Pregnancy can be hard. Trying to conceive can be hard and so can postpartum. Social support during conception, pregnancy, and postpartum are crucial. 

These monumental life changes come with a rollercoaster of emotions, challenges, and amazingly beautiful moments where you pinch yourself as a reminder that it’s actually real. Research shows that social support can help to make this journey even better during all these transitional phases. Social support refers to friends, family, colleagues, or anyone involved in your life, showing up for you in some helpful ways.

If you would like to explore ways to expand your support systems, consider finding a local support group for the season of parenthood you are currently in. There are resources available through your fertility clinics, doctors offices, local facebook groups, and more. Here are some ways that having a strong support system can be so helpful during each stage of your journey. 

Trying to Conceive

Emotional Support

The journey of trying to conceive (TTC) can be emotionally draining. The numerous appointments (sometimes weekly or bi-weekly), the procedures, tests, medications, and the weight of the unknown can feel exhausting as you work towards conceiving a baby. Infertility affects 1 in every 6 people around the world. Having a strong support system allows people to show care and support during happy times and difficult ones. 

Reduce Stress

Research shows that stress can have negative effects on fertility for those trying to conceive and can interfere with the ability to become pregnant. Engaging with friends, family, or support groups can help reduce these stress levels. Prioritizing not only physical health, but mental health, is another important aspect on the journey to having a baby. Remember that you are not alone! Your support system is there to help console you and provide hope for the future. 

Sense of Community

It is helpful when s support networks include individuals who have been through similar experiences to what you’re going through. It can provide a sense of community and a reminder that you are not alone in your struggle. These people can offer their advice on treatments, lifestyle changes and coping strategies. This shared experience and mutual wisdom can be invaluable in making informed decisions and feeling less alone.

Pregnancy

Reassurance

Pregnancy itself comes with its own bundle of emotions. Your body is changing, your hormones are raging, and you’re adapting to a new lifestyle – it can be a lot! Leaning on friends and family for support can help. Having people you trust to share your feelings with can help to reduce any feelings of anxiety or nervousness you may be experiencing as they can provide some much needed reassurance. Informing them of upcoming appointments also allows them to share in your milestones! Free apps like Bumpdate allow you to share all important pregnancy info with your friend and family so they can easily follow along and support you. 

Lend a Helping Hand

First trimester nausea can be debilitating. Walking around with a third trimester belly can be exhausting. Whatever physical challenges you’re experiencing, it’s always a good idea to ask friends and family for help! They could give you a ride to an appointment, pick up a few extra groceries and drop them off at your house, or even go for a walk with you. Anything you think would help, is worth asking. If you have older children, friends and family members can help to entertain them or give them rides to and from school or activities so you can rest. All of this will help to make your pregnancy journey just a little bit easier. 

Positivity and Encouragement 

Positivity and encouragement from your support systems goes a long way! From a simple text wishing you good luck on an upcoming doctor’s appointment to receiving flowers or a small gift at a challenging time in your pregnancy, or for reaching an exciting milestone, all contribute to a healthy and positive pregnancy journey. This can help boost your confidence and add to the excitement of what’s to come. 

Postpartum

Connection During a Transitional Phase

All the ways your body changed in those months of pregnancy, change again in just a moment when your baby is born. This is a beautiful, wild, emotional, painful, insane experience that is different for every single person. Some people even go so far as saying that you actually become a completely different person after birth. This brings you into the postpartum phase of your journey – the “Fourth Trimester”. A time precious for both mom and baby. It is crucial for friends and family to show their support during this time. 

If you don’t have a nearby support system, this is a great time to join a local mom facebook group to see what some other postpartum mama’s are saying and make some connections! You are definitely not alone.   

Household Help

Sleep deprivation during the newborn phase is real. Most parents can only sleep 2-4 hour increments between feedings. Support can simply be someone dropping off a meal, groceries, washing a few dishes, playing with older kids, or watching the baby for an hour so you can take a shower.   

Advice 

Becoming a parent can be scary! Relying on your support systems for advice (at all times of day and night!) is critical. It takes a village!

Final Words

Social Support During Conception, Pregnancy, and Postpartum is are underrated necessities as we journey through the stages of parenthood. Emotional, physical, practical and social support are all connected in the psychology of supporting growing families and protecting their physical and mental health. 

For another article on social support and mental health, read, “Social Support During the Journey to Motherhood“.