Spreading joy, not stress: 5 tips to support new parents this holiday season

New parents often experience a whirlwind of emotions during the holiday season. With the added responsibilities of caring for a newborn, the usual holiday hustle and bustle can become overwhelming.  

With the right support, new parents can navigate this busy time with grace and find moments of peace and joy among the chaos. By understanding their needs and wishes, you can make the holiday season a little less stressful and a lot more enjoyable for everyone involved.

In this article, we'll share five tips to support new parents during the holidays, providing guidance on how to offer help and understanding without overstepping boundaries.

1. Offer practical assistance 

Practical support can be a lifeline for new moms and dads, who often find themselves juggling countless tasks and responsibilities. Acts of kindness, like offering to help with household chores, running errands or childcare can provide much-needed relief. 

Meal preparation

Cooking can be a daunting task for new parents. Consider preparing a few meals that they can easily reheat. A home-cooked meal can be a comforting gesture and a time-saver. 

Running errands

Offer to pick up groceries or run errands for them. This simple act can alleviate some of the stress that comes with venturing out with a newborn. 

Childcare support

If there are older siblings, offer to watch them for a few hours. This gives the new parents time to rest and reset. They can also spend time focusing on their baby or breastfeeding in a calm, stress-free environment. 

2. Respect their space and privacy 

New parents often need time to adjust to their role and bond with their little one. Respecting their boundaries is central to your relationship with them. By honoring their space, you show understanding and empathy, allowing them to set the pace for interaction. Here’s how you can do this: 

Ask before visiting

Always check in before dropping by. New parents may not be ready for visitors, and it's important to respect their wishes. 

Limit your visits

Keep visits short and sweet. While new parents may appreciate the company, they also need time to rest and recover. 

Follow health precautions

With a newborn’s immune system still developing, it's vital to follow health precautions at the parents' request. This includes washing hands before holding the baby and avoiding visits if you're not feeling well.  

One common request from new parents is not to kiss their baby to protect the newborn from germs. Respecting this boundary is crucial for the baby's health and will avoid making new parents uncomfortable or upset.

3. Help simplify holiday experiences

The holidays often come with high expectations and established traditions. Help new parents simplify the holiday experience, so they can focus on what truly matters. 

Set realistic expectations

Encourage them to set realistic expectations for their family. It’s okay to skip certain traditions or scale back on holiday activities. 

Prioritize meaningful activities

Help them focus on activities that bring joy and connection, rather than stress. This could mean opting for a small family gathering instead of a large party.

Offer to host this year

If they usually host holiday gatherings, consider taking on that responsibility this year. Hosting can be stressful and relieving them of this duty can be a significant help.

4. Be supportive and understanding 

Holiday festivities often bring families together, which can create a wide range of emotions, from joy and love to anxiety and exhaustion. Your emotional support may help them navigate these feelings with a positive mindset. Being a compassionate listener can make a big difference. 

Listen actively

Sometimes, new parents just need someone to listen, hear their concerns and offer reassurance. 

Encourage self-care

Remind new parents to take care of themselves. Whether it's encouraging a nap or offering to babysit while they take a break, self-care is crucial for their well-being. 

Acknowledge their efforts

Celebrate their achievements and efforts, no matter how small. Acknowledgment can boost their confidence and morale. 

5. Educate and advocate for postpartum support 

Postpartum support is vital for the well-being of new parents. As a community, it’s important to share resources and provide information about local support groups, parenting classes or counseling services that offer additional care.

• Encourage parents to seek guidance from healthcare providers, especially for medical or developmental concerns.
• Be informed and educate yourself about postpartum challenges and mental health to better support moms and dads and advocate for their needs.
• Empowering new parents with the confidence to make informed decisions fosters a supportive environment.

Parenting & community resource offerings 

For expectant parents, connecting with parenting and community resources before welcoming a baby into the world is a helpful place to start.

At Gundersen Health System, we offer useful group programs to help parents-to-be throughout their journey. These offerings include Before Baby Wellness and Supportive Pregnancy Group Care at the Healthy Living Center. They serve as a gathering place for expecting individuals during pregnancy and beyond.

“Supportive pregnancy care is prenatal care with a small group of other people in similar life situations as you. It is a safe space to build connections with other patients and expand knowledge.” — Heather B. Riese, MD, Gundersen Obstetrics & Gynecology  

Our programs are inspired by decades of research that show more time with healthcare providers and connection with other expecting patients can lead to better outcomes for parents and babies. 

Contact our team at Gundersen  

• For more information about our programs, please reach out to your obstetrics and gynecology provider.   
• Ready to sign up now? The Before Baby Wellness group offers enrollment via MyChart or online registration. 
• If you're interested in learning more about the Supportive Pregnancy Group Care program, please fill out our interest form.

Final takeaways 

Supporting new parents during the holidays requires empathy, respect and a willingness to help in ways that truly make a difference. By offering practical assistance, respecting their privacy, simplifying holiday experiences and providing emotional and postpartum support, you create a nurturing environment that allows them to thrive. 

Remember, your support can lighten their load and make the holiday season a time of beautiful moments and togetherness. Let’s make it a memorable and positive experience for everyone.