Tips for Visiting a New Mom

I remember when my sister-in-law, Trisha in fact, had her very first. It was the first grandbaby on our side and we were all BEYOND thrilled. Mom picked us up early from school in our trusty minivan and we high tailed it over to the Ogden hospital, even though it was a blizzard outside and we were sliding all over the freeway. Whatever it took to hold that fresh, brand spankin’ new baby.  Most of us were still so little at the time and Trisha was so patient with us.

Now that I’m a new mom (and in the winter season) I think back and wonder how in the world Trisha handled all of us kids bombarding and overwhelming her new little one. I know it’s totally normal to be completely paranoid with your first child so I don’t beat myself up over it and just hope that people will understand why I’m acting like an overprotective, hand-sanitizing nazi. 😉 I really haven’t run into too many problems. Both mine and my husband’s family have been really helpful, respectful, and sensitive to our wishes, (no matter how absurd they may sound).  In fact, because of how wonderful our experience has been, I’ve come up with some tips for those who might be wondering what is appropriate when visiting a new mom.

The best tips for visiting a new mom! Wish I had known these when visiting my new mommy friends!

**Disclaimer** A new baby is very exciting and it is extremely easy to fall into one or more of these tendencies.  I myself have been guilty of one or more of them in the past.  The purpose of this list is simply to give some perspective and not to complain or critique. In fact, most of the tips for this post were influenced by positive visits I have experienced. 😉

First and foremost: ALWAYS ASK TO VISIT. Don’t ever show up unannounced. There’s this new found fear in a new mom who hears a knock at her door that she isn’t expecting. Especially since a new mom’s schedule mostly involves nursing and sleeping. (Trust me… you don’t want to interrupt either one of those if you wanna stay on mama’s good side.) Don’t get me wrong.  A new mom LOVES company, especially when most of her day consists of baby-talk and diapers, but giving her a simple heads-up of a visit is extremely appreciated. 

If she says YES to your visit— Consider a few of these: