Being a new mom is exciting. Aside from welcoming the miracle of new life into your home, there is an incredible sense of community that seems to just materialize out of nothing. Within this newly discovered community, everyone desires to be part of the extraordinary thing called new life. It is as though they want to relive their childrearing experiences all over again. One area that can be a little tricky as far as family and friends are concerned is how to help mom. Sometimes just bringing a gift does wonders, but what happens when mom is at home and is sore from the childbirth experience? How well will she get around at home? Gifts can go a long way, but time and energy in this instance will go a great deal further. One specific way of making a difference in a new mother’s life is preparing a freshly cooked meal for mom and spouse. In this article I will discuss some guidelines when considering food ideas for new moms.
Homecooked Meals
Home cooked meals are great, but please do mom and baby a favor – do not make it spicy. I remember one time girls from the local church took turns in bringing over freshly prepared dishes and on one occasion the food was a bit spicy. The spice that was prepared with the food caused an incredible amount of indigestion and colic for the baby lasted more than a week. Please do not make a spicy meal for a breastfeeding mom. It will do more harm than good.
Consider the Ease
Another thing to consider when preparing a meal for new moms is the ease of preparation. Bring over the dish in a pan or bowl that can be easily placed into the oven or on the stove. If the meal consists of multiple parts (anything more than the entrée) be sure mom does not need to be on her feet for too long in order to prepare it. Dad may be at work and if mom is still sore from childbirth, it can be a bit difficult for her to handle and the food may go to waste.
Cheap and Easy?
Although you might be tempted to pick up an already prepared meal from the supermarket due to time constraints, please don’t. The ingredients used to prepare the meal are often unknown and can lead to a severe case of colic for baby.
Eat Together
Some good food ideas for new moms will vary culture to culture. Regardless of where baby is born, it may be a good idea for you to stick around and eat it with mom. Mom may be tired and in pain, but oftentimes a meal simply tastes better when there is someone to eat it with.
Just Ask
It is often difficult to know what meals are appropriate for a new mom to eat, as it may affect the sleep of the baby. When there are questions about such issues, it is often a good idea to ask mom. Don’t just prepare something to feel good about yourself – do it because you want to help mom’s first days alone with the baby to go as easy as possible.
Are you a new mom or will be one soon? Maybe you know one?
Look for more tips, tricks, and other great articles on Advice for a New Mom page
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
My moms club made meals for me after having my babies and it was the BEST gift that I have ever gotten.
Dawn says
This was a great post! The best gifts I got when I was a new mom were the gifts of easy to prepare meals. You’re just so TIRED from all the other mom stuff you’re doing.
Jennifer says
I wish things like this were a thing for new fur baby moms. My dogs absolutely wore me out when they were puppies!
Dee Mauser says
Meals that can be frozen and used later would be a great idea for a new and exhausted momma. That pizza looks SO yummy!
Melissa Pezza says
This such a great post! Lots of people don’t know that what a mom eats affects her breast milk. Spicy food is the worst. Boy, did I learn THAT the hard way! O_o
Amber Edwards says
These are brilliant! Seriously love the tips here. We have a new baby on the way and our neighbors I know will be bringing in a few meals after the baby arrives. Nothing spicy is a huge one!
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos says
Love these! New moms need meals, it’s a given. That’s what I wanted and what really came in handy. I always try and give meals to new parents!
Jenna M Wood says
There are some great meal plan services that cater healthy foods- I like to gift a week to new moms. New mother’s don’t have time to cook, and often forget to take care of themself, over everyone else!
Ann Bacciaglia says
I always try to make a few meals for my friends when they bring home a new baby. It is a great way to help out. I loved it when i had my kids.
Kelly Hutchinson says
Whenever we have a friend who had had a baby, we send over two complete meals. I think it is a great idea to keep it simple. All those poor tired parents need is a good meal lol
Mama to 5 BLessings says
I have been wanting to make batch meals and freeze them myself. Definitely would help me with our busy schedule.
Allie D. says
I remember when I was a new mom. It was such a big help when our friends would come over and bring a meal for my family. It lessened the stress and made it easier for me to recuperate faster and focus on my new baby. That and it was a great excuse for everyone to meet my baby.
Amy D says
With my first daughter, I remember eating a lot of take out meals. I wish I had someone to help me prep meals.
Chelley @ A is For Adelaide says
Great advice! Moms, especially new moms, need a lot of support- that’s for sure!
pamela jablonski says
As a mom of 6, I always appreciated meals after a baby was born! Anything was a help, I especially liked when it was brought over at dinner time hot and ready to eat!
Liz Mays says
I definitely got better at cooking after having kids. This is helpful advice.
Debi- Travel Blogger says
I love this. Anything that I could make easily that required little effort was what I wanted most
Donna Ward says
Hi Lena – these are great reminders and ideas. That pizza look homemade to be sure and so tasty – bringing home cooked meals over to new moms would be a fabulous idea 🙂
Amanda says
I loved gift cards, but homemade dishes that we could easily prepare were awesome too. I’m with you about the spicy, no thank you!
Autumn @Mamachallenge says
I loved getting easy to make or already cooked meals when I first had my babies! They really did make the first few weeks a lot easier!
Kristin Wheeler (Mama Luvs Books) says
Healthy, cheap and easy is the way I need to go with my long working hours!!! Your pizza looks great!
Andrea Kruse says
I think one of the sweetest gestures after my youngest was born was when food was brought over. Honestly, I would rather have food those first few days than more baby clothes. My favorite items were high in protein like tuna salad, crackers, hummus and then of course, fresh fruit!
Debbie says
Don’t forget about snacks too! New moms may not want to make a full meal, even if it’s a reheat thing, so make up a basket of snacks – popcorn, jerky, granola bars, lactaction cookies – for when they want something but don’t want to take forever.
Nancy @ Whispered Inspirations says
This is awesome. I think it’s one of the best things you can do for a new mom.
Ronni says
Great ideas! My DIL just had a baby and made me g’ma again. Im totally pampering her. These will help!