How to Really Support a New Mom: Thoughtful Ways to Show Up After Baby Arrives

Bringing a baby into the world is magical but also exhausting, emotional, and overwhelming. For new moms, especially in those early postpartum days, the smallest acts of kindness can mean everything. Whether you’re a close friend, sibling, coworker, or neighbour, here are some heartfelt and practical ways to support a new mother in your life. After having 3 babies myself, and talking to countless new mothers I think these tips will be sure to help out.

1. Feed Her. Seriously, Feed Her.

One of the best things you can do is make sure she’s eating. New moms are often so focused on feeding their baby, they forget to feed themselves. Some ideas:

–Drop off nourishing meals that are easy to reheat (think soups, casseroles, grain bowls).
–Create a snack basket with one-hand options: protein bars, trail mix, cut-up fruit, lactation cookies, crackers, etc.
–Organize a meal train with friends or neighbours so she doesn’t have to think about dinner for a few weeks.
–Don’t forget hydration a pack of coconut water, herbal teas, or electrolyte drinks is gold.

2. Help Without Hovering

Don’t say “Let me know if you need anything.” Instead, offer something specific:

“Can I come do a load of laundry for you tomorrow?”
“I’m stopping by Shoppers—what can I grab you?”
“I’m dropping off groceries—text me your list, or I’ll just surprise you with staples!”
“Let me know if you’d like me to stop in and help, even to let you have a quick shower.”

Offer, drop off, and dip out unless you’re invited to stay. Respect her space and schedule.

3. Keep Things Positive, but Real

Postpartum is full of big feelings. Let her talk, vent, cry, laugh without judgment. Texts like:

“You’re doing an amazing job.”
“I’m here if you want to chat, vent, or just send memes at 2 a.m.”
“It’s okay if it’s hard. You’re not alone.”

Sometimes, just listening without offering advice is the most supportive thing you can do.

4. Watch for Signs of Postpartum Depression

Not all struggles are visible. If something feels off – if she seems withdrawn, overly anxious, or isn’t herself, gently encourage her to talk to someone. You could say:

“How are you feeling, not just about the baby, but about everything?”
“Would you like help finding a postpartum therapist or support group?”

If you’re close, offer to help with the baby so she can go to an appointment. Remind her that needing help doesn’t make her weak, it makes her human.

5. Support Breastfeeding (or Bottle-Feeding!) with Helpful Drops

If she’s breastfeeding, there are so many little things that make a big difference:

-Nipple balm
-Cooling gel pads
-Breastfeeding-friendly snacks
-A big, spill-proof water bottle
-Nursing tank tops
-A cute or comfy nursing pillow cover

Even something simple like a fresh pack of burp cloths or a cozy throw blanket can make nursing sessions easier.

And if she’s bottle-feeding? Same love. Offer formula if she’s using it, clean bottles, or just say: “You’re doing great”. Offer to help clean and sanitize bottles, or offer to feed to let momma have a break and shower or take a nap.

6. Check In, Long After the First Month

Everyone shows up in the beginning. But she’ll need support as the weeks go on too:

“How are you doing?”
“Want to get coffee and walk with the stroller?”
“I was just thinking of you—what’s something I can take off your plate this week?”

Even a 2-minute text lets her know she’s not forgotten.

7. “Support Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All”

What helps one person might not help another and that’s okay. Some moms want visitors, some want quiet. Some want to vent, others just want a nap. Encourage supporters to be flexible and ask what she needs, without taking it personally if the answer changes day to day.

8. Drop-Off Ideas to Brighten Her Day:

– Without myself being to forward, I’d say a gift certificate is a pretty sweet gift to give a new momma! Maybe she thought about getting newborn photos done but it wasn’t in the budget. Email me to pick one up!
-Baby wipes + diapers (always helpful)
-Healthy freezer meals
-Basket of snacks + tea
-Cozy socks or robe
-Dry shampoo + lip balm
-Nursing pads + nipple cream
-A good book, or colouring items just to destress the mind
-Gift card for food delivery or coffee
-Journal or a cute notebook
-Postpartum sitz bath or herbal soak
-Small bouquet of flowers to brighten up the house
-Most importantly a good hug to help the new mom know she is doing a good job

Final Thought: Be the Village

They say it takes a village to raise a child but it also takes a village to support a mom. Your kindness, patience, and presence no matter how small it seems can be a lifeline. Don’t wait to be asked. Show up, show love, and show her she’s not alone.

Know someone who just had a baby? Send them this post—or better yet, use it as a checklist to show up for them with love and kindness. Let’s be the village.

Contact me today!

📍 Local Resource Roundup
Need Help? Postpartum Resources in Lindsay & Peterborough

Here are some local postpartum support resources available in the Lindsay and Peterborough areas of Ontario:

🤱 Postpartum Support in Lindsay

1. Ross Memorial Hospital – Birthing Unit

Offers comprehensive pregnancy care, including labor and delivery management, and postpartum care. Their skilled obstetrical nurses assist with newborn care and breastfeeding support.

For more information, visit Ross Memorial Hospital Birthing Unit.

2. Midwives of Lindsay

Provides safe care to pregnant individuals, including prenatal care, support during labor and birth, and six weeks of postpartum and newborn care. They support all family structures and offer STI and PAP testing.

For more information, visit Midwives of Lindsay.

3. Postpartum Doula Services

Local doulas offer support to new mothers during the postpartum period, including:​

  • Brittany the Doula: Offers emotional support, guidance for physical healing, family communication facilitation, infant care education, breastfeeding assistance, and referrals to necessary resources. ​Brittany the Doula
  • Amanda Moreton Postpartum Doula: Provides support in creating a calm environment, newborn care, baby feeding guidance, and open communication. ​Doula Services Amanda
  • Andrea Paul Doula Services: Provides light housework, cooking, laundry, baby care techniques, breastfeeding/nursing assistance, and support with older children. ​Andrea Paul Doula Services

For more information, visit Bornbir to find and connect with postpartum doulas in Lindsay.

4. Kawartha Lakes Pregnancy Centre

Kawartha Lakes Pregnancy Centre is a Christian non-profit, non-political, charitable organization providing hope, compassion and encouragement to women, men and families facing an unexpected pregnancy.

Check them out here, Kawartha Lakes Pregnancy Centre

🤝 Postpartum Support in Peterborough

1. Peterborough Public Health – Perinatal Mental Health Resources

Peterborough Public Health offers a range of services for new parents, including:​

  • In-Person Support Group: “Not What I Expected” is a group for discussing postpartum challenges and coping strategies. ​Peterborough Public Health+1Peterborough Public Health+1
  • Online Support Group: For those experiencing postpartum anxiety or depression, this virtual group provides support via Microsoft Teams. ​Peterborough Public Health
  • Mother Matters: An 8-week online support group run by Women’s College Hospital for women facing mood or adjustment challenges after childbirth. ​Peterborough Public Health
  • Talk Now (PRHC): A service connecting individuals with mental health or addictions professionals. ​Peterborough Public Health
  • Community Counselling & Resource Centre: Offers professional counseling to help explore issues and develop solutions. ​Peterborough Public Health

For more information, visit Peterborough Public Health’s Parenting Resources.

2. The MotHERS Program™ – Peterborough County

Offers several programs for new parents:​

  • Well Baby and Breastfeeding Clinic: Provides one-on-one support with community health nurses or lactation consultants for parents of children up to two years old. ​The MotHERS Program
  • You & Your Baby: A six-week course for parents and childcare providers of babies aged 1 to 8 months, focusing on information and sharing experiences. ​The MotHERS Program
  • The Gentle Art of Infant Massage: A four-session course teaching parents how to communicate with their baby through loving touch. ​The MotHERS Program

For more information, visit The MotHERS Program™.

Reach out if you’d like to book a newborn session, or would like to gift a session email me and we can get your a gift certificate to gift the new momma. Payment plans are available upon request.