A couple of weeks ago I was photographing a newborn session when I heard sobbing tears coming from my new mama.

One look at her and I completely understood where she was at. EXHAUSTED!

Having a newborn is joyful and amazing and exhausting beyond comprehension.

She was telling me she has never felt so tired and overwhelmed in her life.

Nine months of pregnancy, 18 long hours of labor, finished off with two hours of pushing…whew! That was just the beginning.

Next came the quick 24 hour hospital stay figuring out this new baby, getting a handle on nursing, no sleep, and an endless stream of well wishers who came to see the new baby and the mama

in the hospital.

Motherhood is hard and we aren’t always prepared for all those changes, adding in a dose of sleep deprivation and a wild range of changing hormones and you’ve got the recipe for a breakdown on your hands.

I know all my mam’s can relate to this, or maybe you’re a friend looking to help your new mama friend.

Here’s what she really needs.

Help. She need help. Someone to help with the dishes, the laundry, the grocery shopping. Anything!

Food. Bring lunch or dinner. Cook up some meals that can be frozen and thawed. Sometimes’ new mama’s forget to eat because they are so focused on their new baby.

A Shower. There were days I couldn’t remeber the last time I had an uninterrupted shower. Come over and give her 30 minutes to relax and unwind in a glorious shower.

A Nap. Ahhh! Sleep. Need I say more?

A Friend. AS impossible as it sounds, motherhood can be really lonely. There will be good days and bad days and sometimes we just need someone to tell us it’s going to be okay. You’re doing a great job. It’s totally ok to be frustrated, overwhelmed, and in need of a break. Hello? Adult conversation anyone?! So, wrap her up in your arms, see if she needs a hot cup of tea and a breath of fresh air.

What about you? What are some of the things you needed. Join in on the conversation.

Want more mama talk? Join us here! I’d love to have you.