This mom flew across the country for her postpartum best friend, and it’s the kind of village we all need

When Rachel Ritter flew across the country to surprise her best friend, Mia Walters, who had just become a first-time mom, she wasn’t just showing up for a visit—she was filling a gap that so many moms know all too well.

In an Instagram video that has over 700,000 views, Ritter captured the emotional moment when she arrived at Walters’ front door in Dublin, Ohio, after traveling from Colorado. The video shows Walters’ partner opening the door before Walters herself appears—visibly shocked and then bursting into tears as she embraces her friend.

“When you fly across the country to surprise your bestie who is 8 weeks postpartum,” Ritter wrote over the video.

It’s a moment that hit home for so many moms who know how isolating early motherhood can feel—especially when your closest friends or family aren’t nearby.

Related: Husband’s postpartum support checklist goes viral—but why isn’t this the norm?

Long-distance friendship hits different when you’re a mom

Rachel and Mia have been friends for over 15 years, but after becoming moms, the physical distance between them became even more noticeable. Early postpartum life is exhausting and overwhelming, and not having a nearby village to lean on makes it even harder.

In a comment on her TikTok video, Rachel shared:

“She is my best friend from growing up. We’ve been friends for 15+ years. This is her first baby and they are doing well!”

But even when things are going “well,” those first few months with a newborn are tough. New motherhood can feel incredibly isolating, and studies have shown that strong social connections improve mental health outcomes for moms. Having a friend who knows you and supports you—whether they’re down the street or across the country—can make all the difference.

And moms in the comments agreed:

• @thedaisy_twin: “This is so special and precious ♥️♥️”
• @hannah.vincent007: “We need more videos like this ❤️❤️❤️ 😍😍😍 my heart lit up seeing her reaction 🙌”
• @angiedenyse: “Such a blessing to have great friends. She knew her friend needed her.”

Motherhood without a village

There’s a reason the phrase “it takes a village” is so widely repeated when it comes to raising kids. But in today’s world, that village isn’t always local—or even accessible. More families are moving for work or education, and fewer moms are living near extended family or childhood friends. The result? Moms are trying to navigate the postpartum fog largely on their own.

A 2023 study from Pew Research Center found that 46% of new moms say they lack the support system they need in those early months. Having a friend fly in from across the country to provide emotional and physical support is the kind of gesture that so many moms dream of—but not all of them are lucky enough to have.

Related: 4-year-old’s raw photo of postpartum mom perfectly captures new motherhood

Why mom friendships matter

Friendship during motherhood isn’t just about emotional connection—it’s survival. Research shows that moms with strong social ties report lower rates of postpartum depression, less stress, and even better physical health.

When you have a friend who shows up, you don’t have to explain how tired you are or how hard it is to find five minutes to shower. They just get it. They hold the baby while you nap, make you laugh when you feel like crying, and reassure you that you’re doing a good job.

That’s why this video struck a chord with so many moms. It’s not just about a visit—it’s about someone knowing exactly when you need them most, even when you don’t have to ask.

For moms without a local village, a friend showing up at your door can feel like a lifeline. And for those who don’t have someone physically nearby, even a check-in text or a FaceTime call from a long-distance friend can be just as powerful.

Because the truth is, every mom deserves a friend who shows up—even if they have to cross state lines to do it.