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Pregnancy

How to Build a Support Network in Pregnancy and Beyond

Article By
Kate
Published On
09 Feb, 2025
Read Time
4 minutes

Pregnancy and parenthood are transformative experiences, and having a strong support network can make a world of difference. From sharing joys and anxieties with loved ones to accessing practical help with childcare, a supportive community can provide invaluable emotional and logistical support.  

In this post, we'll cover practical tips on how to build a supportive community during your pregnancy and beyond, from navigating family dynamics to finding local resources. 

What is a support network?

A support network is a group of people you can rely on for emotional, practical, and informational support. It can include family, friends, partners, other parents, healthcare providers, and community resources. This network provides a safety net, a listening ear, a helping hand, and valuable advice as you navigate the challenges and joys of pregnancy and parenthood. 

All expectant and new parents need comprehensive support that addresses their emotional, mental, and practical needs. 

  • Emotional support: A supportive network offering encouragement, empathy, and a listening ear is crucial for the emotional well-being of expectant and new parents. 
  • Practical assistance: Help with household tasks, childcare, and daily responsibilities can significantly reduce stress and foster a nurturing environment for both parent and baby. 
  • Healthcare providers: Working with your healthcare team throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period can help support your physical and mental health. 
  • Support groups and organisations: Connecting with local community groups, online forums, or professional organisations can help form a valuable network of peers who offer shared experiences, advice, and encouragement for new and expectant parents.  

Sources of support during pregnancy and postpartum

You can also find more organisations that offer support on the Maternal Mental Health Alliance website. 

How to build a support network: Top 5 tips

  1. Understand your needs: Reflect on your emotional, mental, and practical needs as an expectant or new mother. Knowing your needs makes it easier to communicate them effectively. This self-awareness is the first step to getting the right kind of support.
  2. Communicate clearly: Open and honest communication is key. Clearly express your needs to your partner, family, friends, healthcare providers, and anyone else in your support network. Practising open and honest communication will help build trust and strengthen relationships during pregnancy and beyond.
  3. Engage your loved ones: Involve your partner, friends, and family in your journey. Let them know what you need and how they can best support you during pregnancy and the postpartum period (often called the 4th trimester).
  4. Seek community: Connect with other expectant and new parents through support groups, online forums, or local parenting communities. Sharing experiences and perspectives can be invaluable.
  5. Get professional guidance: Take advantage of available resources like parenting classes, mental health services, and other community programs. These can provide additional support and connect you with helpful professionals. No matter where you are in your journey, you should always feel empowered to seek professional support if you need it.

Cultivate a strong support system

Building a supportive community is so important for expectant and new parents, and it requires conscious effort from both parents and their loved ones.

Why is a support network important?

A support network during pregnancy and postpartum is crucial for a parent’s well-being and the healthy development of their baby. Here's why:    

Emotional and physical health for parent (and baby): 

  • Reduced stress and anxiety: Pregnancy and the postpartum period can be emotionally challenging, with hormonal changes, physical discomfort, and the anxieties of parenthood. A support network provides a safe space to share feelings, receive reassurance, and reduce stress.    
  • Improved mood: Supportive relationships can help reduce the risk of depression and anxiety, which are more common during and after pregnancy. 
  • Increased self-esteem: Encouragement and positive reinforcement from loved ones can boost a new parent’s confidence in their ability to care for their baby.    
  • Healthier behaviours: Support can encourage healthy habits during pregnancy, such as good nutrition, regular exercise, and attending prenatal appointments.    
  • Better sleep: Practical support with household tasks or childcare can allow new parents to get more rest, which is essential for both their physical and mental recovery. 
  • Positive parenting: A well-supported parent is more likely to have the emotional resources to bond with their baby and provide sensitive, responsive care, which is crucial for healthy development.    
  • Secure attachment: Supportive relationships contribute to a secure attachment between parent and baby, which has long-term benefits for the child's emotional and social well-being. 

Practical support: 

  • Daily tasks: Support with chores, cooking, errands, and childcare can be invaluable, especially in the early weeks after birth when parents are recovering and adjusting to a new routine with their new arrival.  
  • Information and advice: Family, friends, and support groups can offer guidance on everything from breastfeeding to baby sleep, helping new parents feel more prepared. 

 

In summary, a strong support network can act as a buffer against stress, promote healthy behaviours, and empower newborn parents to navigate the challenges of pregnancy and parenthood with confidence. This also benefits both the parent’s well-being and the healthy development of their new baby.    

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