Resources Beyond 555

Resources to support the postpartum period,  job uncertainty, Health insurance concerns, and maternal mental well-being. Here we go:

• Building A Strong Support Network:
  • Connect with Other Moms: We encourage new mothers to join safe and nonjudgemental local mom groups, online forums, or support groups to share experiences and learn from each other. Before joining, check the groups guidelines (all good groups have them) and that will give you an idea of how serious the admins are about your safety and comfort.
  • Family and Friends: Keep family and friends close and well-informed about the challenges of postpartum periods. Share the FOZA Podcast and other resources that offer practical and affordable help for moms with tasks like cooking, cleaning, or childcare. 

Meeting Mom’s Needs:

• Sharing Resources and Educational Materials: Help your friends and family understand what new mothers might be going through. Help them build empathy and reduce stigma by making them aware of common mental health challenges.
• Organizing a Meal Train: Set up a meal train for the new mother. This allows friends and family to provide home-cooked meals, easing the burden of daily cooking during the postpartum period.
• Helping with Errands: Offer to run errands such as grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, or handling other tasks that may feel overwhelming for a new mom who is already stretched thin.
• Providing Childcare/Petcare Assistance: Offer to babysit. Take the older children or pets for a few hours to give the new mom some much-needed rest or personal time. It allows her to recharge and reduces stress.
• Sending Her Encouraging Texts or Notes : Sometimes, a simple text or a thoughtful note can mean a lot. Sending a quick "How are you today?" or “I’m thinking of you” can provide emotional support, especially when new moms may feel isolated. And guess what? If you are so inclined …a handwritten note is even more appreciated.
• Offering Help with Housekeeping or Gifting a Cleaning Service: Offer to help with light house cleaning or organizing tasks that may feel too overwhelming for a new mom. Helping with these chores can allow her to focus on bonding with the baby and healing. If you have or know of a reliable cleaning service, consider making a gift of their services to the mom.
• Being Flexible with Plans: Understand that the new mom's schedule may be unpredictable. Offer flexibility by being patient when making plans and allowing her to take breaks when needed. Avoid putting pressure on her to "bounce back" quickly.
• Respecting Boundaries: Be mindful of the mother’s need for space. Sometimes, offering a visit and allowing her to choose the timing can show respect for her emotional and physical boundaries. Respect her decisions and her newly forming “mother’s intuition”. If she concerned, but you as an “old hand” don’t see a need for worry…express your experience without making her feel inept.   
• Encouraging Time for Self-Care: Help the mother schedule moments for herself. Encourage her to take small breaks for self-care, such as a short walk, a bath, or just some quiet time alone to recharge. Don’t be pushy, but do try to get her to take advantage of the opportunity to receive help.

How’s the Partner Communication?: Encourage open communication between partners regarding roles, responsibilities, and expectations. Be specific, grateful and graceful…not everyone does things the way you might do it.

• Clear Role Definition

• Discuss and define each partner's roles and responsibilities, ensuring there’s clarity on who is responsible for what, especially when it comes to household tasks, childcare, and emotional support.
  • Set Realistic Expectations
• Be open about what each partner expects and what is realistically possible given the circumstances (e.g., lack of sleep, postpartum recovery, work schedules).
  • Check-in Regularly
• Have regular check-ins to discuss how each partner is feeling, what is working, and what might need adjustment. This can be a short weekly conversation to keep everything on track.
  • Create a Shared Calendar or Task List
• Use tools like shared calendars or apps to keep track of important dates (e.g., doctor’s appointments) and responsibilities (e.g., feeding, cleaning, or work shifts). This can help reduce confusion and prevent tasks from slipping through the cracks.
  • Recognize and Address Burnout
• Be mindful of each other’s physical and emotional well-being. If one partner is feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to acknowledge it and offer help. Don't wait for exhaustion to force a conversation.
  • Be Flexible and Adaptable
• Understand that plans and roles may need to change, especially when a baby or other life events come into play. Stay flexible and open to adjusting roles as needed to meet new challenges.
  • Share Emotional Responsibilities
• It’s important that both partners feel they can express their emotions and that their feelings are valid. Ensure that there is room for both partners to talk about fears, stress, or any concerns related to parenting or personal feelings.
  • Support Each Other’s Needs
• Acknowledge that each partner may have different needs—some may need more physical support, while others may need emotional encouragement. Be willing to help each other in ways that feel fulfilling to both partners.
  • Avoid Assumptions
• Don’t assume that your partner knows what you need or how you’re feeling. Be clear and vocal about your needs and listen to what your partner is communicating as well.
  • Divide the Labor Fairly
• Be mindful of the emotional and physical workload. Ensure the division of tasks, such as childcare, cleaning, and work responsibilities, is fair and balanced to prevent one partner from feeling overwhelmed.

 

• Access to resources and services: Many new mothers may be aware of mental health support resources but hesitate to take advantage during the postpartum period. Friends and family can help by (while always respecting boundaries) do the research to help mom align safe resources. Avoid simply handing over a list which in itself can be overwhelming. There are hundreds if not thousands of Maternal Mental health support organizations to help new mothers become aware of therapists, counselors, or support groups specializing in postpartum mental health. Check out
• Tele-Therapy: Promote telehealth options for mental health services, which can increase accessibility for mothers with limited transportation or logistical challenges. 
• Lactation Consultants: Connect mothers with lactation consultants to address breastfeeding concerns and challenges. 
• Postpartum Doulas: Recommend postpartum doulas for physical and emotional support during the postpartum period. 

• Promote open communication and self-care:
  • Listen and validate: Create a safe space for new mothers to express their feelings and validate their emotions. 
  • Encourage self-care: Remind mothers to prioritize their well-being by getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in gentle exercise. 
  • Normalize asking for help: Emphasize that it's okay to ask for help and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. 
  • Address postpartum depression: Encourage new mothers to seek professional help if they are experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression. 
• Organizations and resources:
  • Postpartum Support International (PSI): A valuable resource for finding support groups, peer mentors, and other resources. You can find their website at postpartum.net 
  • March of Dimes: Offers resources and support for parents throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. You can find their website at marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/postpartum 
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): Provides clinical guidance and resources on postpartum care. You can find their website at acog.org 
• Consider the 5-5-5 postpartum rule:

This rule suggests 15 days of rest for moms following childbirth – five days in bed, five days on the bed, and five days around the bed. 
 
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.