Family & friends play a critical role in supporting loved ones who may be experiencing postpartum depression or other perinatal mental health conditions.
There are different types of support:
- Emotional support refers to listening to another person without judgment and offering empathy and reassurance
- Check-in! Call, send texts, stop by- ask about Mom, not just the baby
- Listen without judgement, or just problem solving
- Offer reassurance they are not alone
- Don’t take attitudes personally- be kind
- Respect their boundaries
Feeling isolated or alone in your complex emotions during the postpartum period is challenging and, unfortunately, common.
- Instrumental support involves offering to help with practical matters to help lighten a person’s load, such as chores or childcare
- Don’t just stop by to hold the baby- let Mom hold her baby, help with cleaning, laundry, meal prepping instead
- Encourage social connection
- Encourage sleep and rest
- Informational support means providing knowledge, advice, or resources
- Encourage professional help
- Books to Support Parenting Through the Postpartum Journey
Be open to medication! You might have concerns about starting an antidepressant, due to possible side effects or the fear of exposing the medication to your baby through breast milk. For others, like myself, I didn’t take medication because I didn’t know how the medication may affect me. But I was thankful my support team normalized the conversation about my questions and concerns to help me make an informed decision without guilt or shame.
Physical Recovery & Comfort Products
- Heavy-flow maternity pads
- Witch hazel pads or spray (typically provided by hospitals)
- Ice packs or cooling gel pods (typically provided by hospitals)
- Stool softeners (typically provided by hospitals)
- High-waisted supportive underwear and/or belly binder
- Heating pad
Nursing & Feeding Products
- Nursing bras & clothing- wire-free, easy access supports
- Lanolin cream for sore breasts (surprisingly, the cabbage leaves trick also works!)
- Washable breastfeeding pads for leakage
- Epsom salts (beneficial for pain, swelling, & clotting)
- One-handed snacks!
Nursing/Feeding Products Tip to REALLY help Momma Out!
“An Oasis Basket”: When I was struggling through breastfeeding, I tried all the recommendations: I took supplements, ate boobie cookies, downed boobie drinks, sipped barley water, struggled with nipple caps, held massagers. . . you name it, I tried it- & mentally, this wrecked me! What really helped me ease my mind when pumping & breastfeeding was buying a few new books off my TBR list, fancy coffee kpods, and a fantastic rocking chair- I created a mini oasis in two rooms, where I tried to look forward to the sessions for the ‘me time’ they gave me, when I was struggling to have the same ‘wonderfully bonding experience’ I felt everyone else was.
Baby Items That Changed My Life
- Weighted swaddles
- “Wet-bag” reusable bags to put wet/dirty clothes when out- just throw it all in the wash
- Scratch mittens
- Sleep Consultant
- Alma was born with a hernia- and sleeping was a difficult struggle- we reached out for a consultation with a sleep coach to improve, and it really helped ease my anxieties
- Boogie Spray
Mom Items That Changed My Life
- Obviously Mom’s Cloud and the Beach Adventure & cloud plushie to talk BIG FEELINGS
- Support Groups- through Peanut App pods; but try others like The Mom Walk Co, MomCo, & Facebook Groups
- Magnesium Supplements- & Dr. required vitamin B & D supplement
- Encouragement & Affirmation Cards: My friend made a jar with positive reminders- but you can buy pre-made versions online
Have an Item I should add? Send it over! cloudydaychronicles@gmail.com