If your friend is facing an unexpected pregnancy and you’re looking for ways to support her, thank you. Your support will mean the world to her.
However, you’re probably wondering how to best support her. While there are many different ways to support your friend right now, strategically narrowing your efforts can help ensure that she receives the help she needs.
Read on to learn more. Or, if your friend is looking for free pregnancy resources and help, encourage her to contact Avenue Women’s Center to schedule a confidential appointment.
Be an Active Listener
Facing an unexpected pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but actively listening to what your friend is going through will help her feel supported.
Active listening goes deeper than just hearing what your friend is saying. Active listening is about helping your friend work through her thoughts and feelings.
The following strategies can help you actively listen to your friend:
- Listen without distraction. Listen without looking away (at a TV, phone, etc.) when your friend is talking.
- Respond with summary statements. After your friend shares what she’s thinking and feeling, summarizing your friend’s words can help her feel heard and understood.
- Ask her follow-up questions. For example, if your friend says she’s feeling anxious, you can ask her to pinpoint what makes her feel anxious. This will help her go deeper and work through her emotions.
Help Her Get What She Needs
Another essential way to help your friend feel supported is to help her get what she needs—whether that’s researching next steps, helping her schedule pregnancy services, providing transportation, etc.
At Avenue Women’s Center, we provide free pregnancy services, resources, and information to help your friend have everything she needs to stay healthy and be informed.
Your support is essential for your friend—but you two aren’t alone. We’re here to help. Encourage your friend to contact us today to schedule a free, confidential appointment, or give us a call together!
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.