Building a Robust Support System as You Build Your Family
The best time to build your support system is before you need it.
A strong support system can help you feel more prepared, connected, and supported during pregnancy and postpartum.
The journey of building your family, spanning from your fertility journey to pregnancy and postpartum can be an intense time marked by major life changes along with joy and excitement. The perinatal period, which is the time from when you become pregnant up to a year after giving birth, is a period of transition and adjustment. The mother’s body will undergo many changes during pregnancy and a period of recovery after giving birth. Hormonal changes, shifts in mood and energy can occur, and in some cases, postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression can surface. Having a strong support system can make a positive difference in navigating the perinatal period and new parenthood.
As you anticipate shifts in your life and new needs that may arise, take time to consider the people and resources you would like to include in your support system.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Support System
Support can come from many sources during this time. A support system generally consists of family members, friends, partners, professionals, and community members.
Family & Friends: It is common for family members and close friends to be a source of support for expecting and new parents. They can provide practical support, like making meals, managing errands, or caring for older siblings. They can also provide emotional support, offering a listening ear and encouragement.
Partners: The partner plays an essential role in the pregnancy and postpartum period, providing support in infant care tasks, helping with household chores, and offering emotional support for the mother. Protecting emotional connection and having effective communication is vital to ensure both partners feel seen and supported.
Professionals: New parents may find support from professionals helpful in addition to support from loved ones. Doulas can provide help with planning for birth, infant care and supporting new moms with postpartum recovery. Lactation Consultants offer specialized support for breastfeeding. Mental Health Therapists can provide therapy for new moms experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety as well as couples counseling for new parents needing to revitalize their relationship.
Community Members: Many local resources in the community offer support for new parents such as support groups, parenting classes, and workshops. These resources provide ways for new parents to feel less alone and connect with other parents who may be experiencing similar challenges.
Plan for Support Before Baby Arrives
It is beneficial to establish a plan for postpartum support before the baby's due date. Considering the needs and boundaries you may want to communicate with your support system can also be helpful. The plan should be specific about who would be available to provide support and the type of support they can provide. For example, a friend could help coordinate a community meal delivery schedule for the few weeks after birth or a family member may help with handling household chores.
Some new parents may feel uncomfortable asking for help, but it’s normal and it shows that the parent values self-care, including the well-being of others around them.
Recognizing Signs of Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Issues
Though experiencing a range of emotions is a normal part of pregnancy and postpartum, it is important to be aware of signs of depression and anxiety during the perinatal period. Being aware of these symptoms enables loved ones and pregnant and postpartum women to recognize signs of perinatal mood and anxiety issues and seek help if needed.
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● Persistent sadness
● Hopelessness
● Overwhelming fatigue
● Irritability
● Withdrawing socially
● Difficulty bonding with baby
● Lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities
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● Uncontrollable worry
● Racing thoughts
● Worst-case scenario thinking
● Muscle tension and headaches
● Difficulty relaxing
● Nausea or stomachaches
● Panic Attacks
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● Obsessions involving fear or harm coming to unborn or new infant
● Compulsions meant to control or stop obsessional thoughts
● Avoidance of certain activities with baby
● Fear of harming the baby even if there is no desire to
● Difficulty sleeping due to obsessions and compulsive urges
It’s important to note that sometimes these symptoms can occur during pregnancy prior to postpartum. It’s important to reach out to a healthcare provider if you notice that these symptoms persist.
Whether you’re on your fertility journey, pregnant, or in postpartum, having a robust support system is vital for the well being of you and your family. Taking small steps to build your support system today can lay the groundwork for a future where you feel less alone and more equipped to navigate the journey of building your family.
Resources for Support
Postpartum Support International Support Groups
OC Navigator Resources for Pregnancy and Postpartum Support
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or Text: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
