Allthingssurrogacy.org is a great resource for surrogates and intended parents alike. Among their informative articles is Surrogacy Postpartum: Tips for Friends and Family Members, in which they explain some of the unique challenges of being a post-birth surrogate and help debunk common myths. The article also compiles a spot-on list of how to help the surrogate (and her family) during this time:

• Help out at home. She won’t have a baby to care for, but she will still be recovering from birth. You can help out with household chores (dishes, laundry, vacuuming) or caring for pets.
• Casseroles. “The staple of helping out, everywhere.” A home-cooked meal goes a long way in showing that you care. The family is spared from having to cook or having take-out again.
• Help out with the kids she does have. Driving her kids to school/scheduled activities or taking them on a special outing will give her a little time and space for recovery.
• Keep her company. The surrogate will benefit from socializing, and her support people (partner, extended family, etc) will be able to take some time to themselves.

Read the full article here.