Call before you come.
I have read over and over that even showers as a new mother are hard to come by. According to the person, drop-by's may be acceptable; however, when there is a new baby involved, just call. Make sure the mother and the baby are having a good day, there are no naps that are needed (immediately anyways) and give that momma a chance to at least brush her hair.
Ask what you can bring.
It doesn't matter if you are bringing over the simplest things, like toilet paper. Maybe they have a Target shopping list already purchase at the nearest customer service counter. Maybe they are out of dish soap. The simple things are a really big deal if they are needed.
Bring food.
Food is typically a given when visiting a new mom. Need some ideas? Check out my post on what to bring a new mom (food wise).
Find something to do.
When there is time to lean, there is time to clean. But typically most new mommas have no time, so while you chat, scrub a sink. Fold a load of laundry. Do not expect you to be entertained by your host, and simply give a helping hand.
Don't stay too long.
Being a new mom is tiring (so I hear...), so do not stay too long. It is easy to expect on both ends that it has to be an all night affair; however, with guest after guest, allow for an understanding that this is a special time in a mother's new life where she can bond with her baby, not bond with every visitor.
