5 things you need to know before going to visit a new mum and her baby

Few visits are sweeter than calling in to visit new parents and see their brand new bundle of joy. 

I mean; the snuggles! That newborn smell! But much as your intentions are nothing short of pure and you come bearing gifts, it is important to keep in mind that there is a certain type of etiquette in place when visiting a newborn and his brand new mama. Unsure of that these unwritten rules are? Here are five important things to keep in mind before you knock on the new parents' door: 1. Don't arrive unannounced – ever. Always call in advance. Texts are even better. 2. Bring her a coffee and some food (both is best) As anyone who has ever lived through the newborn phase knows, there is little time for mum to prepare meals and actually sit down to eat. Especially is the mama in question in breastfeeding. anf find herself with a baby attached to her boob at all times. A kind gesture is to bring over something that is easy for the new mama to just stick in the oven and cook or re-heat, or several little meals she can put in her freezer and take out as needed. Oh, and coffee. If she has a Nespresso machine, bring her a stack of coffee pods - if not; I am sure a venti latte from your nearest Starbucks will go down a treat too. 3. Leave your own children at home This is especially crucial if you are visiting someone when they just arrived home from hospital. I can’t even begin to tell you how stressful it is having someone over if their child is racing around your house or sceaming. Or have runny noses and coughs all over your new baby. New mamas need a low-stress environment. Obviously; this will change over time, but for now, arrive solo. 4.  Wait until she hands the baby to you Look, we are all dying to get the hands on the baby – there is nothing like that baby smell, we know. But having brought home two newborns, I can tell you that new mums are extremely protective of their babies and sometimes don't want to give them up for others to hold – not just yet. Just be patient and wait until the new mama offers you to hold the baby. 5. Check in with her Of course we are all here to see the new baby – but keep in mind that the new mama you're visiting just went through nine months of pregnancy and giving birth and is now feeling all sorts of tired and overwhelmed and emotional, so make sure you check in. Ask her how she is feeling, and if there is anything you can do for her.