When visiting new moms, it's important to keep these suggestions in mind.
Consider keeping your visit brief. Because the stay in the hospital is usually just a day or two, brief visits have several benefits to the new family.

• New parents will be less exhausted, nurses can spend more time teaching infant care and new parents can spend more quiet time getting to know their baby.

• Because babies stay in the room with their mother, we ask that if your children are with you, please make sure they are well and have not been recently exposed to infectious conditions, such as the flu or the chicken pox.

When the family returns home:

• Families have shared with us that the following things really helped them in the first month after the baby was born:
• Bring over a few meals that can go from freezer to oven.
• Offer to drop by to do a few household tasks, such as the laundry, grocery shopping or housecleaning.
• Take care of the other children in the family for a few hours.
• Offer to baby-sit the new baby when the parents are ready for an evening out.
• When you call to check on the new family, ask how the parents are doing as well as how the baby is doing.
• Offer words of praise for the good job they are doing. All new parents, especially first-time parents, need support and encouragement.
• Offer advice only when it is asked for. New parents get so much advice that they often feel overwhelmed. Support them as they learn about their role and this new and unique baby. They will really appreciate knowing you support their decisions about how they care for their baby.