Published April 17, 2025

What To Say to Newborn Parents: Supporting Their Postpartum Journey

Welcoming a new baby — whether it’s a baby boy or girl — is a truly special milestone. It’s a time filled with love, excitement and plenty of new experiences. But it also comes with challenges, especially during the “fourth trimester” — those first 12 weeks after birth that bring big changes for both baby and parents.

This early stage is full of tender moments, but it can also feel like a lot to handle. Sleep is scarce, emotions can run high, hormones are firing, and the responsibility of caring for a newborn can feel overwhelming.

That’s why offering the right words of support matters. Whether you’re writing a baby shower card, sharing a kind message on social media or speaking with a new mom or dad in person, your words can bring comfort and encouragement when it’s needed most.

In this blog, we’ll share thoughtful ways to support new parents — helping you offer love, understanding and reassurance as they navigate the early days with their little one.

The Fourth Trimester and the Postpartum Mental Health Journey

The “fourth trimester” is a time filled with excitement, but also immense changes. Parents adjust to new schedules, new roles and often, new challenges. The emotional toll can sometimes be underestimated and many new parents experience feelings of exhaustion, anxiety and even sadness. Postpartum anxiety or depression is common, affecting first-time parents and seasoned parents alike.

The pressures to be the “perfect” parent can sometimes take an emotional toll. For new moms, in particular, the stress of sleepless nights combined with recovering from childbirth can be difficult to handle. It's important to acknowledge these challenges and offer reassurance that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed during these early days.

By offering heartfelt messages like, "You’re doing an amazing job," you show the new parents that their hard work is appreciated. After all, the early days of baby care are often as much about emotional support as they are about the little one’s needs. Be sure to check in regularly and ask, “How are you really doing?” to open the door for deeper conversations about mental and emotional health.

What To Say to New Parents To Show Support

When you want to offer those new baby wishes to new parents, it’s important to focus on words of encouragement that make them feel seen and heard. Here are some thoughtful things to say:

“Congratulations on the arrival of your beautiful baby!”

This simple phrase acknowledges the joy of welcoming a new baby into the world. It’s a phrase that exudes warmth and celebration.

“Your little one is lucky to have such amazing parents!”

This type of message reinforces the idea that the new parents are doing a great job, boosting their confidence and morale.

“Take all the time you need to adjust. Parenthood doesn’t come with a manual!”

This reminder helps parents realize that there’s no rush to “get everything right” and that parenthood is a learning process. By acknowledging the journey they’re on, you create space for them to breathe and go at their own pace.

“Sending you all the love and happiness as you begin this amazing journey with your new baby.”

Sharing words of love and positivity, especially when they come from the heart, can go a long way in easing any stress the parents might be feeling.

“Your baby’s name will bring so much joy into the world. You are going to be amazing parents.”

Acknowledging the new baby's name adds a personal touch and helps parents feel seen as individuals with a growing family.

What Not To Say to New Parents

While positive words and warm wishes are important, being mindful of what not to say to new parents is something to be mindful of. Well-meaning comments can sometimes make them feel misunderstood or judged. Let’s look at some phrases to avoid:

“Enjoy every minute.”

This phrase can unintentionally create pressure, as the reality of newborn care is often filled with sleepless nights, difficult feedings and emotional ups and downs. A more supportive alternative could be, “It’s okay to feel exhausted. You’re doing amazing.”

“Sleep when the baby sleeps.”

This advice, while well-intentioned, can frustrate new moms and dads, who are overwhelmed with other tasks. Suggesting this might come across as dismissive of their more complicated reality.

“Are you breastfeeding?”

Feeding choices are highly personal. Whether it’s breastfeeding, formula feeding or a combination, it’s important to respect a parent’s choice and refrain from passing judgment. Instead, consider offering support such as, “I hope you're feeling supported with feeding. Let me know if you need anything!”

Rather than focusing on advice that may not resonate, focus on showing love and understanding. A phrase like, “I’m here if you need anything at all,” can be more meaningful and helpful for over-exhausted moms and dads caring for their little bundle of joy.

Supporting New Parents Through Action

Sometimes, good wishes and kind words aren’t enough — new parents often need practical support from a family member or good friend. Offering tangible help can make a world of difference.

Offer to help with meals or chores: When a new baby arrives, there’s often little time to cook or clean. Offering to bring a meal or help with household tasks can take some pressure off new parents.
Offer childcare or babysitting services: If the parents have other children or simply need a break, offering to help with babysitting can give them much-needed rest.
Provide emotional support during tough moments: A simple “How are you really doing?” can open the door for new parents to share their emotional struggles. Listening without judgment can be incredibly helpful as they process the changes in their lives.
Check in after the baby’s birth: The days and weeks after the birth of a new baby can be exhausting and isolating. Regular check-ins let parents know they have a support system beyond their immediate family. A text saying, “I’m thinking of you and the little one today,” can be a great way to remind them that they’re not alone.

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Special Considerations for Different Parenting Situations

Understanding that new parents might be dealing with a range of emotions is crucial. Some parents may feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for a newborn baby, while others may be struggling with their own emotional well-being. Here are some additional considerations:

Parents of multiples: Caring for twins or triplets can be exhausting. Offering specific support, like running errands or helping with the baby’s laundry, can alleviate some of the pressure.
Parents with postpartum mental health struggles: For new moms and new dads struggling with postpartum mental health, asking, “How are you really feeling?” can help them open up about their struggles. Offering resources like postpartum support groups or encouraging them to seek professional help can show you care.
Fathers or non-birthing parents: While the focus often falls on mothers during the postpartum period, fathers or non-birthing parents also experience a range of emotions as they adjust to their new roles. Offering support for these parents and acknowledging their contributions to the family is just as important.

How Meghan Trainor Is Keeping It Real About Motherhood

When you’re navigating the early days of parenthood, it’s easy to feel like everyone else has it all figured out — especially when your social feed is full of picture-perfect nurseries and smiling baby giggles. That’s why it’s so refreshing when someone in the spotlight opens up about the real, raw and relatable parts of raising a newborn baby.

Enter Meghan Trainor.

The singer, songwriter and now proud new mom has been candid about her experiences with birth, postpartum recovery and the emotional rollercoaster that can come with being a first-time parent. In her interviews about the realities of new parenthood, she opens up about her C-section, her struggles with sleep and mental health and her commitment to being present for her little one.

Her willingness to talk openly about the less-glamorous sides of parenting helps normalize the experience. It reminds young parents, grandparents and anyone supporting a growing family that the hard days are just as valid as the joyful ones. Meghan’s honesty is powerful — because when public figures speak up, it makes it easier for others to do the same.

At Bobbie, we’re here for this kind of transparency. Our mission has always been to support families with real stories, practical advice and encouragement that comes from a place of understanding. Whether you're writing a new baby card, offering warm wishes at a baby shower or simply checking in on a friend in the early days of parenting, being honest — and compassionate — can go a long way.

Parenthood Made Easier With Bobbie

Becoming a new parent is a huge adjustment that requires patience, support and understanding from loved ones. Every baby and every parent is unique. Showing up with empathy and kindness is our best advice and a great way to help them through those early days and beyond.

Want to support postpartum parents? Explore Bobbie’s resources for real advice and practical ways to offer support. Your actions, big or small, can make a world of difference.

The content on this site is for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Discuss any health or feeding concerns with your infant’s pediatrician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay it based on the content on this page.