[samlittlewood]

For friends and family of newborns:

Hold the advice unless it is asked for (and don't be offended if it is then ignored)

Looking after the baby may not be what the new parents would prefer you to do. Offer to do chores - laundry, shopping, bins, cleaning etc. Don't be offended if they also take the opportunity to sleep.

If you are giving presents - include something that is purely for the mum that is not related to motherhood - great book, fave. magazines, skin care makeup etc. as appropriate.