It takes a village. Here’s how to become one.

The pregnancy and postpartum period are among the most beautiful times in a woman’s life. Her body and mind rapidly change to accommodate the new life inside her. Her heart grows in love for her child and hopes for the future. She’s different, in unique and unchangeable ways.

But pregnancy and postpartum often come with challenges. A new mom has new constraints on her time, energy, and resources that may feel foreign to her. The good news? You can help. 

Whether you’re a neighbor, a coworker, a fellow church-goer, or someone else, you can lighten her load during this transformative season. It takes a village to raise a child. Anyone can be the village. Here are five ways to show up for the new mom in your life. 

1. Send the first text, and don’t expect one back for a while.

The new mom in your life has a lot on her mind. The running to-do list never ends between feeding schedules, naps, and diaper changes. Add in mental challenges that may come from changing family dynamics or returning to work, and it’s easy to see how she could be overwhelmed. She may not reach out, but that doesn’t mean you can’t. Even a message as simple as “I’m thinking of you,” or “You got this!” can give her the encouragement she needs to keep moving forward. She may not have a minute to respond for a while, but your message could mean more than you know.

2. Bring her a meal.

Whether you’re a pro chef or a takeout aficionado, bringing a meal to a new mom means one less thing on her to-do list and one more thing in her stomach! Something as easy as doubling your recipe for family dinner and dropping it off at a new mom’s house can nourish her body and soul during this vulnerable time.

Even better? Gather a group of friends to take her meals. Platforms like Meal Train make it easy to organize a consistent flow of meals to the new family you know. She’ll never forget who showed up for her after her baby was born, and a warm meal is a wonderful way to show up.

3. Offer to babysit– or do some household tasks.

She may not ask, but she could use your help now more than ever. Every mom is different. She may prefer you sit with her baby while she gets a few things done around the house, or there may be a couple of chores you could do for her. The best thing you can do is ask. Don’t underestimate the peace of mind you can provide by tidying her space or giving her a little bit of “me” time. 

4. Take an errand off her plate.

Getting out of the house with a new baby can be difficult. She may need groceries, have a package to return, or need to drop off some donations. Offering to run an errand for her is a great way to come alongside her. You’ll save her the trouble of navigating newborn naps and lugging the car seat into the store.

5. Go and sit with her–or wait until she’s ready.

As much as offering to do something for a new mom helps, what she may need most is your presence. Postpartum loneliness is real, but it’s not inevitable. Ask her if she’d like some company. Grab some coffee from her favorite spot one morning or bring ice cream over for a late night with the baby. It may seem small, but your company is a visual reminder that she’s not alone, and there are people in her corner to help. 

You’ve Got This

Becoming a village can be intimidating, but showing the new mom in your life that you care doesn’t have to be complicated. We hope these ideas equip you with the confidence to do something. Visit The Pregnancy Network blog for more ideas on how to care for moms in your community.