My best friend is set to give birth in a month, and she currently lives with her husband, her parents, and her siblings (who also have children). We’re Southeast Asian, so this is normal.
I want to be there to support her, but I’m unsure how – could I visit her weekly? Does bringing in packed nutritious food help? But she lives with her family, so do any of these matter?
I do not have children, so I don’t know how to go about this. She is also the first in our friend group to have a child.
I know I can ask her directly but the only thing she’s requested is for none of her friends to visit in the first month post-partum, just so that she has time to recover. Also, we’re not very good at asking for help so I don’t know if she’s holding back. She did say that she’d love for us to visit often afterwards though
What were some challenges you faced as a first time parent, and how did you wish your friends supported you through the early days of parenthood?
Some pointers would be helpful for my friends and I to prepare! Thank you
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I do think with so much family around she wouldn’t have trouble with food and childcare. But maybe what she’ll need is self care?
Can you find her a post partum massage she could go to? Or have someone come to her?
Or if nothing else go spend time with her. But don’t be surprised if she doesn’t want to. It can be overwhelming to have a baby and it can take some time to start socializing.