8. Plan a "mom shower" for about a month after the baby's birth. (Where is it written that the baby should get all the gifts?) Some possible "mom shower" themes? Home spa, healthy treats, fun reads, and pure indulgence.
9. Offer to play social secretary, setting up a steady -- but not overwhelming -- stream of visitors for the first few weeks after baby's arrival.
10. Toss in a load of laundry each time you walk through the front door (and fold the load of clothes that comes out of the dryer at the same time).
11. Call your friend whenever you're heading over for a visit to see if there's anything she needs while you're out.
12. Bring your friend a basket that's overflowing with yummy -- and healthy -- munchies: fresh fruit, dried fruit, bottled water, herbal tea, low-fat cheese, whole-grain crackers, and other delectable choices.
13. Offer to take care of her older children. That way, she can take care of the baby -- and possibly catch up on her sleep -- while the big kids can enjoy an outing with you.
14. Be her Girl Friday. Return those overdue library books. Take the dog for a walk. Pick up a quart of milk at the corner store.
15. Think of other things you can do to make her life easier. Does she need help addressing her baby gift thank-you cards? What could else could you do to make a huge difference in her postbaby universe?
Page 2 of 3
