Pregnancy and becoming a new parent during a pandemic is a unique experience – some people are happy to be cozy at home and others really feel the sting of isolation. Fortunately, there are still plenty of thoughtful ways you can support an expectant mom in your life, ensuring she feels safe, special, and loved.
Guest writer, Emily Graham, has curated this list of resources to help you do just that!
Offer Virtual Support
Social distancing is the safest way to show your pregnant loved one TLC, but you can go virtual with your connection, too.
- Throw a virtual baby shower with friends and family (and pass around a baby registry link, too).
- Acknowledge your loved one’s unique scenario and let them grieve what they’re missing out on.
- Know the signs of postpartum depression and be on call (or reach out) to offer support.
Send Special Gifts (from a Distance)
Though it may not be possible to visit your loved one in the hospital or at the birthing center, sending a thoughtful gift is a great way to show your love and support. Consider these ideas for a special gift to mark the occasion.
- Stock her pantry with staples for optimal nutrition; you can order a grocery delivery that’s contact-free for safety; both the states and Canada have plenty of food delivery services available.
- Send the new mama a comfortable nursing nightgown to stay cozy during the quarantine.
- Gift mom a Kindle subscription so she can read (to herself and the baby) as often as she wants.
- Sign the new family up for a diaper subscription so they don’t need to run to the store for supplies.
- If they’re comfortable with the idea, hire someone to clean their house; keeping the house tidy will help eliminate any extra stress and anxiety that clutter can cause.
Plan for the Future
Helping your friend or family member plan for their baby is wonderful, but planning for the child’s later years is thoughtful, too. Think about these ideas for staying involved as the new baby grows.
- For US moms, add a savings bond to your baby gift; it will grow with the child over the years and help create a nest egg.
- In Canada, consider contributing to the child’s education fund.
- Help assemble a memory book that the new mom can keep as her baby grows up.
- Focus on maintaining your friendship in ways that support your friend or loved one’s new motherhood.
- Consider purchasing a WeeSleep package for the new parents – the gift of sleep is something the entire family will benefit from for years to come.
Pregnancy and childbirth have changed for many moms during the pandemic. Fortunately, with these resources, you can offer support and help the mama-to-be feel special despite this new normal. If you’re expecting or know a mom who is, visit the WeeSleep blog for advice and expert help with everything from pregnancy to childbirth and beyond.
Emily Graham is the creator of MightyMoms.net which offers a wide range of info tailored for busy moms — from how to reduce stress to creative ways to spend time together as a family. She believes being a mom is one of the hardest jobs around and wanted to create a support system for moms from all walks of life.