Creating a Postpartum Support Network For New Moms

November 28, 2023

Estimated read time: 7 minutes

Let’s face it mama. We plan and plan when we’re pregnant.

We plan for the pregnancy, prepare the nursery, and plan the birth, some super organized mamas might even plan for things like daycare.

But one part of the pregnancy journey many of us forget to plan is life postpartum. Whatever kind of birth you have and however you feel after labor and delivery, we all need a new mom support circle to see us through those early days of breastfeeding, sleep deprivation, and exhaustion.

We understand how hard it can be to ask for help, but, as the old saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. And that village is also needed to hold a mother up. To see her through the challenges and the hard days, and to love and support her, even when she doesn’t ask for it.

We put this article together to help you assemble your support circle for your postpartum journey. Building postpartum relationships can be tricky.

Here’s how to assemble your support circle for life postpartum.

In this article:

What is postpartum?
Postpartum support for new moms
Creating a postpartum network

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What is postpartum?

Let's take a moment to focus on understanding postpartum. The postpartum period is when your little munchkin first enters the world and lasts the first six weeks or so after giving birth. Sometimes this time is known as the fourth trimester, and even though it can go by in a sleepy blur, it’s a crucial period for both you and your little one.

Now, while this is an incredible time for many new mamas, and you’re feeling blessed to be holding your precious bundle in your arms, it can also be – let’s face it – pretty dang hard. There can be a significant amount of coping with postpartum challenges.

First up on the postpartum journey for new moms is your body and your emotions go through a heck of a rollercoaster ride. You’re recovering from pregnancy and giving birth, establishing breastfeeding, discovering your new postpartum body, dealing with the massive hormonal changes, and taking care of a newborn on little (or no) sleep.

As well as common physical changes, such as bleeding, contractions (yep, you can still get those even after labor as your uterus contracts back to its pre-pregnancy size), swelling, sore Boobies, constipation, stitches, and a heck of a lot more, there is also the baby blues and, for some, postpartum depression.

Your time is so consumed caring for your newborn, and other children if you have them, that you have little or no time for yourself. Simple things like taking a shower, washing your hair, enjoying a hot meal, taking a snooze, or just having an hour to relax can go straight outta the window.

That’s why every woman needs a support circle to see her through those early weeks.

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Postpartum support for new moms

There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for creating a support circle. Every mama has different needs and preferences, and everyone’s family and friend group is unique. So it’s important to tailor your village to suit your situation.

One thing is for sure though, creating a supportive postpartum network has many benefits. We are going to help you with tips for building a postpartum community. Nurturing relationships in postpartum can help with your maternal mental and emotional health.

We’ve listed some suggestions on who you can reach out to make your postpartum journey a little easier. Here are some new mom support tips for you.

Creating a postpartum support network

1. Your Partner

If you live with your partner, their help will be crucial at this time. When partners are actively engaged, patient, and nurturing it can help ease the transition into parenthood. Have a chat with your partner and be as honest and open as possible. If you’re struggling, tell them. Even if you feel like you have everything under control, it doesn’t hurt to shift some of the responsibility.

If you’re breastfeeding, chances are you’ll have your little milk monster attached to your beautiful Boobies 24/7. Although this is your department, your partner can help by keeping you hydrated and nourished, making sure you’re comfortable, and taking the baby to burp and change them. If you pump, let them take the night shifts so you can get a little extra shut-eye and learn how to use the pump and sterilizer together.

This is a journey you started together, and your partner plays a core role in your village.

2. Your Immediate Family

If you’re blessed to be close to your immediate family (both emotionally and by distance), parents and siblings can contribute to your postpartum recovery.

Before giving birth, speak to your family about your postpartum plans. Let them know if you have any concerns about how you might cope and, together, put a plan in place. Whether that means asking them to prepare meals you can keep in the freezer, a rota for coming over and helping with your older children (if you have them), helping around the house, or being on hand to bring over groceries and hold the baby so you can shower, your family should be there to love and support you.

If your partner is returning to work after parental leave and you’re feeling anxious, make sure someone is there with you for the first few days. This can help ease you into your new situation and make you feel a little less alone.

3. Friends

Emotional support for new mothers is so crucial. Do you have a group of Breasties? Your Breast Friends should be there to offer you emotional support, help with daily tasks, and provide a listening ear. Your Breasties have seen you at your best and worst, and their friendship can not only bring over that frappuccino you’re craving but smiles and laughter.

Of course, everyone is busy with their own lives, but simple things like organizing a meal train, a drop-in rota, picking up older kids from school, or dropping off groceries can make all the difference.

4. New Mom Friends

When you're a new mom, every day can bring new questions and uncertainties. Is this normal? Am I doing this right? Having a support network of other new moms can be a game-changer. Sharing stories, advice, and tips can help navigate the challenges more smoothly.

Finding mom friends can be key to your motherhood journey. Building friendships as a new mom and connecting with other moms who are in your shoes can really help you through some of the challenging times you will face.

Whether you met a group of awesome new moms during birthing classes, or you’ve joined a new mom’s support group, going through the postpartum journey with other new moms can be a blessing.

You all know what each other is going through. Even if you all had different birthing experiences and come from completely different backgrounds, you are now mamas. And being a mama is being a part of the best club in the world.

From talking about breastfeeding and sore nipples and how many diaper explosions you’ve had to clean up, to weeping from tiredness and yearning for the days when your Boobies were your own, new moms can provide amazing support and these connections can be invaluable.

Local postpartum meetups are a great way to get community support for new moms, like joining a local mom group, but don't underestimate the power of online postpartum support groups that can provide virtual support for new moms. Joining postpartum communities online can be truly beneficial for moms who have a hard time getting together in person.

5. Postpartum Professionals

Don't underestimate the impact of professional support during those early postpartum days and weeks. They can provide postpartum guidance for new moms that you didn't even know you needed.

Consider including a postpartum doula, lactation consultant, therapist, night nurse, or even a nutritionist in your support circle. Yes, these can be an expensive addition, but these experts offer specialized guidance tailored to your needs, helping navigate the physical, emotional, and practical aspects of postpartum life.

Their expertise can address your concerns, offer practical solutions, and provide emotional support, ensuring you feel equipped to handle the challenges that arise.

It takes a village, mama

For both baby and you.

Motherhood is a journey that's both beautiful and challenging, and hopefully, these tips for building a postpartum support circle can help.

From sleep deprivation to hormonal changes, new mamas face a whirlwind of emotions and physical adjustments. And this is where your support village comes in. Old friends, new friends, family, professionals, and partners who can offer a listening ear, a comforting hug, a shoulder to cry, a hot meal, or a pair of arms to hold your baby can be a lifeline.

Knowing that you're not alone in your new role can provide a sense of validation and relief that's worth its weight in (liquid) gold.

At Titty City Design, we believe that every boobie is beautiful, and that should be celebrated. We are a female-owned and operated, small business here to spread self-love and body positivity with our line of boob apparel, boob accessories, and boob-themed decor and products for the home. A portion of our proceeds goes to help support postpartum people and breast cancer patients.