How to Rah-Rah your Support Group
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
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
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
Food choices for a healthy pregnancy
4 mins to read
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
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
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
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
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
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
Mommy, alam mo ba?
Ang mommy-to-be, kailangan nga bang kumain for two (for mommy at for baby)?
1 min to read
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
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
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
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
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
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
Mommy, alam mo ba?
‘Nalalasahan’ na ni baby ang mga kinakain ni Mommy during pregnancy?
1 min to read
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
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
