How to Create Your Village After You Give Birth
When I got pregnant with my first, eight of my friends were pregnant at the SAME TIME! I felt completely confident that I had a village! We would have baby playdates, take walks in the park, and text during night feeds. Little did I know that we would all be sleep-deprived and unable to practically support one another with meals or help with the baby. Walking with other moms at the same stage is incredibly valuable, but your village canât consist solely of those at the same stage of life.
Being a new mom is one of the toughest gigs out there. The sleepless nights, the endless feedings, the emotional rollercoaster đ˘â itâs a lot. But hereâs the good news: you donât have to do it alone. Creating your village is essential to navigating this new chapter.
In this blog post, youâll learn
Who to add to your village
How to find local mom groups
Thinking outside of the box to create your village
Family and Friends: Your First Line of Defense
Letâs start with the obvious â family and friends. These are the people who love you unconditionally and want to help. Donât be afraid to reach out and ask for specific support. Whether itâs a home-cooked meal, a few hours of babysitting, or just someone to talk to, let them know what you need. Remember, they want to help, and sometimes they just need a little direction on how to do so.
Postpartum Providers: Your Professional Support Team
Next up, postpartum providers. This includes lactation consultants, pediatricians, therapists, and, yes, postpartum doulas like myself. These professionals are here to support your physical and emotional well-being. Donât hesitate to book that consult call, ask questions, and use their expertise to make your transition smoother. Trust me, having a professional on your side can make all the difference.
Local Mom Groups: Finding Your Tribe
Local mom groups are another fantastic resource. Whether you find them through social media, local community centers, or parenting websites, these groups offer a sense of camaraderie and shared experience.
So many moms have created local communities sharing all the best kidsâ events, playgrounds, and more in your area. Search Google or social media with keywords like Kids in (Your City Here).
Check out your local library or community bulletin boards for meetups and events.
Some of my favorite local groups that have chapters all over the country include:
Church: Leaning on Your Faith Community
If youâre part of a church, donât overlook the support they can offer. From meal trains to prayer groups, these communities can provide both practical help and emotional support. Join a small group or create your own!
Hobbies: Connecting Through Shared Interests
Donât forget about your hobbies. Whether itâs a book club, a knitting group, or returning to your gym membership, continuing with your interests can provide a much-needed sense of normalcy and joy. Plus, itâs a great way to meet other moms who share your passions. These connections can become a vital part of your village, offering both social interaction and allowing you to remember who you were before you became a mom.
Thinking Outside the Box: Creative Ways to Build Your Village
Lastly, think outside the box. Maybe thereâs a local business offering postpartum fitness classes, or a neighborhood group hosting potlucks. Online communities and virtual support groups can also be a lifeline, especially if youâre in a more remote area or during times when in-person meetings arenât feasible. Get creative and look for support in unexpected places.
Start Your Own
If youâre having a hard time finding a group in your area, start your own! You can start a chapter of an established group or create a group based on your interests. Youâll never know unless you try.
Ready to Build Your Village?
Now that you have a roadmap, itâs time to take action. Building your village isnât just a nice-to-have â itâs a necessity. As a postpartum doula, Iâm here to help you create the support system you need to thrive in this new chapter of your life.
Feeling overwhelmed? Letâs chat. Book a consult call with me, and together weâll tailor a plan that fits your unique needs and helps you build the village you deserve.
âď¸Youâve got this, and Iâm here to help every step of the way.
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