Everyone---and we mean everyone---is going to have to adjust when your baby is born. Your time and availability is not going to be what it used to be. Neither will

your energy levels. You’re going to need friends who have a thick skin and won’t take your time of getting used to things too much to heart. Sometimes support will

mean taking one of your calls and listening to you vent. Sometimes it will mean coming by and helping you clean up so that you can see the bottom of

your floors and kitchen sink again. Good friends know that there are sometimes seasons when one has to do more work than the other. You’ve been there for them. Allow

them to be there for you too. Even if they're just stopping by to drop off some flowers to brighten up your day.

When you’re adjusting to a new baby, even you don’t know what each day brings. Sure, you may be trying to put your son or daughter on a schedule, but

even that’s a process. Your friends will need to understand that you might be able to call them back in 15 minutes, or you might need to wait until the

next day. If they love you, they’ll be patient. If they really love you, they’ll text.

It’ll probably be a while before you’re ready to let someone watch your baby. We’re not talking about the newborn. We’re referring to your other children (if you have some).

Going from one child to multiple ones can be super-challenging. Anyone who is willing to take the older kids off of your hands for a few hours are the best

friends ever!

A doctor, a midwife, a doula or a mother. These are all priceless gems right now because when you’re learning how to adjust to your baby, good advice is always

welcome. If your friends fit into any of these categories, welcome them with open arms. Do set boundaries with pushy people, though. You need folks who will give you food

for thought without cramming it down your throat.

First seek to understand, then to be understood. A good friend gets this. They’ll know that you’re overwhelmed and that means sometimes you’ll be irritable, moody and not the best

company. They’ll also know that now is not the time to take things personally, but just to be by your side, even if it’s in spirit. A friend who says

“I’m here if you need me” and puts that on repeat a couple of times per week? That is a friend for life!