My Dh was deployed during my pregnancy/delivery and first 4 months of our DD1's life. I could not have made it without the help of family and friends!

So, I always try to do what I can to help new moms. It's already been mentioned to pass along your baby items and I think that is a great and generous idea.

But, I appreciated a few other things that I try to pass along depending on my budget.

- When making up meals for my family I make an extra portion for the new parents and freeze in FoodSaver bag. Then I can bring a hot meal to them on their first night home as well as some that they can keep frozen for whenever needed. Since I just make a few extra servings of what I'm already planning the cost is minimal.
- I also try to stock up on things new moms need when I can get them free or almost free (thanks Walgreens!) such as diapers, wipes, tylenol and the ever important gas drops which I had no clue I'd be needing until my cousin told me all about baby gas.
- I try and make a small diaper cake with these goodies (size depends on my budget) as well as my favorite hints (gas drops!!), websites, freebie/coupon sign-ups and such that I have found really useful
- I also include "coupons" that I think will help out but don't cost me much - such as coming over to watch the baby while the new mom showers/cleans, etc, dinner, or just bringing coffee and conversation to the new mommy when her family leaves and she is left alone with her new baby fr the first long stretch of time. Also, if there is an older sibling- a coupon for a day of either sitting the baby so mom and older child can go out or taking the older child somewhere special so he can get a break from the baby

Even if you don't want to spend any money- I found all the new mom advice/freebie info and conversation with a grown-up to be so special. Even that phone call to check -up on me was priceless during those first few weeks so I really try nad keep them in my thoughts