Practical Ways to Support New and Soon-to-Be Moms

Are you looking for ways to support a soon-to-be or new mom in your life? Whether you're a partner, parent, sibling, or friend, watching someone you care about navigate pregnancy and early parenthood can leave you wondering how to help. You might be wondering how to be there for new moms emotionally, help moms on bedrest during pregnancy, or simply offer support to new moms after birth. While every mother’s journey is unique, having a strong support system can make a world of difference.

From practical assistance like meal preparation to emotional support during those middle-of-the-night feeding sessions, there are countless ways to show up for the expecting or new mom in your life. 

We've gathered some of the most meaningful ways you can provide support, along with insights from our community of mothers about what helped them most during their pregnancy and postpartum journey. Let's explore how you can be that essential pillar of support while respecting a new mom’s wishes and comfort levels.

One of the most important ways to help a pregnant or postpartum mother with a new baby is simply being there to listen and offer support. While the journey to motherhood is beautiful, it can also bring unexpected emotions and challenges. Be that trusted friend who offers a judgment-free space for mom to share her thoughts and feelings. 

Remember, though, if you notice signs that mom might be struggling with more serious mental health concerns, gently encourage her to reach out to her healthcare provider for professional support.

For more information about supporting maternal mental health and recognizing common challenges, check out our Ultimate Guide: Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, and Mental Disorders.

Nothing says, “I care, and I’ve got you!” quite like ensuring mom has nourishing, healthy meals that are ready to eat. A meal train is a great way for friends and family to ensure new parents don’t have to worry about grocery shopping, prepping, or cooking meals. Work out a system with loved ones so you can take turns providing food on a reliable schedule.

When organizing meal train ideas for new parents, keep in mind that pregnant and postpartum mothers may have specific food preferences or aversions. And keep in mind that the new mom you’re supporting might have completely different preferences or aversions once she’s given birth! Don’t hesitate to ask the new mom or mom-to-be in your life what they prefer. Be sure to note any allergies, too.

Often, the best options are meals that can be easily reheated or assembled, giving mom the flexibility to eat when she's ready.

If you’d like to learn more about nutrients that help support the new and breastfeeding mama in your life, take a look at our blog How Does My Diet Affect Breastfeeding Outcomes? And don’t hesitate to speak with a healthcare professional to discuss any questions or concerns.

Household help for new mothers can be a true gift. During pregnancy and postpartum, certain household tasks can be challenging or even risky for mom. Step in to handle cleaning duties like washing dishes, vacuuming floors, or changing cat litter (which can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women). 

Some cleaning products contain chemicals that can also pose risks during pregnancy, so taking these tasks off mom’s plate allows her to rest and focus on more enjoyable preparations, like setting up the nursery.

Speaking of nurseries, this is another area where your help can be invaluable! Offer to assist with tasks that might be difficult for pregnant mamas, such as painting walls, assembling furniture, or organizing closets. These activities often require heavy lifting or exposure to paint fumes, which mom should avoid. Plus, having an extra set of hands can make the process more efficient and enjoyable, transforming it from a daunting task into a bonding experience.

And for ideas that won’t break the bank, check out our blog Preparing for Baby on a Budget!

When supporting a pregnant mother, some simple yet thoughtful gestures can make a big difference in her comfort and well-being. Here are some specific ways to help during pregnancy:

If you're hosting mom at your home, remember that pregnancy can bring unexpected food aversions and heightened sensitivity to smells. What might seem like a delicious meal to you could trigger nausea for an expecting mother. 

Check in advance about any food aversions or current cravings, and consider serving foods that are known to be pregnancy-friendly. Want to learn more about pregnancy-safe foods and common aversions? Check out our blog What Lifestyle Changes Do You Have to Make When Pregnant?

Pregnancy can be physically demanding, especially in the later months. (Speaking of, does the pregnant person in your life have a good pair of compression socks to help manage swelling?) If you're in a public space and notice mom standing while seats are limited, offer yours. This simple gesture can provide much-needed relief for her back and feet. The same goes for bathroom access—let mom skip to the front of the line when nature calls.

And trust us, during pregnancy, nature can frequently call!

Pregnancy can make temperature regulation challenging, with many moms feeling warmer than usual. Be considerate of her temperature needs by keeping spaces well-ventilated and having a fan available if needed. During cooler months, ensure she has easy access to layers she can add or remove as needed.

If you’re looking to gift some cozy maternity clothing to the soon-to-be mom in your life, consider options that are layerable, so mom can easily take them on and off as needed. Take a look at our Pregnancy Lookbook guide for layerable maternity clothing fashion tips and tricks!

Few people appreciate unsolicited advice. Of course, if you've been through pregnancy yourself, your firsthand experience on how to help an expecting mother could be valuable! Just remember that timing and delivery absolutely matter. Wait for mom to ask for advice rather than volunteering unsolicited opinions. 

And, when sharing your experiences, focus on positive, practical tips while acknowledging that every pregnancy journey is unique. This can help the pregnant person in your life feel supported while respecting her individual experience.

The postpartum period is a delicate time of healing, adjustment, and bonding. When supporting new mothers, it’s important to start with a baseline of respecting her space and needs:

As we just mentioned, one of the most important postpartum support tips is to respect her wishes about visitors. While some moms welcome hospital visits right after birth, others prefer private time to recover and bond with their little one. Follow mom’s lead, wait until she's ready for visitors, and keep visits brief unless you are specifically invited to stay longer. 

Remember: this time is about what makes mom and baby most comfortable, not about satisfying others' excitement to meet the new arrival.

New mothers often struggle to find time for basic self-care—especially in the first few weeks (or even months) of pregnancy. Offer to watch or hold baby so mom can take a shower, use the bathroom, or catch a much-needed nap. 

When you're caring for baby, be proactive about diaper changes and basic needs so mom can truly rest. Even a 20-minute shower can feel like a luxury during these early days!

If mom is breastfeeding or pumping, support her feeding journey by helping with supplies and equipment. Offer to bring her pump and accessories when needed, help with cleaning and sanitizing her pump’s parts, or simply ensure she has water and snacks within reach during feeding sessions. During nighttime feeds, help bring baby to mom and make sure she has everything she needs to be comfortable. 

Need help navigating breastfeeding supplies to best support your loved one? Take a look at our A-Z Breastfeeding Glossary to learn what terms like “flange” and “mmHg” mean! 

One of the best gifts you can give a new mom is the gift of uninterrupted bonding time with her baby. Instead of holding the baby while she does household tasks, offer to tackle the chores yourself. Do the dishes, run loads of laundry, prep meals, or pick up groceries while mom focuses on establishing feeding routines and connecting with her little one. 

This is truly one of the best ways to support postpartum mothers. It’s also one of the most practical ways to support new moms after birth! These early weeks are precious and irreplaceable—help mom make the most of them.

If mom is comfortable with it, offer to take photos of her with baby. Those early days can feel like a blur, and many mothers are too busy caring for their newborn to think about documenting these precious moments. 

Just be sure to ask before taking pictures, and always respect mom’s wishes about sharing them on social media or with others.

When a mother is placed on bedrest—whether during pregnancy or postpartum—she faces unique challenges that require extra support and care. Being confined to bed for an extended period can be both physically and emotionally demanding, making your role as a support person especially crucial during this time. 

While helping with essential tasks like cooking and cleaning becomes even more important for mothers on bedrest, don't forget about helping them combat the inevitable boredom and potential feeling of isolation! Consider creating a comfort station within easy reach, stocked with entertainment options and necessities. 

While helping moms on bedrest during pregnancy or postpartum, you can set them up with engaging books to read, download some podcasts they might enjoy, or create a list of shows and movies to watch. 

Speaking of which, do you need some binge-worthy recommendations? Check out our list of favorite shows spotlighting TV moms who normalize breastfeeding and pumping on the “Boob Tube."

Also, think creatively about ways to make bedrest more manageable and even enjoyable. This might include:

• Setting up a comfortable workspace if mom needs to work remotely
• Bringing over craft projects that can be done while lying down
• Organizing virtual coffee dates with friends
• Creating a dedicated charging station for electronics within easy reach
• Setting up a mini-fridge or snack station nearby
• Arranging regular visits from friends and family to help pass the time

Remember that being on bedrest can feel as overwhelming as it can feel lonely, so being a compassionate listener and maintaining social connections becomes especially meaningful during this time. Your consistent support can help make this challenging period more manageable for your loved one on bedrest.

Having a baby in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) brings unique challenges for mothers and their families. This unexpected journey can be emotionally and physically draining, making practical and emotional support especially crucial.

When mom’s hospital stay extends longer than planned, help make her environment as comfortable as possible. Bring fresh clothes, toiletries, and comfort items from home—like her favorite pillow or cozy blanket. Pack a care bag with essentials such as phone chargers, books, or a tablet for downtime. 

For more specific ways to support NICU moms and their little ones, check out our Parent’s Guide to the NICU.

Hospital food can quickly become boring and monotonous, and proper nutrition is crucial for mom’s recovery and milk supply. So, bring her favorite snacks or pick up meals from local restaurants she enjoys! Keeping with the advice we shared earlier of starting a meal train, consider organizing a meal delivery schedule with friends and family to ensure she has regular access to foods she loves. 

And don't forget to include plenty of healthy, energizing snacks that can be eaten one-handed while pumping or holding baby!

For moms who have been discharged while their little one remains in the NICU, transportation can become a significant concern. Offer to drive her to and from the hospital, especially during the early days when she may still be recovering from delivery. This practical support allows her to focus her energy on being with her baby rather than worrying about logistics.

Ask mom if she'd like company during NICU visits. Sometimes having a trusted friend or family member present can provide much-needed emotional support during challenging moments. You, along with any other people from her support system, can also help take notes during medical updates, snap photos of baby's milestones (if permitted), or simply hold mama's hand during difficult times. However, always respect mom’s preferences—some may prefer private time with their little one, and that's perfectly okay too.

Remember that NICU moms often need support beyond the hospital walls—whether that's helping with household tasks, caring for older children, or simply providing a listening ear during this emotional journey. 

While many focus on the physical aspects of pregnancy and postpartum care, having a comprehensive support system is equally crucial for mom’s overall well-being and success in her journey to motherhood. And each supportive aspect plays a vital role:

Supporting mom means helping her maintain strong communication with her healthcare providers. As we mentioned before, this might involve taking notes during appointments, helping her remember questions to ask, or even just providing transportation to and from medical visits. 

Remember that while you can be an advocate and support person, always respect mom’s privacy and autonomy in medical decisions.

The emotional demands of pregnancy and new motherhood can be overwhelming. Being aware of mental health resources like classes and apps and encouraging mom to use them when needed is crucial. Of course, if the pregnant or postpartum person in your life is deeply struggling, encourage them to seek the immediate support and advice of a healthcare professional, like a doctor or therapist. 

Beyond professional support, your role in providing judgment-free emotional support and validation can make a significant difference in mom’s mental well-being. Again, watch for signs that she might need additional support, and help normalize conversations about maternal mental health.

Support groups and community connections can be invaluable resources for new and expecting mothers. Whether it's online communities, local mommy groups, or breastfeeding support circles, these connections provide opportunities to share experiences, ask questions, and find solidarity with others on similar journeys. Help mom find and connect with these communities, and consider accompanying her to an in-person support group if she'd like the company.

One community the mother in your life might want to try: Aeroflow Breastpumps’ Facebook Group, The Pumping Room! It’s a safe, virtual, supportive space full of moms and parents at all stages of this incredible pregnancy and postpartum journey where moms and their support partners share stories, provide encouragement, and receive expert guidance from our clinicians.

The practical aspects of daily life don't pause for pregnancy or new motherhood. Having someone to handle logistics like meal preparation, household cleaning, and everyday tasks allows mom to focus on her health and bonding with baby. This practical support isn't just about convenience—it's essential for mom’s physical recovery and emotional well-being.

Remember that support isn't one-size-fits-all. Pay attention to what mom tells you she needs, whether explicitly or through subtle cues. Sometimes the best support is simply asking, "What can I do to help today?" and being ready to adapt to her changing needs.

Pregnancy and the postpartum period represent incredible journeys of transformation, but they can also be physically demanding and emotionally challenging for new and seasoned moms alike. As a support person, your role is invaluable—but remember that the best support always follows mom’s lead. Learning how to support new parents and respect boundaries is a huge part of providing help and relief. So, pay attention to her cues and be flexible in adapting your support to meet her changing needs.

Most importantly, remember that your consistent presence and willingness to help can make a world of difference. Whether you're offering practical assistance, emotional support, or simply being there to listen, your presence helps create a nurturing environment for both mama and baby to focus on each other. And if you ever have concerns about mom’s physical or mental well-being, gently encourage her to reach out to her healthcare provider while continuing to be that steady, empathetic presence in her corner.