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As a new mom, being a recipient of meal trains was the biggest blessing coming home from the hospital. I was in the hospital for a week, and hospital food is well, hospital food. It kept me alive haha. Our friends from our Bible study all signed up to give us meals on mealtrain.com having homemade meals was the best! During my pregnancy, I often was so mentally and physically fatigued that I opted for meals via DoorDash. Let me tell you, eating fast food got really old really fast.
I knew about meal trains for years, but I didn’t think much of them until I was receiving them. Providing meals for a new mom is one of the biggest ways to help out. So many people will say, “let me know if you need anything” and of course, this is all fine and dandy, but actually finding something for someone else to help you out with is cumbersome, especially when you are preoccupied with the baby and exhausted!
Coming home from the hospital with a newborn, life is so drastically different. Priorities shift and you find yourself struggling to feed yourself because you are so occupied with this new life in your hands. I found it near to impossible to cook and sit down to eat with newborn twins. We were so grateful for the support shown to us and our twins! Not to mention not having to worry about what we would cook for dinner. Meal trains are a wonderful way to bless parents welcoming a new addition to the family.
How to Set Up a Meal Train for New Moms
If you’ve never set up a meal train before, it may feel a little intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. The first step is choosing the right platform. There are several online tools designed specifically for meal trains, like MealTrain.com or TakeThemAMeal.com. These websites make it easy to set up a calendar, let people sign up for specific days, and even share dietary preferences or allergies. Using an online platform keeps everything organized and eliminates endless back-and-forth messages.
Next, think carefully about the new mom’s actual needs. How many meals per week would be most helpful? Are breakfasts, lunches, or dinners most useful? Are there dietary restrictions to keep in mind? Clearly outlining these needs makes it easier for volunteers to plan and ensures that the meals are genuinely helpful rather than overwhelming.
Clear logistics are essential for a smooth meal train. Include details such as drop-off times, preferred packaging (reusable containers or disposable), and storage instructions. Let helpers know whether the meals should be ready-to-eat or need reheating. The more specific you are, the easier it is for everyone involved, and the less stressful it will be for the new mom.
Variety in the meals is also important. Even though the goal is simply to provide food, offering different types of meals keeps it interesting and ensures the new mom gets balanced nutrition. Encourage volunteers to rotate between soups, casseroles, salads, or even breakfast items. Homemade meals are wonderful, but store-bought or prepared options work just as well, especially for those who are short on time.
Finally, don’t forget to express gratitude. A simple thank-you goes a long way. Encourage the new mom or family to show appreciation to everyone who participates. Small gestures like a thank-you note, text, or even a photo of the meal can make volunteers feel valued and motivated to continue helping. Gratitude also strengthens the sense of community around the new family.
A meal train is more than just food. It’s a tangible way to support a new mom, show love, and help her navigate the early weeks of motherhood with a little more ease. With thoughtful planning, clear communication, and a community ready to help, you can make the postpartum season a little brighter, one meal at a time.
5 Tips for Providing the Best Meal for a New Mom:
1. Coordinate with the new parents.
Mealtrain.com makes it easy to know what the family’s dietary restrictions are. If the family isn’t signed up on the website, make sure to check with the family (well before the baby is born) if they have any allergies or dietary restrictions, or if there are any foods they do not like. For example, I don’t like spicy food, curry or seafood. On Meal Train’s website, you can view what times are best to drop off a meal.
2. Get disposable containers.
This makes moms’ lives so much easier. This way they don’t have to worry about washing the containers and getting them back to you, and you don’t have to worry about getting your favorite baking dish back. Aluminum foil pans are a great option because you can bake and serve them in the same container.
3. Consider breakfast.
Dinner is great but adding in breakfast for the following morning adds a special touch. Making breakfast can help mama feel empowered to kick start the day. Instant pot egg bites or overnight oats are a quick and easy breakfast to make.
4. Write out a simple menu.
If you made a casserole for example, the recipient may not know everything that is included in the casserole. Take a small index card or piece of paper and write down the name of the dish, and highlight the dish’s main ingredients.
5. Don’t forget dessert!
I was not expecting to get dessert along with the dinners our friends were making us. It was such a special treat! You can also kill two birds with one stone by making lactation cookies, not only are they delicious but they also help to increase breastmilk supply. Check out my recipe for the best chocolate chip lactation cookies.
I hope you found this article and are inspired to make a meal for a loved one!
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