How to Rah-Rah your Support Group

How to Rah-Rah your Support Group

How to Rah-Rah your Support Group

Pregnancy
Article
Aug 10, 2016
3 mins

The first 6 months after birth can be one of the most challenging phases in a mother’s life. Things become lighter when mothers receive positive encouragement from the people around them. You may need a “support team.” It can include anyone who is close to you: husband o partner, family, friends, and your health care provider. This time may be overwhelming but having your support team near you can help deal with the stress.

Many people in your life may want to support you during this exciting time but they do not know how best to help. Letting them know what you need (and when) can help them help you better. Have a good support system - live near your parents, if possible. Get a good yaya and helpers who are reliable and can be trained.

Here are some tips to help rally your support team. And because every support team is unique, feel free to come up with some special ideas of your own.  Connect with people who are positive and easy to get along with.

  1. Learn together: Encourage your support team to get to know baby, his quirks and his development. Learn about your child’s milestones together. The more they know, the more you can discuss and learn together.
  2. Talk to each other: Communication is key. Talk about how you’re feeling, and let the people around you know how they can help out. Opening up to your support team helps ease the daily stresses during this stage.
  3. Support each other: Kindness, patience, and encouragement will go a long way, no matter who is on your support team. Remember --- support each other and back each other up when talking about the difficulties you face.  Support can also mean helping you stay healthy. Your husband or partner can help you eat right and rest well. This helps in your daily life with baby
  4. Get help with chores: Don’t be afraid to ask your husband or partner or even the people on your support team to help out with household chores, run errands, or prepare healthy meals.  If possible, having a house help will also be of great assistance at this time as well.
  5. Ask for assistance in baby chores from your husband or partner: Aside from playing, child care chores like bathing the baby and putting your child to sleep can be a calm and relaxing time for your young family to just be together and bond.

 

Co-written with Reina Borlaza, RND.

References:

Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant Practice, 3rd edition. Ed :  Mannel, R, et al., Jones and Bartlett Learning, Burlington, MA ; 2013.

Related articles

View details How to Exercise for an Easier Childbirth
Article
How to Exercise for an Easier Childbirth

How to Exercise for an Easier Childbirth

Expecting moms can do these exercises to prepare for labor and delivery. Here’s how to do them.

4 mins to read

View details Brain Food: What Should I Eat During Pregnancy?
Article
Brain Food: What Should I Eat During Pregnancy?

Brain Food: What Should I Eat During Pregnancy?

All nutrients are considered important for brain development in the growing child, but some appear to have a more pronounced effect on the developing brain.

4 mins to read

View details Food choices for a healthy pregnancy
Article
Food choices for a healthy pregnancy

Food choices for a healthy pregnancy

4 mins to read

View details Pregnancy signs: What’s normal, what’s not?
Article
regnancy signs: What’s normal, what’s not?

Pregnancy signs: What’s normal, what’s not?

Christia S. Padolina, M.D. lists symptoms that typically accompany pregnancy to help you know what to expect.

4 mins to read

View details Your Baby In Your Tummy: A Month-by-Month Check
Article
Your Baby In Your Tummy: A Month-by-Month Check

Your Baby In Your Tummy: A Month-by-Month Check

Welcome to the incredible journey called Pregnancy! This is an exciting time --- full of changes and anticipation.

4 mins to read

View details The Wonders of Week 39
Article
The Wonders of Week 39

The Wonders of Week 39

By this time, you might have felt a few contractions already and been wondering if that was "it". Don't worry, there's no way you're going to miss the start of labor!

3 mins to read

View details 10 Practical Tips for Dealing with Morning Sickness
Article
10 Practical Tips for Dealing with Morning Sickness

10 Practical Tips for Dealing with Morning Sickness

Ang morning sickness ay isa sa pinakamahirap na bahagi ng pagbubuntis. If you want to know how to survive this phase, read on!

5 mins to read

View details Pregnancy Hospital Bag Checklist
Article
Pregnancy Hospital Bag Checklist

Pregnancy Hospital Bag Checklist

Getting ready for the big day? Make sure you’ve got all the essentials packed up in your maternity bag.

1 min to read

View details Moving Up at WEEK 12
Article
Moving Up at WEEK 12

Moving Up at WEEK 12

Now 12 weeks pregnant, you're coming to the end of your first trimester. Congratulations! Read more about this week's exciting new developments.

3 mins to read

View details Mommy, alam mo ba?
Article
Mommy, alam mo ba?

Mommy, alam mo ba?

Ang mommy-to-be, kailangan nga bang kumain for two (for mommy at for baby)?

1 min to read

View details WEEK 29 is about to get exciting!
Article
WEEK 29 is about to get exciting!

WEEK 29 is about to get exciting!

Just imagine, you'll be giving birth in about ten weeks! As you inch your way towards the finish line, your baby is still growing by leaps and bounds, maybe even fluttering the eyes open.

3 mins to read

View details Week 23
Article
Week 23

Week 23

Your baby is now 29cm long from head to toe and weighs considerably over 550g. You have got around 16 more weeks to go! Read more about this week.

3 mins to read

View details What Food To Avoid When Pregnant
Article
What Food To Avoid When Pregnant

What Food To Avoid When Pregnant

Of all the stages in the human life cycle, a woman’s pregnancy is the most critical and unique. It is critical because during pregnancy, the foundations of a new life and future are being laid.

4 mins to read

View details A New Journey at Week 40
Article
A New Journey at Week 40

A New Journey at Week 40

Any moment now and you'll be meeting your baby for the first unforgettable time! If the little one hasn't arrived yet, expect the sweetpea to make an appearance anytime over the next few days.

3 mins to read

View details Preparing For Delivery
Article
Preparing For Delivery

Preparing For Delivery

After long months of anticipation, it’s almost time for childbirth! Get even more excited as you go over how and what to prepare before delivery.

3 mins to read

View details The Exciting Start of 2ND TRIMESTER
Article
The Exciting Start of 2ND TRIMESTER

The Exciting Start of 2ND TRIMESTER

The start of second trimester is the beginning of many new developmental milestones of your baby. Read on and find out what to expect at week 13.

3 mins to read

View details Mommy, alam mo ba?
Article
Mommy, alam mo ba?

Mommy, alam mo ba?

‘Nalalasahan’ na ni baby ang mga kinakain ni Mommy during pregnancy?

1 min to read

View details It's WEEK 30! Here are the highlights
Article
It's WEEK 30! Here are the highlights

It's WEEK 30! Here are the highlights

Every day, your baby develops more and more, getting ready to make a grand entrance into the world! Do you think you'll miss being pregnant?

3 mins to read

View details WEEK 24
Article
WEEK 24

WEEK 24

Can you feel the baby reacting to noises and your caresses yet? Towards the end of the second trimester is when that starts to happen, so be on the lookout. Read more about this week.

3 mins to read

Register Now!

  Register Now!

Get full access to expert-backed nutrition support

Feeding guidance

Learn about various feeding options and what each means for you and your child.

review logo

Expert Tips And Advice

Access helpful tips and advice tailored to your little one's development.

Free Samples

Receive tons of free samples from brands you and your baby will love!

Super-Sized Savings

Get Extra savings in your inbox and mailbox as your child grows.