Question:
I am throwing a shower for my best friend who is pregnant and just had a liver transplant. Unfortunately, we just found out that she can not attend due to her health. She lives out of state but still wants us to hold the shower. Any advice on how to handle this situation and the shower? I've tried to find information regarding how to host a shower when the mom-to-be can't be there but can't find anything. Thanks.
Answer:
Dear Laura,
My warmest wishes to you and to your dear friend who is pregnant post-transplant. You're in luck, because hosting a virtual shower is easy to set up and is the prefect solution for your special circumstances.
Learn how to set up a virtual shower using a webcam at "How to Plan a Successful Online Baby Shower"
The cost of the feed is reasonable and well-worth every penny if it means getting this special Mom-to-Be connected with those who love her.
Pay special attention to the section entitled "Setting Up An Online Baby Shower." You'll see how easy it is to coordinate in just a few short clicks.
You might also want to take a look at some of the party suggestions I recommended to Stacy because some of those ideas could work well for you, too. Especially the post-natal phase when your friend is a new mom and feels well enough to show off her newborn. That day, along with her shower day, will be etched in memory for a lifetime!
You can shop for low-cost equipment (if needed) at stores such as Office Depot, Best Buy or Staples to name a few. You can check with these retailers online, too, if you prefer to buy in cyberspace.
Creating and Sustaining Intimacy At A Virtual Shower is Key:
One-to-one webcam "interactions" and presentations where shower guests talk to Mom-to-Be and read their "advice to mommy" cards to her will take center stage at this shower.
Since this event will be Virtual, each phase of the shower needs to be done in such a way as to maintain that sense of closeness and intimacy between Mom-to-Be and the shower guests. Orchestrating each phase of the shower may mean that you'll want to make the shower a bit longer in duration if you are planning to host a lot of guests. Ask Mom-to-Be if there's anything special she'd like to do or see take place in the room and make sure to play that up to the hilt.
If you or any of your guests are wondering if your friend needs any special gifts given her high risk pregnancy, you can log onto this community blog called "transplant buddies" and ask the terrific contributors there to share any special gift advice they might have. You never know...they just might cover a base or two for you that no one else has thought about!
Thank you for your question and, as always, Happy Showering!
Susan "The Shower Diva"
Where Fun Reigns!™
