While most expectant moms like having baby showers, pregnant mom Nia Lui (aka TikToker @nuilui21) enjoyed a different approach to welcoming her baby.
Lui, who is expecting her third child, went viral for celebrating what she calls a "nesting party."
As hostess, Lui ditched the baby games and unwrapping of gifts in favor of having her friends team up to help with preparations ahead of the baby's arrival.
She shared how this was achieved.
"So I had my nesting party last night instead of a baby shower and it was amazing."
"My friend Bree organized it. I sent her a list of things that I wanted to get done before baby came and she made little cards for each person to take to take on a section of the house."
The post was captioned with:
"Every pregnant mom needs a nesting party. If you’re pregnant and don’t want a baby shower, do this."
"If you have a pregnant friend, do this for them!"
Here is the TikTok clip.
Lui continued:
"I kind of took on more of a supervisory role, kind of telling people where I wanted things and what I wanted to do with things."
That didn't mean the occasion was all about business.
After all, it was still a party, albeit with a productive twist that attendees gladly participated in.
"We took a dinner break, ate some soup, some sourdough bread and treats, and just chatted about this baby and how it's going to be," said Lui.
The end result was a success and she gave her endorsement of the baby shower alternative.
"Everything was so clean and organized," she recalled, and said, "I feel so much more ready for this baby."
"Everyone brought freezer meals for me for postpartum and it was so much fun."
"I highly recommend the nesting party if you're getting ready for a baby."
The idea was a hit on TikTok.
@nialui21/TikTok
@nialui21/TikTok
@nialui21/TikTok
@nialui21/TikTok
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Some were bummed they missed out on the opportunity.
@nialui21/TikTok
@nialui21/TikTok
Others wanted to throw a nesting party even though they weren't expecting.
@nialui21/TikTok
@nialui21/TikTok
@nialui21/TikTok
In response to a viewer's question about how she managed to have friends get on board, she explained in a follow-up video:
"I don't like baby showers," she explained.
"I don't like being the center of attention. I don't like playing dumb games. I just don't. I don't."
"And this is our third baby. So we have everything."
"We basically don't need a lot besides diapers and wipes."
Here is her response video.
Lui was pleasantly surprised that her initial video went viral.
"I did not think it would take off like it has," she told Buzzfeed, adding:
"I’m glad that it has though, because the nesting party was so helpful to me and made me feel so loved."
Still, the nesting party idea wasn't for everyone.
"There have been a few negative opinions and comments about how entitled I must be to expect my friends to clean my house," recalled Lui.
"But they had all asked previously what I needed help with and what I needed to do to be ready for baby."
"So I think it was a great opportunity for them to know exactly what I needed and do it together."
Lui shared some tips for those wanting to throw their first nesting party.
"For the nesting party, make a list ahead of time, what you need to get done, and have them in order of importance."
"Break up the tasks between those who come, and then have fun."
"We were laughing and chatting while cleaning and organizing."
In conclusion, Lui expressed gratitude for the love she received from her friends.
"I am so grateful to be surrounded by such a great village."
"It has helped me so much, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally."
"Every mom deserves this kind of support."
