08/06/2025
I was visiting a fried who is recovering from major surgery. She has a meal train going so was set on food so I offered to pick up coffee or a beverage.
She gave a very specific order; Mad Anthony Wayne Cafe Decaf Iced Mocha with Ost Milk.
I loved the specificity of that order! It was exactly what she wanted and no problem for me to get. In fact, I was delighted by the specificity because it felt like I was getting g her exactly what she wanted in that moment.
When someone is recovering from major surgery or experiencing a major life transition like becoming a parent it is importantly to:
👉Set up support structures to help with food, cleaning, pets, transportation. Whatever you need!
👉Ask for what you need/want and be specific. People vary in things like their need for social connection connection and privacy. Let your friends and family know your needs and preferences so they don’t have to guess.
👉Have a list of things you can ask people for when they say,“Let me know if you need anything!“ Little tasks add up. It can really lighten the load to have people help you. The individual task they do is no big deal for them Individually but those acts will make a difference for you.
People want to help and support. The clearer you can be about how they can support you, the easier and more enjoyable postpartum (or post surgery in my friend’s case) can be.
