What is social support?
Social support is interaction with people in your life, family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, professionals, and others. During this interaction they share one or more of three supportive actions:
Emotional support – When their interaction provides concern, comfort or encouragement,
Instrumental support – When they share resources like their time, money or other tangible help,
Informational support – When they provide advice, information and share knowledge with you.
Understanding what you need during postpartum recovery.
Postpartum recovery is the 12 weeks after you deliver your baby. We tend to think of it as a shorter time, 6 to 8 weeks, as culturally we hurry back to life’s expectations. Employment leaves may be shorter than 12 weeks or you may not be able to afford the time away from work. It is important to plan as much as possible for your real needs. Your needs may vary depending on your health during pregnancy and birth, the health of your baby, and other children who depend on your care. You can plan for these 7 real needs:
Bonding time – Your newborn needs quiet, skin-to-skin time with you to bond and breastfeed especially during the first weeks of life.
Recovery time – You need time to physically recover from the amazing process of giving birth. You will have cramping as your uterus returns to a prepregnant state, especially during breastfeeding. Your vagina and perineum need to heal from stretching around your baby or if you delivered Cesarean your incision needs to heal. Pain medications and warm baths can help while someone is available to care for your newborn.
Sleep time – Always sleep when your newborn sleeps! Newborns feed every 1-3 hours limiting your sleep time. When you have someone to care for your newborn, express breastmilk for a feeding that you can sleep through.
Nutrition and fluids – You will need to eat regular meals and drink extra fluids for your recovery. It is helpful to have someone assist with grocery shopping and meal preparation whenever possible.
Other children – Depending on the ages of other children it is important to plan for assistance with their care for your recovery period.
Household chores – Plan to delegate all household chores. Do not worry if the floors are not vacuumed, laundry builds up a bit or your home is not as well kept as usual. There will be time for those things later!
Medical appointments – It is good to have help with your newborn and with transportation for medical appointments.
Make a plan, mobilize your postpartum support system.
During your pregnancy take time to talk to the people in your life who you are comfortable including in your postpartum support system. Discuss your real needs and accept any assistance they can offer.
Your health care provider will be a part of your postpartum support system. Call this person first if you have questions about your health after delivery.
Your baby’s health care provider is the person who can help with questions about your newborn’s health.
During your hospital stay you can inquire about lactation consultants in the area who could assist with breastfeeding concerns. Some hospitals have follow-up home visits to assist and evaluate your recovery. Also, local support groups may be available. On-line support groups like Postpartum Support International are available for emotional and informational support.
Post a list of names and phone numbers of all your support team members. Know that they are there for you and your newborn. Thank and hug them excessively. They are the best!
References:
Social Support, Postpartum Depression, and Professional Assistance: A Survey of Mothers in the Midwestern United States
The Journal of Perinatal Education, 2015; 24(1): 48-60, Catherine P. Corrigan, DNP, FNP-BC Andrea N. Kwasky, DNP, PMHCNS-BC, and Carla J. Groh, PhD, PMHNP-BC, FAAN.
Social Support During the Postpartum Period: Mother’s Views on Needs, Expectations, and Mobilization of Support
Maternal Child Health Journal, 2013 May: 17(4): 616-623, Rennie Negron, MPH, Anika Martin, BA, Meital Almog, MPH, Amy Balbierz, MPH, and Elizabeth A. Howell, MD, MPP.
5 Reasons Why You Need a Postpartum Support Network
ACOG, Expert View, 2024, Dr Angelica Glover
Your Postpartum Care Team/ACOG
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board