Woman explains why a particular text message is the best gift for a friend who just had a baby

A newborn is always a cause for happiness. However, while everyone celebrates, this period isn't easy for mothers in their postpartum. They may be adorned with gifts, but what they really need is someone who can help lessen their burden. Cameron Rogers, who goes by @cameronoaksrogers on Instagram, shared the best thing one can do for a new mother. She shared a text template she sends her friends who are new mothers and swears that it is the best thing one can offer.  

In the video, she is seen sitting in her car, saying, "I get asked a lot, what is the best gift you can give someone postpartum? I'll get a message, 'My friend just gave birth I don't have a kid yet. I don't know what to give her...' The number one thing is always food, but this is my number two." She says that if the new mom is geographically close to you, this is the best gift to offer. 

She admits that she would have never known to send this type of message or "offer this kind of thing" before she had kids. She adds that she felt apologetic because she never showed up for her friends earlier and never understood what they were going through. "So this is now something that I offer my friends, especially for their first," she says. Rogers then shows a screenshot of a text message she sent her friend. It reads, "Good morning love! I am yours from the hours of 12 to 3 tomorrow so please let me know how you would like to use me."

She continues, "Here are some options: 1. I come while you hang with the baby and I do laundry, bottles, cooking and buy and put away groceries. 2. I come and take care of the baby while you sleep in your room alone or you go do something by yourself or you guys go out to lunch the two of you without the baby." Next, she gave the option to take her friend for lunch, with or without the baby or to just sit on the couch and chat or watch a funny movie with the baby. She ends the message with, "You can decide whenever you want just let me know!" She captioned the post, "My favorite way to show up for postpartum friends. So many of you asked for this to live somewhere permanently, so here you go!"

People on the platform loved what Rogers shared. @jessi_deveuve commented, "Yes! Also, I had someone reach out and say I’d love to make a meal, planning to bring it over on Monday if that works. Here’s a list of things I could make, tell me what sounds best… 1. roast chicken and potatoes, 2. salmon with dill and orzo, etc etc, etc… it was so nice to say yes Monday works and I’ll take the option." @emilymacekduh wrote, "Love this. One other option that I would have loved postpartum is a friend to come over and watch the baby while I shower/get ready and then take cute pics of me and baby together." @daynuhreese expressed, "I’m 21 weeks and this made me bawl my eyes out. You’re an amazing friend. This is just lovely."

@serenizzzle shared, "I also always wished someone would walk our German shepherd for us! I was healing so I couldn’t and my husband was busy helping take care of me and baby and toddler." @eatwhatfeelsgood said, "This right here. Be specific in your offers of help and you will exponentially increase the likelihood that they’ll take you up on it and that they’ll really feel the impact and benefit of it. I’ve said, 'Hey I’m making you dinner this week, Monday or Wednesday, soup or enchiladas?' They’ll never answer if you say, 'Let me know if you need anything.'”

You can follow Cameron (@cameronoakrogers) on Instagram for more content on motherhood and her life.