New here so I hope this is the right place

[OliviasMommy09]

So my friend asked me to be there when her son is born. He has some health issues and will be taken to surgery right after he is born. My question is, how do I help her cope with not even getting the time to nurse him or hold him? I know how to help her through the labor, mine was a doozy so I had tons of practice, but I just don't know how to help her through the after part. My daughter had surgery when she was very young, but I got to take her home a few days later. Her son will be in the hospital for roughly 3 months. :( I know to let her cry, or vent, but I know she will want insight, and other than telling her that she is able to go through it, I don't know what to do.

[OliviasMommy09]

Forgot to mention, her water just broke. I live near the hospital where she is to deliver, but she lives two hours away so she's in an ambulance so I am waiting for word that she arrived before I head up there.

[CookAMH]

That's tough. I'm glad you can be there for her. I would imagine that just that fact will do wonders - you being there. Just be there. Offer massages (ie like foot massages, hand massage), take her cues on how much to talk, don't be afraid to give her space and go down the hall for a little while. But mostly, just your presence will be so comforting to her.