It's great to have family and friends involved. Here are some things they can do that are helpful for you and your new baby:
- Call before they visit to arrange a time that is good for you and keep visits short. You need your rest!
- Vacuum, dust, do laundry, prepare a meal or bring a casserole
- Take care of your other children so you can rest
Your other children may take a little while to adjust to the new addition in the family. Friends and family can help by:
- bringing a small gift or treat for the child
- reading a book or playing a game
- helping them make something for the baby
- hugging, cuddling and playing with them
- teaching them how to be an older brother or sister and how they can help the baby
- taking your other children out somewhere special (i.e. park, library, dinner, movie or ice cream)
If you already have enough "baby stuff", friends and family can bring gifts such as:
- a frozen or prepared meal, and/or fresh fruit
- baby book and information
- telephone certificates to keep close to long-distance friends and family
- a prepaid roll of film for pictures of baby, siblings and family
