What New Moms REALLY Want: The Ultimate Visitor's Guide

Dear Friends and Family, 

The arrival of a newborn is a moment of profound joy, and your desire to celebrate and support the new mother is beautiful. However, the postpartum period is a delicate and transformative time, demanding gentle care and understanding. As a Mother and Naturopath, I want to offer some gentle guidelines for visiting, ensuring your presence is a source of nourishment and support, not overwhelm. 

Honouring the Sacred Space: 

The new mother is in a profound state of vulnerability and healing. Let's approach her and her baby with reverence and respect. 

1. Bring Food: Warmth in Temperature and Nature: Food is medicine. Offer warming, nourishing meals – soups, stews, cooked grains, and gently spiced dishes. Avoid cold foods or sugary treats. Consider dishes that support postpartum recovery, like bone broth or iron-rich greens. And always ask about food allergies or preferences. 

2. Short and Sweet: Mindful Visits: Energy is precious during postpartum. Limit your visit to 30 minutes, or whatever time the mother states. Inform her of your time frame when you arrive. This allows her to manage her energy and rest. 

3. Be a Friend of Service: Offer Practical Help: Instead of just holding the baby, offer to do a chore. Wash dishes, fold laundry, sweep the floor, or run an errand. Your practical assistance will be deeply appreciated. 

4. Respect the Bubble: Don’t Expect to Hold the Baby: The new mother and her baby are forming an intimate bond. Holding the baby is a privilege, not a right. Allow the mother to initiate contact, if she desires. 

5. Protect the Newborn: Keep Your Distance: Newborns have delicate immune systems. Do not put your face near the baby, and refrain from kissing. If you have ANY signs of illness, even a mild cold, please postpone your visit. 

6. Respect Boundaries: When "No" Means "No": If the new mother declines visitors, honour her wishes. Leave a nourishing meal at the door, send a text letting her know you are thinking of her, and offer your support from a distance. 

The Essence of Support: 

The goal is to provide gentle, practical, and respectful support, allowing the new mother to focus on her healing and bonding with her baby. Your presence should be a source of calm and nourishment, not stress or obligation. 

By following these gentle guidelines, you can ensure your visit is a blessing, a moment of connection that honours the sacred space of postpartum. 

With warmth and gentle understanding, 

Your fellow Mother and Naturopath.