We’re all struggling to stay positive and care for ourselves these days. If you have a friend or relative who is pregnant, the stressors and pressures of our pandemic world can feel even more intense. It’s only natural that you would want to help this individual by providing some extra support and comfort right now. Of course, doing so in the age of social-distancing can also be a challenge, which is why you need safe and practical resources like the ones below.
Offering Comfort From Afar
Whether you live far away or just want to be mindful about social-distancing, there are still quite a few safe and effective ways to support a pregnant loved one.
● Acknowledge some of the emotions your loved one may be experiencing. Feeling a sense of loss due to missed experience is intense and difficult.
● If your loved one is grieving the absence of a baby shower, you could always put together a virtual baby shower with some of her closest family members and friends.
● Then you and other shower attendees can send perfect shower gifts to your loved one.
● Soft and soothing clothing can provide additional comfort for your loved one.
● Also, think about including a few luxe self-care items for the mom-to-be.
Providing Emotional Support
Planning a virtual shower can help your loved one feel less alone while social-distancing but there are also other ways you can ensure she is caring for her mental health. Pandemic stress and anxiety can be especially hard for expectant mothers.
● If it seems like your loved one is having a hard time dealing with stress, anxiety, or other pandemic-related feelings, you can gently offer a few online resources.
● You can reassure them that professional counseling sessions can be very productive and supportive.
● Self-care apps like Calm and Headspace can also help your friend relieve stress.
● Sometimes finding the right words to support a friend can be very challenging. Focus on listening rather than offering advice. If you need help getting started, read this.
Helping Out With a New Baby
Supporting your friend during pregnancy can help alleviate some pandemic stress but it’s also
important to continue checking in and offering help after the baby is born.
● Send gifts of food, whether it’s via gift cards or a meal train, to show support.
● If you do organize a meal train for your loved one, be sure that all of the participants are prepared to offer contact-free drop-off and to follow other pandemic-safe practices.
● Thoughtful postpartum gifts are another way to show new moms in that you care.
● We know no one wants to schedule another ZOOM meeting, but a virtual happy hour can be another safe and supportive way to stay connected. Your recently postpartum friend would surely benefit from the face-to-face time.
● Send the ingredients for mocktails over if your friend is abstaining from alcohol.
Whether your loved one is going through a pregnancy or dealing with the new responsibilities of being a parent, she may be even more stressed and worried about the pandemic. You can help ease some of her anxieties by providing gifts, support, and love that don’t require you to put anyone’s health at risk. Remember, just showing up for your friend is what’s important.
Guest Blog by:
Emily Graham
