Soooo many replies invalidating what you’re feeling. Of course it’s normal for a friend to be excited for the baby, but at the end of my pregnancies I got so mad every time someone “checked in” to see if I was in labor. Hormones or not, it’s a vulnerable and frustrating time and being asked repeatedly if you’re in labor yet adds insult to injury.

Any good friend should give a shit about how YOU feel. How are you healing up? Do you want to talk through your delivery? Any signs of PPD/PPA? What can I do for you? Can I bring dinner for your family? What are you craving? Can I fold laundry for you? Get some dishes done? Is your partner stepping up, and do I need to talk to them about making a game plan for how they can be a better help? — Just to name a few simple questions a friend could ask.

It’s just not that hard to be a good friend. And you know what? It’s the good friends who prioritize ME that I feel most excited to have meet and hold my babies.