Meal train

vulpini

Has anyone participated in one or been on the recieving end? What is the general etiquette around them? Do people just drop food off or do they expect to be invited in and stay a while (how long?)?

MrsAlliKat

I've brought meals and had it both ways. One time I brought over the food, saw the baby and then left right away. Another time I was invited in to visit and held the baby while mom and dad had dinner. I think it really depends on the parents, how the day is going, and likely who is bringing food as well.

fishwife799

I have a friend who doesn't like a lot of people around so I dropped the meal off and said hi to baby without asking to hold him. Then went on my way. When I had DS a lot of my friends dropped and left but the ones I was closest to stayed longer and visited. It depends on the person and how close you are to them. If you aren't sure you can always ask there person.

splsmama2016

My friend had her son 6 weeks early (tough boy ripped his placenta open!), and I offered to make them pans of different casseroles to hold them over till they were in a good groove. They welcomed me to stay for dinner one night, but I needed to get home.

I've also heard from friends that have participated elsewhere that the new parents where a bit overwhelmed but very thankful for the meals, and so they didn't stay or hold/see baby.

AmberLiz99

I'm in charge of arranging meals foot new moms through my church. And I've received them with both my kids. It just depends if you're close to the person you're taking food to. Most of the time people will drop it off, leave it on the kitchen counter and be gone. If it's a good friend and they have time and it's a little early for dinner, they sometimes stay for a minute and see the baby, talk, etc.

marriedtoadutchman

I think it depends on how close you are to the friend. I have brought lots of meals but would bring the meal and then leave right after, some close friends friend I would have a quick little cuddle with baby and then leave. With family I tend to stay a bit longer, but I have never stayed for dinner. Could be Bc I have my own family and just need to get home though.

VikingGirl12

I've been on the giving end several times. Definitely don't make one for yourself! If someone makes one for you, great!
Typically people will offer to bring you lots of meals, it's ok to accept. Just never ask

AshleyBKeen

I set up meal trains for my church, too, for new moms, elderly folks and people who have had major surgery/illness/loss. In my experience, going or staying is at the discretion of the recipient. Most people say thank you and get on with dinner. Some moms want to show off their new babies, some elderly people want to visit and tell you about themselves (particularly if they don't often get guests) and some people who have experienced loss need a friend to listen for a little bit. In the end, a firm "thank you" and "Baby's sleeping" should be enough for most people to get the "thanks for coming, now g'bye" picture.

vulpini

Thanks ladies

HeartLikeMine3

I think it all just depends on the personality of the person dropping off and you. Some expect to get to hold the baby and talk and others drop off and hit the road. That was my experience from when I had DS. I'm not very good at closing someone off especially after they've cooked me a meal.