Are you preparing a meal for your “new mom” friend who just had a baby? Keep these tips in mind.
Mazal Tov! Your friend, sister, cousin, neighbor just had a baby– a first time new mom or new mom again– and you hop aboard the “How Can I Help You” Train. Aside from offering to pick up carpool duties, or invite the kids over, a generous way to assist a newly postpartum mom is to send a meal. We’ve collected some tips from recipients of this kind act and we hope this article sheds light so you can help out in the very best way.
Basic Tips:
- Know how many eaters you’re cooking a meal for.
- Any allergies?
- How early would they like the food delivered?
- Clearly label each pan so no one is uncovering and closing unnecessarily.
- Keep it simple. Most kids don’t appreciate fancy foods.
Go the extra mile:
- Send a little extra for the freezer, pretty soon people stop sending food—an extra container of soup goes a long way.
- Include a sweet dessert for the kiddies—cookies are a great bribe to get all the kids eating well. Mom can freeze the rest for later on.
- A generous gesture is to throw in a monthly or weekly magazine for the Mom or kids.
- A friend of mine was so creative, she sent along nice paper goods in the box—anything to make Mom’s life easier at this hectic time is so appreciated.
- Although this may be difficult to pull off, it does make a big difference if you deliver the food already warmed.
What else can we think of to lighten the load of the new, gebentched Mommies?
Mazal Tov—and May we all continue to help and support each other in good times.
A hot cereal in the morning for mom is greatly appreciated after nursing a whole night and rushing to get the kids out in the morning.
The main thing I focus on when sending and appreciate when receiving is early delivery. The whole thing is pretty useless if the kids fill up on cookies and nosh while waiting for dinner to show up.
Sending a wholesome lunch for the Mommy is so appreciated! Often, we’re too exhausted to tend to our own needs, even though we really need those healthy meals after the baby’s born.
Before the days of bcp and their amazing recipes, i got sesame chicken and rice 3 nights in a row. Although i was appreciative for getting supper i learnt to ask what the family prefers when i started sending.
Your tips are so on point! Every single one… thanks!!
Yup, by my first I got schnitzel and potatoes for a week. But at least I didn’t have to cook. I think I didn’t make schnitzel for almost a year after that!
I always, always deliver the night before. We eat absurdly early compared to most people and I HATE waiting for people to deliver “on time.” It makes me really anxious and I often end up using whatever was delivered for the next night’s dinner. I love it when people deliver the night before, so I do it too.
Where can i buy these boxes?
Anazon or Uline
SEND IT EARLY
BE GENEROUS WITH QUANTITIES – YOU NEVER KNOW WHICH CHILD WILL WANT TO EAT A FULL PLATE OF ONLY ONE SIDE DISH
DON’T UNDERESTIMATE TAKING OUT THE KIDS.FOR SOME IT CAN BE A BIGGER HELP THAN THE FOOD!