Tips for Supporting New Parents in the 4th Trimester

In the early days of having a baby, new parents can easily be overwhelmed and exhausted in addition trying to physically recover from the birth of their baby. 

As a friend or relative, you may want to try to support your loved ones on their new adventure. You’re excited and you can’t wait to drop off the cutest outfit you found for their new little one.

However, before you go unexpectedly knocking on their door, we have some suggestions on how you can support a new parent in the fourth trimester without adding more stress to their busy, new (and likely, exhausting) lives. 

Bring or Drop off food

Maybe you stay, maybe you don’t (that depends on if they extend an invite, or if they’re welcoming guests) but bringing food that they can easily snack on or eat as a meal can be meaningful and nourishing to a new parent. 

Something that doesn’t take long to reheat or to plan for is a good idea. If you aren’t sure of their preferences, a gift card for take out can also be helpful. As new parents, eating is difficult to fit in, so some pre-chopped fresh veggies or fruit goes a long way to helping them eat nutritious food!

You can also offer to pick up some groceries or pharmacy items, if needed. 

Do something to help

Yes, it’s kind to say ‘what can I do to help?’ but a lot of people will default to simply saying ‘oh nothing! We’re fine!’. Instead, be specific, or just do it even if you aren’t asked. A new parent is often not even sure what kind of help they actually need!

For example, text and say “I am getting groceries and would love to drop some food off since you probably haven’t had a chance to get out. Anything you need in particular? If not, I’ll pick up some goodies. What time can I drop them off?”

Or, when you’re visiting, taking a moment to wash the dishes or offering to give the floor a sweep can help. We recognize that the comfort for doing this may depend on your relationship with the parent and that’s ok! The smallest of gestures make a big impact. Remember, when you visit you aren’t there as a guest, you are there to be a support.

Don’t overstay your welcome

Of course you’re excited to visit, but keep the visits in the short, especially in those first few weeks. Routines are still forming and everyone is tired. Even if you feel it seems like it’s going well (it probably is!) offering to exit so the new family can rest is never a bad idea. 

Also, make sure you are invited or they know you are coming. An unexpected drop in during those first few weeks might be more stressful than you think it will be!

Check on them

You may not get an immediate text back, but checking in on a new parent to let them know they have support and aren’t alone, can go a long way. Although everyone is anxious to hear all about the baby, don’t forget to ask the new parent(s) how they’re doing. This is a big transition for them too!

Plus, after changing diapers, feeding baby (and themselves!) and trying to catch some sleep here and there, they might just want to talk about something not baby related!

Respect their decisions and requests

Some parents may ask that just their immediate family visits in the first few weeks, others may invite hospital visits. They may ask you to wear a mask, wash your hands, refrain from kissing the baby or haven any other request that makes them feel more comfortable and at ease. These boundaries are important for the new family, and as part of the extended family and friends, it’s best that you not question their choices. Remember, these decisions are not personal, but instead they allow a new family to ease any anxiety they may be feeling in their new role.

Your support matters

It’s exciting when a loved one welcomes a new family member and you can’t wait to meet that bundle of joy. But don’t forget to pamper the new parents with love and support as well, especially in those first few weeks of the fourth trimester. That won’t be forgotten! 

Find some more ways you can help a new parent take a Mama Minute in this post.

The bottom line is that new parents need support more than ever. The phrase “it takes a village” has never been more applicable as it is today when many new families tend to live further away from their own families and have less of a support system. So, even though everyone loves a new baby cuddle, always try to be sure you help support a new parent in other ways as well. We know from experience, that they will be very grateful for your support!

Interested in joining us? Our classes are a great way to meet other new parents. Fitmama Strong Online has been operating classes online from our virtual studio since 2020. Our community is a thriving and welcoming space for you and your littles.

Grab our Prenatal Fitness & Yoga Guide for lots of info about pregnancy and exercise, including a prenatal fitness workout, prenatal yoga session and an evening wind-down stretch. We also offer our prenatal population on-demand workouts, that include fitness and yoga, specifically for the prenatal population.

If you’re new to Fitmama Strong Online, try one of our 3 Class Passes! You can use them at our postnatal Express Strong, Express Elevate and Express Flow classes. It doesn’t matter if your baby was born 6 weeks ago or 6 years ago, we have something for all postnatal members! Already been to Fitmama Strong classes? Grab a monthly membership and keep moving along with us:)

Finally, we offer in-person Stroller Fitness and Babywearing Fitness through our Durham Region and Ottawa locations. We can’t wait to have you join us!

We can’t wait for you to #startwithus and #growwithus. Find your Fitmama Strong Location!