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Moving away from friends, family and loved ones — be it for a new job, a relationship, or the desire for a change of scenery — can come with many challenges.
One common downside of a move is missing out on the monumental life moments of those closest to you, including weddings (or separations), school graduations, pregnancies and new arrivals.
Not being there to celebrate (or commiserate) in person with those you love during the entire process of becoming a new mom can leave you feeling isolated, lonely, and even guilty.
And while there’s no way to absolutely bridge the gap that being physically present offers, there are some fantastic ways to let those you care about know that they’re in your heart, even from many miles (or continents) away.
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Stream a Favourite Movie Together
One way to connect from afar is by setting up a standing movie night — in other words, stream a movie together online or host a watch party.
This way, you can relax together and enjoy a favourite movie that conjures feelings of nostalgia — all while chatting.
This is a great way to spend time together virtually and doesn’t involve too much energy.
A quiet, laid-back evening together once a week, or once every two weeks, is a great way to stay connected and let your expecting friend know that you’re there and still accessible, all while allowing them to stay in the comfortable surroundings of their own home.
Send a Surprise Gift
While you’ll most likely be ordering an item from the baby registry, sending a gift out of the blue is sure to pleasantly surprise your friend.
This is especially true if they’re having a challenging pregnancy with tricky days, including bouts of morning sickness.
A luxury gift basket is a great, practical surprise gift. Consider sending your friend a carefully crafted selection of high-quality — and adorable! — baby wares.
Canadian specialists Nutcracker Sweet Gift Baskets offer elevated baby-centric gift baskets, with shipping options across Canada and the U.S. They have a wide variety of options with gender neutral baskets, boy and girl baskets, and personalized baby gifts available.
There truly is something for everyone!
Create IOU Cards
Getting mail that isn’t bills, junk mail, or bank statements is always a nice treat.
Create a series of IOU postcards that can be used the next time you’re together.
Some ideas for your cards include doing the laundry, vacuuming the house, an evening of babysitting, or a spa day.
Order Food
Grocery shopping, meal planning and cooking can feel burdensome at the best of times — never mind when you’re growing a new person.
Help your friend by ordering groceries for delivery; include household staples (like milk, bread, and toilet roll) and a few indulgences.
Alternatively, send e-cards for their favourite takeout places.
Offer to Help with Nursery and Baby Shower Preparation
Yes, you’re not physically there, but you can still help your expecting friend by researching supplies for their nursery and helping them plan out ideas, order provisions or research themes for their baby shower.
Ask your friend (or the shower host) for a list of ‘to dos,’ and set up a group chat where you can share specific ideas.
Final Thoughts
Knowing where, when, and these Ways to Support an Expecting Friend from Afar can make all the difference.
If you’re unsure how to offer your support — ask.
Often reaching out and offering your help is all a friend needs to hear to know that you’re there for them.
