Postpartum support
A New Family is Born
Just when you thought you’d reached the summit, you discover this was only base camp—and the summit is somewhere off 18 years or so. In most cultures, the events of childbirth also offer a respectful period that honors this great life-changing transition. The family is surrounded by helpers and relieved of all duties that aren’t related to survival and bonding. On average this period is about six weeks, and in our culture is defined as the postpartum period. We now know that really, it can take up to a year for a family to adjust to the changes—for men and women to become parents and find a rhythm with their new being. And in our culture, families face the challenges of spread-out-communities and relatives, social beliefs about “productivity” and “getting on with things” and an economic system that does not support integrating family and work and offers little support for parental leave.
But with a little planning, there are still creative ways to build your support network and ensure that you have adequate help to meet your needs through the 4th Trimester. With love, cooperation, understanding and patience this time can be one of the most special and bonding times of a new family’s experience.
Postpartum support also includes:
- Breastfeeding Basics
- Creating a postpartum plan
- For the dad
- For the mom
- For the family
"The Fire Within"
by Mara Friedman
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