6 Takeaways from Cultures Where New Mothers Thrive
New mothers deserve recognition and support after making one of the biggest transitions they may ever experience. The cultures that best provide that support share some common traits that we can adopt to help new moms thrive.
“Culture, not biology, is what makes postpartum so hard for new mothers.”
— Allison Mecham Evans, M.A.
A recent article in Pathways to Wellness examines those cultures where new mothers thrive and details six things every new mother needs. Creating a more positive, supportive culture for moms can start right here!
Based on the traits of healthy postpartum cultures, here are six things we can do to emotionally and physically support new moms:
Change your language, from “having a baby” to “becoming a mother.” Whether thought birth or adoption, becoming a mother is a fundamental life change, not a single event at a point in time.
Embrace the fourth trimester. Postpartum is a transition, not a goal. Dismiss the notion of “bouncing back” and, before the baby is born, prepare to provide support
Feed her. Her body needs nurturing food, and she needs time to bond with and care for her baby. Providing her with meals is a wonderful way for a community to support her.
Manage the house. It’s unreasonable to expect a new mom to care for herself and her baby, all while also cooking, cleaning, and keeping up with other household needs. Pick someone to manage those details so the new mother can rest and focus on the baby.
Run errands. New mothers will spend most waking hours feeding and caring for their babies. Plus, all babies can be unpredictable, and overstimulated babies can be fussy, making it hard for moms to be out and about. You can help by running errands like picking up groceries and getting her other kids to school and activities.
Spend time with her. New mothers can feel isolated, lonely, and anxious. Call her up, sit with her, or video chat to check in and let her know you care. Hearing from other mothers can be reassuring, and simply sharing yourself is a gift.
You can learn more about ways to support new moms on our blog, 5 Ways Dads Can Support Breastfeeding Moms.
Read more in Pathways to Family Wellness magazine, issue #61.
