The Secret to Strengthening Friendships During Big Life Changes

Discover Why Stealing Your Friend's Last Slice of Pizza Could Actually Save Your Friendship, According to Experts! Hint: It's Not About the Pizza—Or Is It?

You've just spent the last nine months carting around a human bowling ball. Now that it's out, you're not quite sure what to do with yourself—or your friends for that matter. That time you spent faux-cuddling with your besties while they awkwardly reached around your belly is over, and now it's time to once again reclaim your social life. But the tiny human in the next room has other plans. How do you make sure you don't ghost your ride-or-die squad? Hang tight—I've got secrets to keeping your friendships as strong as (or stronger than) that high-waisted maternity underwear you’re still wearing.

Steal the pizza; don't steal the friend!

Your friends understood when you went MIA for a bit. They even forgave you for always being late to brunch because, "sensorial experiences were overloading your baby." Now, they might find it weird if you don't call, text, or send carrier pigeons at regular intervals. So what's the trick here? Besides the ultimate “pizza move,” it's about setting realistic expectations and being open about your current (somewhat chaotic) life stage.

Remember ladies, as important as it is to stay connected, it’s equally important to show your real self—not just the glammed-up Instagram version. If you need to let them see the 20-minute postpartum yoga workout you just

did in your Mum Tum leggings, that’s as real as it gets. Friends Who Change Nappies Together, Stay Together! Or... They’ll At Least Share Wine Afterward!

Think about it: you've gone through a major life event, and your friends might be silently wondering if you'll still be the same person. Perish the thought! To keep them feeling included—and to feel included yourself—invite them to partake in the chaos. Host a "Come Fold My Laundry" party. Provide wine. Encourage funny conversations that have nothing to do with your little one, like debating whether Ross and Rachel were really on a break. You'll win the bet that friendships, much like pairings of wine and cheese, only get better with age.

Now, to tackle the 400-pound gorilla in the room. Feel like you're the only one not reclaiming your pre-baby body? Honey, newsflash: everything in its own time! But if you want to feel snatched—even if just appearance-wise—try our maternity leggings when you're feeling reminiscent or our Mum Tum leggings for that tamed tummy look. Trust me, confidence has never been so comfy!

Prioritize, Don’t Compromise!

Real friends don’t need to be on-call 24/7, but they need to be prioritized like your favorite Taylor Swift track. Yes, your time is limited, but it's the quality of the time spent that matters, not the quantity. Fifteen minutes of authentic conversation over coffee (and yes, that could be via Zoom if you're still

crowdsourcing sleep-training techniques) can mean more than two hours of generic banter.

Talk openly about time constraints. Planning a girls' night out only to spend the next two to three weeks prepping for it might be the definition of "overkill" these days. Grabbing a quick coffee or indulging in a laugh-fest over the latest TikTok dance challenges? Perfect. That's how you tighten those invisible friendship ropes—yes, even if it's done virtually. Throw in sending some memes to brighten each other's day.

It's Not All About You—Get Creative with Bonding!

Think, no baby conversation. No diaper war stories. Keep it hush and don't let anyone overhear your baby talk as your only topic of discussion. Focus on your friends, their lives, their ups and downs, and just being there—even virtually. Suggest creative activities like a virtual wine-tasting night or an online painting class—the more hilarity potential, the better.

You may feel like your life is like a sitcom with an ironic laugh track some days. But guess what? In time, your friends might just love you more for it. Besides, if you can giggle at the chaos, they will too. And in fashioning bonds, no one expects you to be the “perfect” mom. Just aim to be perfectly human. Shop’em leggings to look snazzy while at it!

Sign off as if writing a love letter—because your friends deserve it!

Life changes, friendships grow, and let’s be honest, leggings become everyday wear—here’s to friends who become family, wherever life takes us, even when the only physical shape attainable seems elusive. Inviting them to live these chapters with you is the best highlight reel you’ll ever have.

Now, take a deep breath, steal that final slice of pizza, and toast to the beautiful, chaotic future of motherhood and friendship colliding head-on. And don’t forget your mom-friendly leggings, because let’s face it, there’s no need to sacrifice comfort for style—ever.

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