Save Some Enthusiasm

Just some thoughts from a mama who remembers what it's like to be a brand new mama...

If someone you love is having a baby, can I offer a small suggestion? Save some of your enthusiasm.

For when their baby is no longer a newborn and they're still a new mom.

For when their baby has been around a few months and maybe some of the shine has dimmed for you, but she's still blinded.

Baby might be old news for you, but they are her present.

We glorify pregnancy and trip over ourselves to offer support for a new baby. Then we leave moms (and dads) to handle it on their own with a "you've got this, super mom!"

All those "likes" on pictures start to fade. People stop checking in. The cute, tiny clothes get less tiny. Growth is constant and sleep is elusive. The excitement wears off for everyone else, and meanwhile, she is still deep into the constant need of another being, still figuring out how to do this.

It can be lonely.

So, store up some love and check in on your new parent friends when "new" becomes relative.

Maybe show up with a pack of diapers in that next size up, a meal during the much talked about 4 month sleep regression, some candid photos of mama with her baby if you're visiting (there are never enough), a fun playlist for while they're up in the middle of the night, or even just a text to say you're thinking of them.

A little can go a long way to making new parents feel like they aren't alone. They need your support and some saved up enthusiasm. It takes a village to raise a baby and to raise parents too.