It can be challenging to know how to be a good friend when somebody near to your heart becomes a mother. It is difficult to relate and share experiences, but there are several ways you can support a new mom, your friend, along their journey.
In the event she decides to breastfeed her new bundle of joy, here are some effective ways you can stand by her side while she embarks on this unique adventure!
1. Encourage the Journey
The process of feeding a baby comes with a lot of decisions, opinions, and unsolicited advice. If you can encourage your friend with words of affirmation, small reminders about what she is achieving, and somebody for her to vent to, you will be doing her a significant favour in her journey.
One of the most common myths about breastfeeding is that it is natural to every mother. It is a learning curve regardless of natural instincts and comes with a lot of mental stress. By standing at her side to encourage her journey, you can hopefully help her power through the hard times and reduce her chances of giving up.
2. Shower Them With Food
When a mother nourishes her baby from her body, her body will begin pulling from its reserves to provide adequate nutrients during each breastfeeding session. Your friend may become hungry, dehydrated, or mentally exhausted without adequate nutrition.
Consider providing her with a few of her favourite home-cooked meals that she can pop into the oven, so it’s easy for her to eat. This supports her journey significantly by ensuring she eats enough to produce milk for her baby.
3. Offer to Lend a Hand
Breastfeeding is an on-demand type of bond between a mother and her baby. This means things around the home often need to wait until she has the time. If you can offer to wash the bottles, pump parts, fold the laundry, or sweep the floors, you can guarantee your friend will feel supported and stay sane. Any small act of service will help the mother to tend to the baby while things in her world get done.
4. Buy Her Supplies
It’s possible you heard your friend vent to you about a low milk supply, a painful latch, or wanting to combo feed. In this case, go ahead and surprise her with the supplies to help support these struggles and efforts. The market is saturated with a variety of aids and devices that can alleviate and contribute to a breastfeeding mother’s experience.
A small list of things you can consider include:
- Nipple shields
- Nipple balm
- Milk collector
- Hand expression pump
- Milk storage bags
- Lactation treats from a local baker
- Mother’s milk tea
5. Help Them Engage in Support Services
Sometimes, new moms get lost in the day-to-day shuffle and forget to lean in on the different support services available to them. Sometimes, one of the best ways to support your friend in her breastfeeding journey is by simply giving her a nudge to call the lactation consultant, seek out a local group, or visit the doctor. While these conversations can be challenging, they may assist your friend in immeasurable ways.
No matter the steps you take to help a friend, every little thought counts. She will thank you from the bottom of her heart for sticking around when things get tough. And your bond will draw closer than ever. Good luck to you both on these new adventures!
Also, read: Turn Your Morning Routine Into a Healthy Fun Experience with 6 Simple Tips
