The Importance of Community in Birthing Communities
Do you know what you might be missing in your postpartum journey that could make the world of difference for you and your wellness? A Community!!!
Community is soo important for a new mom and many new moms do not think about their community and how effective they are for their own wellness. New moms tend to think of their parents or their elders as their only community; however, community should be extended to include many others so that you can be completely covered. Community should also include all whom you are comfortable with, the people in your corner who truly know you and listen. You want to be sure that all are paying attention and advocating for your wellness in the event that you cannot. These people could include
1. Your partner
2. Your Best Friend
3. Your doctor
4. A MOM GROUP, especially friends who are new moms
YOUR PARTNER
Not only is your partner apart of creating your beautiful blessing but they should know your wishes for you and your child. If possible, include them in your doctor’s visits before and after the baby is born but also make sure that all their questions are answered as well. This gives your partner confidence in their parenting role which will encourage them to be more involved once the baby arrives.
Also let your birth partner be a part of the Pediatric appointments and how you integrate the baby into your home. This will allow you to get the much-needed rest and healing that your body requires. This will also allow you both to share in the responsibility of your baby’s care.
YOUR BEST FRIEND
Your best friend knows you so well. They will be integral in your wellness plan because they will be able to know when and if you are well. They will also be able to convey to others and hopefully to you when you are not so that you can take the appropriate measures to put your wellness first. You best friend has the gall to stand up to you when you lack the appropriate insight, even if she must demand you take a time out for your self-care. She’s needed as a part of your community.
YOUR DOCTOR
Your doctor has been on this ride with you for the last 40 weeks. You should continue to keep her in the loop after you have given birth. She should be assessing both your physical and mental well-being at every visit, ensuring that you are progressing well in your Motherhood journey. They will make the referrals needed, such as to support groups, therapists and psychiatrists if needed, to ensure you get the care you need to be well.
A MOM GROUP, ESPECIALLY FRIENDS WHO ARE NEW MOMS
Nothing beats a group of recent mothers. They are a wealth of current information and have many of the same shared experiences that you are going through currently. New moms have researched all the most recent information and they are sometimes more knowledgeable than our elders because research has changed since your mother gave birth. If you do not have a mom group there are many available via apps and websites such as Postpartum Support International (PSI.org). These groups provide the friendships and connections that could keep you from feeling lonely, misunderstood or simply afraid in your new role as a mom.
Building your community is crucial! Have you identified all the people that you feel safe with? All the people who can speak up for you on your behalf in case you are incapacitated? If you haven’t, please take the time to make your list and post it in your home and in the NOTES section of your phone so that you always have their numbers on hand. Feel free to share these numbers with your community so that everyone is in the loop and committed to you being a healthy mommy with a healthy baby. That’s the end goal, right? And by following these steps, your community will ensure that you are that healthy mom you desire to be for your new baby.
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