What Friends
Need to Know...
Remember that the new parents are probably exhausted. Day is night and night is day. "Sleeping like a baby" often means 2-3 hours per night with a newborn!! Although they will be so thrilled for you to meet their newest family member, that visit does not have to happen in the first few weeks. When you do visit, they will enjoy your visit most if it is short and sweet. Some new parents are not comfortable having everyone hold their new little one yet, so if they do not ask if you'd like to hold the baby, be respectful and do not insist. You can gently ask, but be perceptive to their comfort level. If there is a WhatFriendsDo.com team page for the family, be sure to check there for meal deliveries rather than just showing up with food. You will also find food restrictions there that the new mom may have, so you can adjust your menu accordingly.
Advice is free, but not everyone wants it. There are as many different styles of parenting as there are recipes for spaghetti sauce. New parents are likely to need advice and need guidelines - but let them ask you if they want your opinion. All the well-meaning lectures from experienced parents can be more exhausting than 2 a.m. feedings. If you can just be a friend and empathize with the new parents, chances are you will be the one they do turn to when they have questions.
" Everybody can be great … Because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A sould generated by love. "
–Martin Luther King, Jr.
