A Postpartum Doula’s guide to supporting new parents from afar.
Welcoming a new baby into the family is such an exciting time. Supporting new parents during this wobbly season is really important. Whether you’re separated by distance or other commitments like Christmas and the holiday season, there are still plenty of ways to lend your support and show you care. We want to ensure new parents feel loved and supported, reducing isolation is really important as they find their feet in parenthood. As a Postpartum Doula in Melbourne, often supporting new families who do not have close relatives nearby, here are thoughtful and practical ways to support new parents from afar.
1. Send Nourishment and Essentials
New parents are often sleep-deprived and feeling like there are 1000 things to do in a day, so providing easy access to meals and necessities can be a huge relief.
Meal Delivery Services: Services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, The Whole Bowl, Dinner Ladies or local meal kits can save them from cooking while ensuring they eat well.
Grocery Delivery: Arrange for staples like fresh fruits, vegetables, and snacks to be delivered.
Baby Supplies: Send nappies, wipes —practical items they will always appreciate.
2. Offer Emotional Support
Being a new parent can feel isolating, especially if they’re far from loved ones. Staying connected emotionally is key.
Check-In Regularly: A quick text or call can make a world of difference. Ask how they’re doing and really listen.
Virtual Meet-Ups: Schedule video calls to see the baby and catch up. Seeing a familiar, friendly face can be uplifting.
Send Encouraging Voice Notes: A simple Voice Note is such a nice reminder and check in.
3. Help With Practical Tasks
Even from afar, you can lighten their load by tackling small but impactful responsibilities.
Organise a Meal Train: Coordinate friends or neighbours to drop off meals on a schedule. This is totally FREE and can really bring their local community together.
Book a Postpartum Doula: You can locate and book a Postpartum Doula in most cities, purchasing a Gift Voucher, or a combined group with friends to pitch in and organise a Postpartum Doula is such a perfect gift of support.
Gift Cleaning or Laundry Services: Hire professionals to help them keep their home tidy without extra effort on their part.
Help With Errands: Many stores offer online ordering with local delivery.
4. Celebrate Their Journey
Be part of their joy, even from a distance.
Send Personalised Gifts: Custom baby blankets, photo books, or keepsakes create lasting memories.
Plan a Virtual Baby Shower: Gather family and friends online to celebrate and shower them with love.
Mark Milestones: Send flowers, a small cake, or a care package for their one-month or three-month milestone as a family.
5. Support Their Well-Being
Caring for a baby is physically and emotionally demanding. Helping parents prioritise their well-being is a wonderful gift.
Self-Care Packages: Include items like bath sitz, cosy socks, a good book, or a soothing tea blend for moments of relaxation.
Encourage Rest: Remind them to go slowly and encourage rest where possible.
Offer Parenting Resources: If they seem open, share helpful books, link to health professionals.
6. Respect Their Needs and Boundaries
Every family adjusts to parenthood differently, so make sure your support aligns with what they truly need.
Giving Advice: It is important to let new parents figure their own way of parenting through learning and bonding with their baby, of course they may reach out with questions and it is great to support with with sharing experiences, validating their feelings and hearing them out - without offering unnecessary or compromising advice and opionons.
Give Them Space: It’s okay if they don’t respond to messages right away—be patient and understanding.
Be Flexible: Be ready to step back or lean in as their needs change.
Why Your Support Matters
Parenthood is both a joyful and challenging journey, and even the smallest gestures of support can have a big impact. By showing you care in meaningful ways, you’re not just helping with the day-to-day—you’re strengthening your connection with the new family and reminding them they’re never truly alone.
I’d love to hear how you’ve supported new parents from afar. Share your ideas in the comments to inspire others! x
Hold The Mother is dedicated to honouring, and holding the Mother during life's biggest transitions. We are Melbourne based Postpartum Doulas supporting families within 30 minutes of Greensborough, Victoria.
We are deeply passionate about community building, connection and wrapping mothers in curated, accessible care. We have a range of services available to meet you at whatever stage you are at, supporting you on the mother of all journeys.
Postpartum Doula Support, Virtual Doula Support, Doula Mentoring, Postpartum Preparation Sessions, Mothers Blessings, Closing of the Bones Ceremonies, Events and Education Workshops, Social Events and Clubs.
For more information visit our Services page, and book in a Connection Call to explore how to work with us.
