PARENTS
How to Support a Friend Who Just Had a Baby
Here is how to give some much-needed support to the new parent in your life.
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Happiest Baby Staff
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PARENTS
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Happiest Baby Staff
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Bästsäljare
During pregnancy, there is so much attention directed at the parent-to-be. Everyone is asking How are you feeling? There are baby showers. You are offered a seat (and sometimes an extra biscuit) wherever you go. Once the baby is born, there is a flood of congratulatory texts and phone calls. Friends and family clamor to visit, to drop off a stew, and to give the new bundle a snuggle. Then, like a cruel magic trick—poof!—so much of that support disappears…just when you need it the most. If you are a parent, you likely experienced this phenomenon. And if you have a friend who is a new parent, they are likely experiencing it, too.
Research shows that up to 42% of pregnant and new parents feel lonely. What’s more, studies suggest that feeling lonely and isolated as a new parent is associated with postnatal depression. With 1 in 5 birthing parents struggling with perinatal mental health conditions—and many more simply struggling to adjust to this new life—it is important to remember that all new parents need support.
But for even those of us with the best intentions, it is not always easy to find the right words for someone who is struggling. That is why we put together some ideas for what to say—and when to speak up—if you suspect your friend is having a tough time.
There are several ways you can help make a friend who is struggling with new parenthood feel seen, heard, and loved. Some messages you can send regularly:
Everyone changes after becoming a parent. It is impossible not to. But sometimes those changes are actually signs that your friend is struggling with postnatal depression, anxiety, or another mental health issue. Here are some signs that your friend might be having a hard time as a new parent:
It can be scary to start a conversation with a friend about their mental health. But it is even scarier to stay silent. One key: When asking questions, trade the vague “How is it going?” types of small talk and texts for something that offers your friend a better opportunity to share. Try:
Caring for a baby is hard. It can also be isolating, boring, and exhausting…even if you are not dealing with postnatal depression! So, continue to check in—and offer your support—even after the early days.
But, please, press pause on the “If you need anything at all, I am here” comments, and take action instead. Offer an ear, a shoulder, and a helping hand. Change a nappy. Tidy the kitchen. Bring a tea. Do not try to solve problems and do not dismiss feelings with chipper platitudes. And remember, if your pal does not text you back immediately, or they cancel plans, or otherwise seem to disappear—it is not you! These can be signs that they need your support more than ever. Keep trying.
Ansvarsfriskrivning: Informationen på vår webbplats är INTE medicinsk rådgivning för någon specifik person eller tillstånd. Den är endast avsedd som allmän information. Om du har några medicinska frågor och funderingar om ditt barn eller dig själv, vänligen kontakta din vårdgivare. Bröstmjölk är den bästa källan till näring för spädbarn. Det är viktigt att mödrar äter en hälsosam, balanserad kost i förberedelse för och under amning. Kombinerad amning och flaskmatning under de första veckorna i livet kan minska tillgången på en mammas bröstmjölk och det kan vara svårt att ångra beslutet att inte amma. Om du bestämmer dig för att använda modersmjölksersättning bör du noggrant följa instruktionerna.
