How to Build a Meaningful Support Network After Baby Arrives

Parents of new babies can all agree that the postpartum period is nothing to scoff at. There are so many adjustments that parents and babies go through in the first couple of months that can make the postpartum period challenging, such as sleep disturbances, seemingly constant hunger (for the baby but also for a breastfeeding parent!), and not having time to tend to yourself, other members of your family, or your home. These adjustments can be extremely challenging (and I would argue impossible) for one or two people alone, especially if one parent needs to work, and are even more taxing when parents are not surrounded by their typical "village." This is why creating a meaningful support network is an imperative step in the postpartum planning process.

Types of Support

There are many types of support that will really benefit parents as they navigate this new chapter of their lives:

• Friends, family, and coworkers: this is usually the easiest and most accessible type of support a family can include in their network. Sometimes, though, these individuals are not physically accessible due to recently moving or missing/strained relationships.
• General Practitioner/Family Doctor/Pediatrician: for each of the parents and the baby/babies. This is a consistent support who will be familiar with your or your baby's health history through the years, and this will ensure consistent continuity of care. Parents can also consider a pediatrician for their babies and children.
• Midwife or OB/GYN doctor: if the birthing parent is still pregnant, a specific midwife (or midwife team) or OB/GYN (obstetrician/gynecological) doctor is a great support for the family during pregnancy. Many midwives or OB/GYNs will do a check ups after baby is born for at least a couple of weeks.
• Paramedical practitioners: This includes massage therapists, chiropractors, physiotherapists, acupuncturists, podiatrists, psychologists, naturopaths, clinical counsellors, etc. These are great professionals to have in your corner to ensure your good health is maintained pre- and post- natally.
• Doulas: doulas offer non-medical, neutral support to families. Types of doulas include: birth, postpartum, bereavement, end of life, and others.
• Parent groups/clubs: parent groups can be in-person and online. In-person supports will likely be more beneficial and practical in the postpartum period, as parents can visit, go for walks, or help new parents.
• Faith/(ethnic) community groups: similar to parent groups described above, faith or community groups offer a strong, long-lasting support to families.
• Resource hubs: resource hubs can be a great resource for parents who need extra education around a particular area. Resources can be individual- or family-specific. These hubs may have programs within the organization or the hub may refer parents to the appropriate resource.
• Crisis centres: sometimes parents are faced with crisis (emotional, physical, financial) and need immediate help. A crisis centre can provide immediate, short-term help in these situations.

Where to Find Support

Where to access these supports largely depends on where you live and, to a smaller degree, your income or work benefits. There are many ways to find the above listed resources in and around Calgary:

• Doing an internet search for 'family doctors accepting new patients.'* There are websites that provide lists of doctors and their contact information. You can schedule a meet and greet with a doctor beforehand to ensure they are a good match for you, for family, or your child. *You can also search for 'midwives,' 'pediatricians,' etc.
• Moss Postpartum House offers many paramedical services to postpartum parents. The physical office is located in West Hillhurst but some services are offered over the phone or online.
• DoulaMatch.net is an online registry of doulas from Canada and the USA. Parents can put in their location and support preferences and find doulas that match their needs (I am also accepting postpartum clients and offer a comprehensive postpartum planning package. Send me an email if this is of interest to you!).
• Mommy Connections YYC is a great place to meet up with other parents in and around Calgary! They offer groups for moms and babies or tots, workshops, classes, and other events as a means of connecting with other parents.
• Families Matter is a resource hub that offers supports for moms and dads, both pre- and post- natally. Their support includes workshops, children's groups, parent groups, perinatal mental health supports, and so much more. The best part? These resources are free!
• FearIsNotLove (previously the Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter) offers emergency shelter for women (and their children) experiencing abuse and programs to educate families about abuse and what to do about it. Their main focus is to promote healthy family relationships.
• Joining a local church or being a member of a community association is a great way to meet other members of your community!

Please note: There are so many amazing resources for families in Calgary alone that this list is not comprehensive, but will give parents a good idea on how they may start their search.

Under ideal circumstances, a family would start planning for the postpartum period before the baby arrives. However, sometimes that is not always feasible, or the plans a family did have in place needed to change due to events that are beyond the parent's control. Creating a support network is beneficial at any stage in the parenting journey. The most important thing to remember is that there is no shame in asking for help, even temporarily, to ensure that your needs and the needs of your family and home life are met.

If you have any questions or think I may be someone that you would want on your team, please feel free to reach out! I would love to hear from you!

All the best,

Krista, KKH Postpartum Doula