stay there forever! Your baby is born with so much luck because they have the best parents in the whole world.
By 6 or 7 months of age, your baby may need some things but want others. At that point, you may be able to resist their demands a little. It's not so much that you're spoiling them if you “give in” to their every wish, but it may be more beneficial to help them understand some limits (often for their own safety).
