Pregnancy Support Doesn’t Stop At Birth: Postpartum Support & Resources

Often, there is an abundance of articles, resources, and organizations that work to provide expecting parents with the answers and support they need for a healthy pregnancy. But, there seems to be a lack of discussion on the challenges and questions that new parents and mothers face after birth, particularly in terms of postpartum support.

At NCHS, we strive to flip this narrative on the head. We’re well aware that new parents and mothers have endless questions bouncing around their heads.

• Should we be breastfeeding or using formula?
• Why won’t my newborn sleep for longer stretches of time?
• What should we expect in terms of development each month?
• Where can we find qualified doctors, family care providers, etc?
• What resources are available for discussing my postpartum experience?

The fact of the matter is that birth isn’t the end of the pregnancy journey. Luckily, NCHS recognizes this as well. The support and resources we offer don’t stop once you’ve given birth, they go on well into the future.

The Need For Postpartum Support

Many studies have found that there is a positive correlation between accessing social support and postpartum well-being. Mothers and new parents are experiencing many new scenarios and emotions, and having a support network and the help of qualified professionals can help with the adjustment process.

Many new moms experience what society has coined, “baby blues.” This term collectively refers to any sort of postpartum distress or troubles these new parents face, but the more distressing statistic is the number of new mothers that experience a more severe bout of postpartum depression. Some studies show that between 10-20% of new mothers experience postpartum depression significant enough to impact their daily lives. 

Whether that statistic applies to you or not, the fact of the matter stands. New parents and mothers need support and resources for themselves and their children, even after birth. With NCHS, there are many opportunities for connecting with the kind of tools and help you need most. Below, we break down three of the most common resources that new parents seek out after giving birth.

Bonus Materials: Pregnancy Services for New & Expectant Parents: Staying Informed and Building Your Plan

Community Resources

Postpartum support is crucial for new parents as it helps address the common feeling of isolation in their situation. For many moms, there is a complex feeling of loss after pregnancy ends, seeing as you’ve become accustomed to the new normal over the previous months. For other new parents, there can even be feelings of guilt over not connecting and bonding with your newborn right off the bat.

Without the right people and resources to tap into, these feelings can become overwhelming and all-encompassing.

With the help of NCHS, you can fight those feelings of isolation and recognize the community support available to you. NCHS has insider knowledge of community resources for mental health services and postnatal care, ensuring new parents can be confident they are taking care of their children and their own health after delivery. What’s more, we have a plethora of resources and connections available to assist you with building out your support system.

Want To Find Out More? Check out our program, Parents & Babies: Helping You Navigate Pregnancy And Parenthood

Educational Support

Knowledge is your best weapon, before, during, and after your pregnancy. There are countless “what to expect when you’re expecting” books and parenting preparation classes. Likewise, there is also a plethora of courses, books, and resources aimed at helping educate parents and expand their skillset. Whether you are a first-time parent or are a new parent with older children, chances are you will find yourself out of your element at some point.

It’s important to recognize that it is impossible to know everything. There will always be something new you can learn, especially when it comes to postpartum support. Getting started is easy — all you have to do is reach out to our team, and we can get you started on feeling confident and comfortable as you adjust to parenthood and postpartum life.

Referrals to Mental Health Services

People don’t talk enough about the strain that pregnancy takes on the mind and body, especially after birth. That’s why when parents feel anything short of elated after the birth of their child, they feel as if there is something wrong. The reality is that pregnancy and postpartum are complex times in your life, and there are many changes and emotions that are taking place simultaneously. 

There can be many benefits from talking with a mental health expert or therapist to help you process these thoughts and emotions in a productive manner. At the very least, it can be considerably helpful for you to simply have someone to listen to you while you talk.

At NCHS, we aim to demystify the struggles that new mothers and fathers face. It is not easy undergoing such a significant change in your life, and with the connections we can provide to certified specialists, you can find the support you need as you manage this transition. You’re never alone. Together, we can find your network of support and build out healthy strategies for adjusting to postpartum life.

NCHS has helped thousands of women navigate unexpected pregnancies and get the resources to plan their family’s future. We’ve created a supportive community and safe space for you to voice your concerns and educate yourself on the options available. To learn more about your outlets for postpartum support, reach out to our team today.