There are very few things in life more exciting than the birth of a baby, and while being a new parent is thrilling it can also be incredibly overwhelming. The new experiences that come with having a baby are absolutely life-changing which is why many people have a hard time adapting to the new lifestyle. Sleep deprivation, hormonal changes, as well as drastic challenges that come with having a child and not receiving any help can result in postpartum depression, anxiety, and plenty of other disorders that can affect both the parents and the newborn. If you have friends who recently became parents, they surely need all the help and support one can give, so we’ve compiled a list of a few things that you can do to make their life easier in the first months of parenthood.
Help with chores
Childbirth is by far not the most pleasant procedure a woman endures in her life and many women have various complications which makes the adapting process even more difficult and even something as trivial as vacuuming the house or making dinner can become a daunting task. In times like this, offering practical help is the best thing you could do. For example, you can offer to do the dishes, mow the lawn, or go grocery shopping when you notice that your friends run low on food and none of them have the energy to run these errands. This way, the parents will get to spend more time with the baby and won’t have to stress about these daily tasks.
Give financial help
Whether the new parents are well off or they are a family who lives on a budget, providing financial help is a great way of supporting them especially during the first months after the baby’s arrival. Things like diapers, wipes, and clothes are necessary expenses that can add up to a pretty penny, so offering assistance can be of great help. When it comes to kids’ clothing, if you don’t have time to take them shopping and browse the stores, you can hop on https://www.keilys.com/irish-apparel/kids where you will find pretty much anything a new parent might need for their baby, from cute onesies to knit beanies made of the best high-quality fabrics. However, if you’re not too sure about their preferences, giving them a gift card to a baby store can also make a wonderful present.
Provide emotional support
Lastly, although money and practical help are important, let’s not forget about the emotional support of the new parents. Sadly, both men and women are prone to postpartum depression and anxiety and in times like these nothing is better than just a shoulder to cry on or simply having someone who listens to them without judging or giving unsolicited advice. Let your friends know that their feelings are valid and being overwhelmed and stressed because of the birth of the baby doesn’t make them bad parents. After all, their lives did a full 180 and no parenting books or podcasts can prepare you for the real thing.
