what do for a friend with a preemie?

[scotia]

A friend of mine on the other side of the world just gave birth at 24 weeks... I am so so far away, but am aching to do *something* for her and her family.  Does anyone have suggestions?  What did you/would you have liked to have received that would have been of any help?  Her husband's family is local, so I'm sure any stuff they actually need, they will have taken care of.  I guess I'm thinking more care package kind of stuff.  Any thoughts?  Thanks in advance. 

[MeepyCat]

Hi Scotia. I know you posted this ages ago - I hope my answer can still be useful.

The distance makes this a little tougher. It costs so much to ship most stuff. Calling her parents might be helpful though, if she's close with them, and some of this depends on budget. It would be awesome, for example, if you could pay for a cleaning service or send them gift cards for local restaurants, particularly those that deliver. (And be careful with the cleaning thing - some people find it invasive.)

A birthday card for the baby would be great - isolettes wind up decorated with these things, and seeing he cards and well wishes on my DD's isolette helped me feel that our family wasn't alone in caring for her. I still have all that stuff, and I'll pass it DD when she's older. If you're artistically inclined, you could make a fancy name card.

Hats, blankets and preemie-sized clothes are startlingly helpful for making the baby seem more real.

Gift cards fr groceries or gas.

Hand lotion and lip balm in travel sizes.

Water bottles. A big cozy scarf or shawl for mom.