Genuinely Helpful Ways to Help New Moms Rest
In many parts of the world, it was common for new moms to practice the tradition of "lying in"—a period when mother and baby stayed at home, were cared for by other women, and focused on healing. The postnatal tradition has mostly disappeared outside of Asia, but all moms can still benefit from many
Historically, the weeks after birth were a vulnerable time for women due to the health risks associated with delivery. In many parts of the world, it was common for new moms to practice the tradition of "lying in"—a period when mother and baby stayed at home, were cared for by other women, and focused on healing. The postnatal tradition has mostly disappeared outside of Asia, but all moms can still benefit from many of the confinement principles that prioritize rest and renewal. Here are a few ways to keep the tradition alive and support the new moms in your community.
Make a Postpartum Soup
The traditional confinement diet emphasizes soups, broths, and warm, nourishing foods that are easy to digest and nutrient-rich. Green papaya fish soup is popular in Chinese and Vietnamese cultures, especially among moms hoping to boost their milk supply. This Taiwanese sesame oil chicken soup from the popular blog The Woks of Life is also a tasty option. The six-ingredient soup includes ginger, a "warming" spice that can help circulation and support milk production. It's also ready in just over 30 minutes.
Create a "Sitting the Month" Spa Kit
Help mom stay as comfortable as possible with a wellness kit, specifically designed to make lying in more luxurious. Think cotton sheets, cozy pajamas, slippers, shower steamers, satin headwraps, face masks, tea, and quality snacks. It's also thoughtful to include a postpartum devotional or create a soothing playlist to nourish her spirit.
Tackle the Chores
Chores are the last thing a new mom needs to worry about. They're also the first responsibility to be put on the back burner, and they can nag at a new parent resting at home. Tackle the laundry, tidy their house, order the groceries, or help care for older children. If your friend is reluctant to accept this type of help, gift a week of cleaning services.
Gift a Renewal Repository
Moms have a variety of emotional needs during the fifth trimester, and exhaustion can cause feelings to be particularly raw. Packaging a selection of books geared toward a woman's emotional, spiritual, or physical renewal is an excellent way to help them stay centered and inspired. It will also give them something to read during all those contact naps with their newborns. The End of Me by Liz Wann and Blair Linne, founders of Risen Motherhood, is one of my favorite books for new moms.
