How to Best Support an Outdoor Mama
I vividly remember the early fall day when my husband and I found out we were pregnant with our son, Indy. We had just experienced the summer of our lives, filled with loads of hiking, mountain biking, trail running, backcountry camping… and getting married, to boot! In fact, we were soon to depart on our honeymoon to hike a 120-kilometre backpacking loop in the Chilean Torres del Paine National Park.
At the sight of that positive pregnancy test, I was overcome with shock. I felt completely blindsided by this unplanned and unexpected turn of events, and feared for the implications it would have on our fun-loving lifestyles.
Nonetheless, I was able to resurface with the help of my community. The following list includes ways in which my loved ones supported me in my transition to motherhood - with an outdoor twist. Having benefited from them myself, I try my best to implement these actions with any new mamas I know or meet. I highly encourage you to do the same!
Check in.
Becoming a parent can cause a major shift in identity. It certainly did for me!
Call, text or arrange a visit to check in with the new parent. Ask how they are doing, and listen attentively and open-mindedly to their response. Every experience is unique and every emotion is valid, so I encourage you to show compassion and empathy towards whatever it is they may be communicating with you.
Make the invitation.
It meant the world to me when our friends invited us to stay at the Conrad Kain Hut in Bugaboo Provincial Park with a once three-month-old Indy. Although the trip was a success, the invitation alone (coming from our baby-less crew) felt like the real highlight.
All that to say: Continue to ask the new parent if they would like to tag along! They may decide not to attend for one reason or another (fair enough!)… but trust me: They will be delighted to feel included.
Offer a hand.
The few times that we considered joining our friends for a canoe ride down the Bow River, they would immediately jump to ask how they could make it a reality. Whether that involved figuring out car seat logistics at the take-out/put-in or moving the start-time to accommodate bedtime, they were so considerate.
So if the new parent accepts your invitation, make sure to ask how you can help lessen their load or ease their experience. In addition, try to be patient and adaptable as they may need to stop often or change the plans to address their baby’s needs.
Gift an outdoorsy gift.
Instead of showering the new parent with stereotypical gifts akin to those off a “What to Expect” baby registry, think of gifting them something conducive to their future adventures as a family. For instance, we were surprised with an Osprey Poco Plus Child Carrier before Indy’s arrival and a Thule Double Chariot before Eden’s arrival.
Yes, these items are pricey! But if you organize a group of friends and pool in your money to make the purchase, it becomes totally feasible. You end up spending the same amount of cash you would spend on any knick-knack, and the new parent receives a highly-functional item that perhaps they could not singlehandedly afford… but will truly enjoy!
Contribute to a meal train.
After welcoming Indy and Eden to our world, we were adjusting to new realities. It was such a blessing to receive fresh, healthy meals night after night from our friends, family and neighbors, in order to focus all our energy on our little one(s) and spending time outdoors with them.
Start up a meal train and send out invites to the new parents’ circle of loved ones. Make sure to clarify the following:
Do they have any allergies/dietary restrictions? If so, abide by those!
At what time do they usually eat dinner? Ensure it is delivered punctually.
Is a visit appropriate with a meal drop-off? Some may love welcoming visitors inside their homes, while others may prefer a door drop-off for privacy. Either is totally fair!