Your Postpartum Village: Why Support Matters
Bringing a new baby into the world is a transformative experience. Whether it’s your first child or your fifth, the postpartum period (often called the "fourth trimester") is a time of immense physical, emotional, and mental adjustment. While it can be joyful and rewarding, it’s no secret that it can also feel overwhelming. That’s where your postpartum village comes in.
What is a Postpartum Village?
A postpartum village refers to the network of people, resources, and support systems that help you navigate the early days, weeks, and months of parenthood. It’s not just about having extra hands on deck (though that’s certainly helpful!); it’s about creating a circle of care that supports your recovery, helps you adjust to your new role, and gives you space to bond with your baby.
Your village might include:
Family members or close friends who help with meals, errands, or childcare.
A postpartum doula offering hands-on support and guidance.
A lactation consultant or infant feeding expert to help with feeding challenges.
Mental health professionals to check in on your emotional well-being.
Other parents who understand what you’re going through and can share experiences (and laughs).
Why Does a Postpartum Village Matter?
In many traditional cultures, new parents are surrounded by extended family and community during the postpartum period. Meals are cooked, chores are handled, and the birthing parent is encouraged to rest and recover. While our modern, individualistic culture often lacks this built-in support, the need for it hasn’t gone away. Research shows that having a strong support system during postpartum can reduce the risk of postpartum depression, increase breastfeeding success, and make the overall transition smoother.
A postpartum village also provides a sense of connection. Parenthood can sometimes feel isolating, especially in the early days when you’re adjusting to sleepless nights and unpredictable routines. Having people around who understand and support you can make all the difference.
How to Build Your Postpartum Village
Plan Ahead: During pregnancy, think about who you can turn to for support. It might be family or friends, or it might involve hiring professional help, like a postpartum doula.
Communicate Your Needs: Be clear about how others can support you. Whether it’s holding the baby while you shower, dropping off meals, or simply being available to listen, let people know how they can help.
Tap Into Resources: Local parent groups, online communities, and postpartum professionals can all be valuable parts of your village. Don’t hesitate to reach out.
Prioritize Your Well-Being: Building your village is about more than logistics. It’s about creating a supportive environment that prioritizes your recovery and mental health.
A Doula’s Role in Your Village
As postpartum doulas, we specialize in helping families during this critical time. We offer nonjudgmental support, practical assistance, and evidence-based guidance to help you feel confident in your parenting journey. From helping with infant feeding to ensuring you’re eating and resting enough, we’re here to make sure you feel supported and cared for.
You don’t have to do it all alone. By building a postpartum village, you’re not just easing the burden—you’re giving yourself the gift of connection, care, and compassion. Parenthood is a journey, and it’s one best traveled with a village by your side. Remember, it’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help; it’s a sign of strength.
If you’re wondering where to start, consider reaching out to us at TENDER.LY. Whether it’s through one-on-one postpartum doula support or connecting you with resources, we’re here to be part of your village. Because every parent deserves to feel supported as they grow their family.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
This blog was written by Alix, a dedicated doula in Montreal, Canada, and the founder of TENDER.LY. She provides expert pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and infant feeding support to help families feel confident and cared for. Whether you're preparing for birth, navigating the fourth trimester, or looking for feeding guidance, Alix offers compassionate, personalized support.