Is there a new mom in your life? Help to reduce the stress with these 10 great ideas

Becoming a new mother is an exciting time full of laughs and tears of joy. Becoming a new mother is also a scary time full of stress and many new worries.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Things like, are my dishes done, do I have food for dinner or did I catch the latest Grey's Anatomy episode are replaced with is my baby getting enough food, is that strange sound she's making normal and am I doing this thing right.

During this thrilling, yet exasperating experience new mothers can use all the help they can get. Whether you're a family member or a friend, here are some little things that can be done to greatly assist the new mother in your life.

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1. Offer to run some errands for her. Is she out of breast pads, or almost out of diapers? Offer to go out and pick those things up for her. Perhaps she needs to turn in a Redbox movie but the baby is fussy. Offer to drop it off for her on your way home. During the first few months, baby becomes priority number one. Think of things your friend may need and be the person to go out and get them so she can focus on baby and not the mundane necessities of life.

2. Drop off food. New parents don't sleep and certainly don't think about eating as often as they should. Remember that the next time you're planning to visit, and call her up and ask what she'd like to eat for lunch or dinner. After all it's important for new mommy to stay energized.

3. Ask what you can do to be helpful. Don't automatically run into the new mom's house and start tidying up; she might take offense to those type of actions. Instead, ask her if she needs anything to be done around the house. Ask her what you can do for her. She might ask for help with the laundry or dishes, but let that choice be hers.

4. Take pictures. From changing diapers to feeding the baby, the mother may not think about pictures all the time. Sure, she has pictures of baby's spit bubbles and first smile, but pictures of her and baby or even her, daddy and baby may not be so common. Go ahead and take some of those. Do not post them to social media without her permission though, simply send them to her in a text message or email. She'll appreciate it.

5. Get her out of the house. The four walls that encase new mother and baby may start to feel like they're closing in on her. Plan a baby-friendly trip for you and the new duo. Something as simple as a walk around the neighborhood will do her good. Keep it short and simple, and don't pressure her to go if she doesn't seem too interested.

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6. Don't stay too long. Company is wonderful, when it's wanted that is. Ask if it's a good time before you show up, and don't stay around the whole day. The focus won't be on you during the visit, and the new mother doesn't want to feel like she's hosting a guest. Pop in for a brief visit to see how your friend is doing and if she needs help. Fill her in on what's new with your social circle, assuring her she's not missing out. Then take your exit respectfully.

7. Bring diapers. Babies go through countless diapers a day. Making time to go to the store and pick some up isn't always the easiest task. Anticipate her needs; go ahead and bring over a pack of diapers (assuming you know baby's diaper size).

8. Take the big kids off her hands. If big brother or big sister exist, offer to take him or her out for a few hours. This will be a huge load off of new mother's shoulders.

9. Don't panic when the baby cries. Babies sleep, babies poop, and babies cry. A lot. Don't stare at her or get up and run to baby's beck and call. It isn't your place and will probably offend more than help your friend. She's doing her best and certain barriers need to be respected.

10. Come back. The new mother needs to know she hasn't lost all her friends. Having a baby is a big deal, and it can change a lot of things in a woman's life. She wants to feel secure with her friendships though. No one wants to lose friends because she's had a baby. Visit her more than once, call her, text, let her know you're still around. She might not always be able to reach out to you first; go ahead and be the one to reach out, even if it's always you first. You mean a lot to her still.

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