What Baby Needs vs. What Mom Needs
When you’re getting ready to welcome a baby, it’s easy to get caught up in the gear—bottles, bassinets, swaddles, and all the tiny things. And while those items can be helpful, the truth is, babies don’t need much to thrive.
But too often, in the flurry of baby care, we forget about the one who just gave birth. The one who is healing, shifting, and holding it all together. While babies are at the center of the story, moms need to be seen too—because their needs are just as real, and often far more complex.
So let’s take a closer look at what both baby and mom truly need in the days and weeks after birth.
What Baby Needs
To be fed
To be changed
To be loved
To be safe
Babies have simple, sacred needs - to be nurtured, held close, and cared for with love and intention.
What Mom Needs
Emotional support
Postpartum can feel lonely, overwhelming, and wildly emotional. Moms need more than a quick "you’ve got this." They need someone who will sit in the messy middle with them. Someone who can validate the tears, the fears, and the joy all tangled together.
Physical support
Her body just went through something big. Whether a vaginal birth or a C-section, healing takes time. She may feel sore, bleeding, leaking, and exhausted. She needs help with the everyday things and space to rest and recover.
Spiritual support
Many moms crave a deeper grounding in this season. Prayer, worship, and reminders of purpose make a difference, especially in the middle of long nights and uncertain days.
Ask for specific prayers requests
Send her bible verses
Start a prayer circle
This kind of support can anchor her in the hardest moments.
Mental support
From identity shifts to mood swings and postpartum anxiety, mental health matters. Moms need check-ins, counseling, and space to process how they’re feeling.
We always recommend setting up postpartum counseling during pregnancy. Having support already in place makes a huge difference when the time comes and everything else feels overwhelming.
A Hand to Hold
Sometimes nothing needs to be said. She just needs someone by her side. Someone to wash bottles and pump parts, refill the water, or simply be in the room so she doesn’t feel alone.
Hydration
It’s basic, but easy to forget. Healing and feeding another human requires water—lots of it. Having a water bottle always within reach is a small thing that makes a big difference.
Warm meals and proper nutrition
Warm meals help with recovery, milk supply, and energy. Not sure where to start? We love postpartum meal services like Restorative Roots that deliver healthy, nourishing meals right to her door.
Use code CHOOSEJOY to get 20% off your first order of $200+
Nutrient replenishment
Pregnancy and birth deplete the body. Moms benefit from intentional replenishment with vitamins, minerals, and foods that support recovery and hormone balance.
Rest
Sleep is not optional—it’s essential. Switching off with a partner, asking for help, hiring a night nurse, or working with a sleep coach are all ways to get some rest.
Help around the house
Laundry, dishes, and groceries pile up quickly. Taking these tasks off her plate lets her rest and recover instead of pushing through.
Time to heal
She doesn’t need to bounce back. She needs to slow down. Healing takes time—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Giving her space to adjust to her new role is one of the greatest gifts.
Breastfeeding support
If she chooses to breastfeed, she needs more than just latch tips. She needs real-time support, someone to check in, troubleshoot, and remind her she’s doing a great job.
If needed, we have an in-house IBCLC, and also provide a helpful Lactation Guide for just $4.99 to support moms through the journey.
Respected boundaries
Every mom needs space and peace. Boundaries protect both. It’s okay to say no, limit visitors, and communicate clearly. Setting expectations before the baby arrives can help everyone stay on the same page.
For more guidance, check out our blog on visitor rules.
Safety
Feeling safe isn’t just physical. It’s emotional and relational too. A mom needs to feel secure in her environment so she can show up fully for herself and her baby.
When moms are supported, babies thrive. Caring for a newborn will always matter—but if we want healthy babies and flourishing families, we have to start by pouring care into the mother.
For more tips, explore our other blogs or follow us on Instagram at @choosejoynursing.
