Just in Time for Mother’s Day: How to Truly Support the New Moms in Your Life
With Mother’s Day right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to think about how we can really show up for the new moms in our lives. Sure, flowers and cards are sweet gestures, but for someone who’s just brought new life into the world, the most meaningful gift might simply be support — the kind that makes her feel seen, cared for, and not so alone.
“Transitioning into motherhood, for many women, is one of the hardest things,” says psychologist Dr. Akilah Reynolds. “In a society that isn’t always set up to support mothers and parents, we need to listen to new moms and ask them what they need — what would actually be helpful to them.”
And that support isn’t just emotional — it can be critical for mental health. Dr. Kavita Vani, a maternal-fetal medicine doctor in New York, points out that postpartum depression is more common than ever. “Friends and family members need to make sure the new mom has space to talk about how she’s feeling — especially if she’s struggling,” she explains.
So this Mother’s Day, let’s go beyond the usual gifts. Let’s offer something that truly makes a difference. Here are some thoughtful, expert-backed ways to help the new moms in your life — and a few things to avoid.
1. Offer real, practical help
Every new mom’s needs are different, so start by asking what would actually be useful. If she’s comfortable having you over, small acts can make a big impact — folding laundry, washing dishes, tidying up, or prepping a few easy meals.
If you’re far away, you can still lighten her load. Send over dinner from her favorite restaurant, or treat her to a cleaning or laundry service (just make sure she’s okay with having someone new in her space first). Even better, organize a “meal train” with friends and family so she doesn’t have to think about cooking for a while.
2. Give her the gift of time
New moms often feel like every minute belongs to the baby — which means there’s little time for themselves. “I used to wonder how someone couldn’t find time to take a shower,” says Dr. Vani. “Then I became a mom, and I understood.”
Sometimes the best help is just showing up and saying, “I’ve got the baby — go take a nap, a bath, or a quiet walk.” Even an hour can make a world of difference. If she’s comfortable with you watching the baby, offer to cover a feeding or let her rest. Exhaustion is one of the hardest parts of early motherhood, and knowing someone else has things under control can be incredibly healing.
3. Offer a ride or help with appointments
The first few weeks after giving birth can involve a lot of doctor visits — for both mom and baby. But getting out of the house can be overwhelming, especially when she’s still healing or learning how to travel with a newborn.
Offer to drive her to appointments, help carry the baby gear, or simply sit in the waiting room with her. If she prefers to go alone, volunteer to stay with the baby while she’s gone. It’s a small thing that takes a huge weight off her shoulders.
4. Send something that’s just for her
If you’re not close enough to help in person, you can still remind her that she matters, too. One idea: a gift card for audiobooks or streaming — something that gives her a little escape during long feeding sessions or quiet moments with the baby. Pair it with a note and a few book recommendations you’ve loved lately.
5. Listen — really listen
Sometimes, what a new mom needs most is someone to talk to — without judgment or advice. “New moms get a lot of unsolicited opinions,” says Dr. Reynolds. “Often, the most supportive thing you can do is simply listen.”
If she opens up about how she’s feeling, don’t try to fix it or compare it to your own experience. Just be there. Let her know it’s okay to talk about the hard stuff, and that she doesn’t have to pretend everything’s fine.
If she’s looking for extra support, you can gently share trusted resources, like Canopie (a maternal mental health platform), Mae (a space for women of color navigating pregnancy and postpartum), or Taking Cara Babies, which offers sleep guidance for new parents.
6. Help her reconnect with herself
Becoming a mother changes everything — not just routines, but identity. “It’s beautiful, but it’s also a big shift,” says Dr. Vani. “Many women find themselves missing who they were before.”
If you can, plan something small but familiar — coffee at your old spot, a short walk, a picnic in the park. Remind her that she’s still herself, even as she grows into this new version of who she’s becoming.
7. Make her feel special — not just as a mom, but as her
Everyone’s excited about the baby, but don’t forget to celebrate her. Send her something you know she loves — her favorite flowers, pastries from her go-to bakery, a cozy spa gift card. A little gesture that says, “You matter, too.”
The bottom line
Our culture doesn’t always make it easy for new moms to get the care, rest, and time they need. But that’s where loved ones come in. Whether it’s folding laundry, offering a listening ear, or just reminding her that she’s doing an amazing job — every small act of kindness adds up.
Mother’s Day is a reminder that motherhood is powerful, but it doesn’t have to be lonely. When we show up for new moms in real, tangible ways, we help them heal — and remind them that they’re never alone in this journey.
