Building Your Village: Planning Care and Support During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a fantastic journey, but let’s be honest, it can feel pretty overwhelming at times. Having a strong support system in place can make all the difference, offering the comfort and encouragement you need to get through the highs and lows. Your circle of support plays a significant role in how you feel throughout your pregnancy and can greatly impact your childbirth experience, too. So, here’s a little guide to help you build that village and find the support you need during this time!

Identify and Communicate Your Needs

Every pregnancy journey is different, so take a sec to think about what kind of support would make you feel most comfortable and cared for. Whether it’s how you want your prenatal care to go, what your ideal birth plan looks like, or what you might need after the baby arrives (especially if you’ve got other little ones running around!), knowing what you want can help you figure out who you want in your corner.

And don’t forget, it’s all about communication. Be upfront about what you need, and don’t be afraid to speak. Your people want to be there for you, but they might need a little direction. Being super transparent ensures everyone’s on the same page and ready to jump in when you need them!

Assemble Your Healthcare Team

Choosing between a midwife or an OB/GYN is totally up to you, but just remember that your healthcare team will be super important during your pregnancy. They’ll be keeping an eye on you and the little one’s health and growth, so it’s key that you feel good about them. Don’t be shy about asking many questions when you’re meeting potential providers. It’s all about finding someone who vibes with you and understands what you want out of this experience!

Build Your Emotional Support Network

Pregnancy can totally be a rollercoaster, right? Having your friends and family close by can make a huge difference when you’re riding those ups and downs. And if you’re into connecting with other expecting mamas, joining a pregnancy support group can be a lifesaver, especially if you find one where they are in the same stage of pregnancy you’re in!

If you’re looking for more personalized support, consider hiring an antepartum doula or a birth doula. Antepartum doulas are great for support throughout pregnancy, especially if you’re considered high-risk. Birth doulas are usually more focused on the end of pregnancy and labor, however, there are doulas who offer both services to guide you throughout your entire pregnancy and childbirth. Just be sure to ask lots of questions to find someone who fits your needs perfectly!

Plan for Household Support

As your pregnancy progresses, you might find you need a bit more help around the house. Don't hesitate to reach out to family and friends for a hand, whether it’s getting chores done, prepping meals, or running errands. You could even set up a meal train or a chore schedule if that helps! 

Postpartum doulas are heaven-sent for this! They can help care for the baby while you rest, run errands, or do light housekeeping to take some responsibilities off your plate. Duties vary from doula to doula, so ask questions to find who aligns with you.

Embrace the Support

I know, I know. Accepting help can be challenging, especially for those, like myself, who are used to being superwomen. However, embracing your village's support can add to your pregnancy experience, giving you more time to focus on yourself and relax. 

So remember, building your village isn’t about being weak or needing extra help. It’s all about surrounding yourself with people who lift you even higher and support you during this incredible time. Think of it as setting up a network that boosts your well-being and makes self-care a breeze. When you’ve got the right people around you, you can focus more on caring for yourself and truly enjoy this journey with less stress. After all, a calm and happy mind is the perfect place to welcome your little one!

‍