The focus during the fourth trimester so often shifts solely to the baby, leaving parents to navigate the wildest transformation of their lives essentially alone. If you’re in the thick of it right now—learning your baby, re-learning yourself—we see you. If you’re preparing for it, we want you to know that support matters. And if you have a friend who just welcomed a baby, there are so many ways to show up for them beyond a text asking “How’s everything?”

Read on for some much needed guidance about how to show up for the new parents in your life (yourself included), with @mamaglowOpens in a new tab. founder and doula Latham Thomas.

Show up with tangible support, not just questions Instead of asking, "What do you need?" try, "I’m dropping off a meal—what time works?" Simple acts—folding laundry, washing bottles, or holding the baby so they can shower—are more valuable than any words of encouragement (though those are great, too!). As Latham says, "Support them in the ways they actually need, rather than how you want to support them."

New parents often don’t have the bandwidth to ask for help, even when they desperately need it. By offering specific, tangible support, you remove the burden of decision-making and make it easier for them to accept help without feeling like a burden.

You can never go wrong with food Postpartum is a time for healing, and that often starts with food. Whether it’s setting up a meal train, gifting a delivery service, or simply bringing over your favorite homemade dish, feeding a new parent is one of the most impactful ways to show up for them. "Food is medicine, and having warm, nourishing meals on hand can be a game-changer," Latham says.

Beyond meals, hydration is crucial. Consider dropping off electrolyte-rich drinks, herbal teas that support lactation, or even a large, easy-to-use water bottle to keep by their nursing station. Small gestures like this can make a world of difference in their recovery and energy levels.

Send love (and gifts) from afar Don’t live nearby? You can still be an important part of their village. "Sometimes, support looks like sending a heartfelt letter reminding them of their strength in this season of transformation," Latham shares. Other ideas: a postpartum massage gift card, a virtual lactation consultation, or even an encouraging voice note. And of course, a diaper subscription—one less thing for them to worry about in those blurry, beautiful, exhausting first months.

If you’re unsure how to help, ask them who their main support person is and offer to support them as well. A partner, grandparent, or close friend who is actively helping the new parent could also use a meal, a check-in, or an extra set of hands. When the support system is cared for, the new parent benefits, too.

Professional support matters, too Sometimes, the best support comes from trained experts. A night nurse can help with infant care—feeding, diaper changes, soothing—so parents can get much-needed rest. A postpartum doula, on the other hand, offers holistic support, focusing on both the baby and the birthing person. "A postpartum doula supports the emotional, physical, and practical needs of the parent—offering lactation guidance, meal preparation, and holding space for their recovery," Latham explains.

Other valuable resources include lactation consultants for breastfeeding challenges, pelvic floor therapists for postpartum recovery, mental health professionals specializing in postpartum emotions, and local or virtual parent support groups. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness—it’s an act of care. As Latham puts it, "New parents need care, too. The more supported they feel, the better they can care for their baby."

Take care of yourself In the midst of caring for a newborn, it’s easy to forget yourself. But your healing, your rest, and your emotional well-being matter just as much as your baby’s needs. "Building your birth village, stocking up on nourishing foods, and setting boundaries around your postpartum experience can make all the difference," Latham advises. This means planning ahead—who will help with meals, who will take over while you nap, what kind of support you’ll need to feel truly supported through this transition.

Finding small rituals to ground yourself can also be a lifeline. "Taking a hot shower when I needed a reboot helped me feel more human," Latham shares. Journaling can also be a powerful way to process your emotions. “I often encourage my clients to keep a fourth-trimester journal, where they can document their emotions, little moments of joy with their baby, or even just what they need support with,” says Latham. “It helps new mothers stay connected to themselves, to witness their own transformation, and to track their healing journey with gentleness and compassion. Over time, these words become a powerful testimony of resilience and love.”

Most importantly, give yourself permission to ask for help. "We were never meant to do this alone," Latham reminds us. Whether it’s reaching out to a friend, joining a support group, or seeking professional guidance, leaning on others isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s essential to your well-being.