While we’ve had nearly a year to adjust to the changes brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, having a baby presents new challenges. Women who are pregnant have to worry about contracting COVID-19, surviving their pregnancy with limited social support, and staying safe at the hospital. If you know someone who is pregnant right now, check out the following budget-friendly tips to learn how you can offer your support!

Budget-Friendly Gift Ideas

You don’t have to spend much to make your pregnant loved one feel special. Stick to heartfelt gifts like comfy clothes or DIY baby blankets.

• Look for comfortable maternity clothes at budget-friendly retailers like Old Navy.
• Save money on your gifts with an Old Navy promo code.
• If you have a little more room in your budget, consider gifting a birthing workshop, breastfeeding class, or online birth course from Gold Coast Doulas.
• If money is really tight, make your own gift!

Give Your Time

Instead of showering your loved one with pregnancy gifts, offer your assistance with errands and household chores.

• Help your loved one plan their nursey and save money with DIY nursery décor. 
• If your loved one feels okay having you in their home, offer to do some cleaning around the house. 

Offer Words of Support

Even if you cannot visit your pregnant loved one at home, you can offer kind words and meaningful support over the phone or video chat.

• Ask her how she’s feeling and let her open up about her emotional challenges.
• Avoid saying anything judgmental or scaring your loved one with your own pregnancy horror stories.
• Instead, tell her she looks beautiful and that she’s going to be a great mom!

Keep it Up After the Baby Arrives

Many parents find that support tends to drop off a couple of weeks following the birth of their baby. This is a great time to check in and find out how else you can help.

• Hire a doula to offer support after the baby is born. Gold Coast Doulas offers Postpartum Doula experts, who help with night nanny, baby nurse, and post-birth recovery services. Similarly, you could arrange for a Sleep Consultation to help your family establish a customized sleep plan to help everyone get more restful slumber throughout the coming months. Both of these services offer invaluable support to new parents.
• Send her a meal delivery from a local restaurant — and save money with some simple hacks. 
• Call her to check in and make sure she isn’t feeling lonely.
• If your loved one is struggling with postpartum depression, learn how to help.

Pregnancy can be stressful, especially when you’re grappling with the challenges of having a baby during a pandemic. Women who are pregnant right now are facing considerable trouble accessing support and staving off loneliness. Be there for your loved one in whatever way you can!

Emily Graham is the creator of Mighty Moms. She believes being a mom is one of the hardest jobs around and wanted to create a support system for moms from all walks of life. On her site, she offers a wide range of info tailored for busy moms — from how to reduce stress to creative ways to spend time together as a family.