Kellie Eason RN, RM, IBCLCKellie is a Nurse, Midwife & International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with over 25 years experience in supporting families with Breast, Bottle Feeding & Sleep/Settling Issues. She works in private practice at Osteo 4 Kids & Adults, Preston Vic 3072 & Family Tree Health, Greensborough VIC 3088. Kellie is also an expert contributor to FIT FOR 2 PRO, alongside a group of other healthcare professionals supporting families. Kellie provides in home, clinic based and Skype/FaceTime consultations via MILK...early parenting support 1. MAKE SURE THEY ARE EATING AND DRINKING New mums are often exhausted and overwhelmed. If you can make up a food basket with 'one handed grab n' eat foods, that will go a long way into ensuring she is nourished and hydrated. Some ideas:
2. CUDDLE THE BABY WHILST THEY HAVE A NAP OR A SHOWER This one is a win-win for all. Who doesn't love cuddling a squishy newborn and which new mama doesn't love having an unrushed shower? 3. HELP OUT WITH HOUSEHOLD CHORES If you can't clean the house, at least the main areas such as the kitchen and bathroom. Better still, organising a house cleaner for the early weeks would be a tremendous help 4. COOK UP SOME HEALTHY BULK MEALS A freezer full of meals can go a long way in helping a new family navigate their way though early parenting. Some ideas:
5. ASK IF THEY WANT YOUR ADVICE. A LOT OF THE TIME, LISTENING IS ALL THAT THEY WILL NEED Supporting a new family is not only rewarding, but it can be really draining too. It's not unusual for a new mum to have meltdowns and have periods of distress. It is equally not unusual for her partner to feel at a loss as well. If you want to impart some advice, it is always a good idea to ask if it is needed. New parents are finding their way and want to feel empowered to work it out on their own. 6. KEEP HER COMPANY Most mums will agree, that having a new baby makes them feel lonely and isolated. Go out of your way to ask her out - odds are, she is not likely to ask. Take her out for a coffee, take in some fresh air and sunshine and have a girly chat Make regular weekly dates to get her out of the house, because it gets pretty depressing looking at the same 4 walls and feeding/changing nappies/settling baby 24/7 |
Kellie Eason RN, RM, IBCLCNurse, Midwife, IBCLC, Infant Feeding Therapist, Birth & Parenting Educator, Baby Sleep & Settling Consultant Categories
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