How to Ask for Help as a New Mom

Being a new mom can be scary and overwhelming. You come home with a new little human that you have to somehow learn to take care of, and you're still expected to gracefully accept visitors who are just excited about your new addition as you are. Having been that new mom, I have grown to learn exactly what it is that a person in that position would really need from those who want to not only visit, but help out where they can. Here are some ideas on how you can ask for help while adjusting to having a newborn.

Ask for a nap
One of the very best things anyone can offer a new mom is free baby-sitting so she can catch a nap. Don't feel guilty about asking for something like this, since visitors are looking to spend time with the new baby, anyway. Just make sure you really trust the person and leave clear instructions on how you want things handled. Being a new mom is absolutely exhausting, so taking even a 20 minute nap can seem like a Godsend.

Appoint a 'secretary'
Grab a close friend or family member and have them field all incoming calls and visitors, especially when you need some downtime to recuperate from everything. Have this person answer calls and give updates on how you and baby are doing. And for those visitors that pop in, this person can be in charge of offering drinks and food so that you can be free to enjoy the attention and show off your new baby.

Ask for alone time
It's very likely that you will have someone who's more than willing to watch the baby while you take a break for some alone time. Light some candles and take a bath, or just close yourself up in your bedroom and read a book or watch a funny movie. Either way, a little break can definitely refresh you so that you can tackle the rest of the day as a new mom.

Get help making bottles
It may seem like a little thing, but to help a new mom, getting help to make bottles can be a huge deal. In the beginning, a newborn can eat as often as every two hours, and that can mean running out of bottles fast. If you're formula-feeding, ask one of your visitors to make a good number of bottles, enough to last until the next day (only because the formula needs to be refrigerated and must be used within 24 hours).

Ask for help with other children
If your new little one has older siblings, than you may be even more tired trying to keep up with everyone in your home. Ask for help in the form of baby-sitting. If visitors pop by, ask if they can spend some time with any older siblings so you can be sure to bond with the new baby. Not only does this help you focus your attention to your newest addition, but it also makes your other children feel important because they're getting extra attention.

Ask for help with Fido
Our animal friends still need love, too. If someone offers some help, ask them to take your dog for a walk, or maybe they can feed the cat and give him fresh water. A lot of people are natural animal-lovers and would be glad to take care of these family members for you so you can focus on the new baby.

Ask for food
Don't be embarrassed to ask for help in the form of food, because many people think to offer this first when they want to come visit. Whether you're craving some take-out, or desperately need some things from the grocery store, someone will be more than happy to help you out in this department.

Take advantage of temporary housekeepers
Another good way to ask for help as a new mom is to ask for visitors to complete a chore or two. Maybe the dishwasher needs to be unloaded, or you have laundry that needs folding. Either way, let your visitors help you so that your time is freed up for you to bond with baby.

Above all, remember to actually ask for help at all, because as a new mom, you could use all the help you can get. The wonderful thing about a new baby joining your home is that your friends and family will want to help, and often times, they just don't know how to do so. Take advantage of people's good intentions and put them to work....just remember to thank them graciously when they do so!