When it comes to making your lady swoon you might just have to rethink your game plan when your baby comes along. Children have a funny way of shaking things up in so many ways. What once made her giggle and smile might now be considered irritating or even offensive. Life has changed a lot for you both but romance is still as important as ever.

If you want to make a new mum smile there are some really easy ways to make this happen. Most of them do not cost a penny and they will give her a spring in her step, a reason to feel happy and as a consequence life will be infinitely better for you too. Forget happy wife happy life – this is a happy mum and you’ve totally won!

These five gestures are simple, romantic and will make a new mum smile for sure!

1. Making sure that this new mum knows that there is no pressure to “get back out there” in any shape or form is incredibly romantic. Being the force that encourages her to heal after the birth, spend time bonding with the baby and just do what feels natural to her is one of the nicest things you could do for her. This acknowledges that you know how much she has been through physically and emotionally and that you really care about how she adjusts and heals in the aftermath.

2. Feed her. There is no better way to a new mums heart than through the beauty of being handed some kind of food. It can be as simple as offering to make some of her favourite meals or by picking up some of her most loved treats and snacks. Just watch her eyes light up and thank me later.

3. Doing things around the house without being asked. Quite often a new mum will try to be all things to all people and function as she did before when that is completely unrealistic. The focus is now on adjusting to life with a tiny baby and anything that lightens the load will make her smile. Think ahead and remember that something as simple as unpacking the dishwasher in the morning or putting away some clothes could make a huge difference to her day.

4. Be her gate-keeper. This is especially important when the baby first arrives. Talk about this before the baby comes but ensure that visitors only arrive when they are welcomed. This new mum needs time to heal, adjust and get to know her baby. She may also receive some resistance or unwelcome comments about how she responds to her babies needs. At this vulnerable time, she needs you to have her back and remember that you are a team that knows what is best for your baby.

5. Tell her she is doing a good job. You have no idea how transforming that can be. Simply telling her that she is a rock star for giving birth or breastfeeding is so powerful for her sense of self. It will help build her confidence during this vulnerable time. You might know that she is amazing but she needs a regular reminder.