Postpartum Mental Health, Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMAD)
Postpartum Mental Health & Wellness
Postpartum Mental Health, Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMAD)
Postpartum Mental Health & Wellness
Building My Village
Topics in Building My Village
Urgent Maternal Warning Signs
Did you know some health problems after giving birth are life-threatening and can happen up to a year after you have a baby? Support new moms and make sure they get the care they need. Recognizing when something isn’t right and taking urgent action could save Mom’s life. Learn about and recognize the maternal health red […]
Urgent Maternal Warning Signs
Did you know some health problems after giving birth are life-threatening and can happen up to a year after you have a baby? Support new moms and make sure they get the care they need. Recognizing when something isn’t right and taking urgent action could save Mom’s life. Learn about and recognize the maternal health red […]
Postpartum Support Plan for New Parents
Like a labor and delivery plan, this is a fillable, custom plan for mom and families to share how they want to be supported after childbirth
Postpartum Support Plan for New Parents
Like a labor and delivery plan, this is a fillable, custom plan for mom and families to share how they want to be supported after childbirth
Postpartum Health & Recovery Video Reel Series
Short videos on postpartum health & recovery FAQ
Postpartum Health & Recovery Video Reel Series
Short videos on postpartum health & recovery FAQ
Taking Care of You
Postpartum Recovery Booklet on a variety of health and self-care topics
Taking Care of You
Postpartum Recovery Booklet on a variety of health and self-care topics
Your Postpartum Healthcare Plan
Fillable, custom medical care plan for mom to understand recovery and health information from their provider
Your Postpartum Healthcare Plan
Fillable, custom medical care plan for mom to understand recovery and health information from their provider
Childbirth Trauma and Maternal Near-Miss
Childbirth Trauma Giving birth is a powerful experience and the journey often unfolds in ways we might not expect and cannot control. Sometimes women feel that their transition to motherhood is traumatic. This may result from unexpected or unwanted medical interventions during labor and birth and/or postpartum, the speed at which they labored, the way […]
Childbirth Trauma and Maternal Near-Miss
Childbirth Trauma Giving birth is a powerful experience and the journey often unfolds in ways we might not expect and cannot control. Sometimes women feel that their transition to motherhood is traumatic. This may result from unexpected or unwanted medical interventions during labor and birth and/or postpartum, the speed at which they labored, the way […]
Family-Friendly Communities
Having a baby gives you a chance to learn more about your community from a new perspective. To learn more about places that are good to go with babies, family-friendly activities, and family support you can check out local baby magazines – most are free at grocery stores and many other places. You can check […]
Family-Friendly Communities
Having a baby gives you a chance to learn more about your community from a new perspective. To learn more about places that are good to go with babies, family-friendly activities, and family support you can check out local baby magazines – most are free at grocery stores and many other places. You can check […]
Services That Can Help
All new families need help. Having a baby can cost a lot of money. Ask for help! It can be frustrating to have needs and no one to help. That really needs to change. In the United States, there is a need for much more support and resources for new families than is available. Some […]
Services That Can Help
All new families need help. Having a baby can cost a lot of money. Ask for help! It can be frustrating to have needs and no one to help. That really needs to change. In the United States, there is a need for much more support and resources for new families than is available. Some […]
Faith Communities
Many churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples have a commitment to children and families. If you are already part of a spiritual community, see what they have to offer. Caring committees of some kind are usually organized to help people with meals and support when they are sick, have new babies, or in times when they […]
Faith Communities
Many churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples have a commitment to children and families. If you are already part of a spiritual community, see what they have to offer. Caring committees of some kind are usually organized to help people with meals and support when they are sick, have new babies, or in times when they […]
Family-Friendly Businesses
We believe that babies can be good for business! Some businesses agree and welcome breastfeeding mothers, infants and young children. Others, well, aren’t exactly child friendly. Some places might have some hours during the day when they are more welcoming than others. Some services that can make it easier to go out include; designated parking […]
Family-Friendly Businesses
We believe that babies can be good for business! Some businesses agree and welcome breastfeeding mothers, infants and young children. Others, well, aren’t exactly child friendly. Some places might have some hours during the day when they are more welcoming than others. Some services that can make it easier to go out include; designated parking […]
Leaving Baby for the First Time
When you leave your baby with someone else for the first time, you may experience all sorts of feelings. It may feel tough to get away; maybe it feels freeing. The first few times can be painful, but once you are away, it usually get easier. What can I expect when I leave my baby […]
Leaving Baby for the First Time
When you leave your baby with someone else for the first time, you may experience all sorts of feelings. It may feel tough to get away; maybe it feels freeing. The first few times can be painful, but once you are away, it usually get easier. What can I expect when I leave my baby […]
Pumping at Work
Providing milk for your baby is a great way to stay connected during the day and continue to give your baby a healthy start in life. Time away from your baby may mean that you need time to express milk. Here are a few practical tips: Pumping at Work and Your Rights You may have […]
Pumping at Work
Providing milk for your baby is a great way to stay connected during the day and continue to give your baby a healthy start in life. Time away from your baby may mean that you need time to express milk. Here are a few practical tips: Pumping at Work and Your Rights You may have […]
Finding Childcare
Finding childcare that works for you can be stressful, especially when parents have to return to work quickly because of the lack of paid parental leave policies in the U.S. Searching for and deciding on care for your baby and young children can be a challenge – especially because the possibilities open to you may […]
Finding Childcare
Finding childcare that works for you can be stressful, especially when parents have to return to work quickly because of the lack of paid parental leave policies in the U.S. Searching for and deciding on care for your baby and young children can be a challenge – especially because the possibilities open to you may […]
Returning to Class
For many women, resuming their education following the addition of a new baby is rewarding. Women may take pride progressing toward their goals, despite the challenges. Educational institutions usually do not have policies to support the transition to parenthood. Until change to the structure of US education is achieved, the semester does not stop when […]
Returning to Class
For many women, resuming their education following the addition of a new baby is rewarding. Women may take pride progressing toward their goals, despite the challenges. Educational institutions usually do not have policies to support the transition to parenthood. Until change to the structure of US education is achieved, the semester does not stop when […]
Returning to Work
Returning to work can be a challenging and emotional transition. While there may be happiness at getting back to a familiar routine there can also be sadness about being separated from baby and exhaustion at adding more responsibilities (professional and family) to your plate. Some women may chose to work while for most, it is […]
Returning to Work
Returning to work can be a challenging and emotional transition. While there may be happiness at getting back to a familiar routine there can also be sadness about being separated from baby and exhaustion at adding more responsibilities (professional and family) to your plate. Some women may chose to work while for most, it is […]
Exercise
Movement is an important part of healing from pregnancy and childbirth. Exercise keeps bowels moving, eases stiffness, helps mood, and even improves the quality of sleep (when you can get it!). How much and how new moms exercise is influenced by how active they were during pregnancy and the way baby was delivered. In general, […]
Exercise
Movement is an important part of healing from pregnancy and childbirth. Exercise keeps bowels moving, eases stiffness, helps mood, and even improves the quality of sleep (when you can get it!). How much and how new moms exercise is influenced by how active they were during pregnancy and the way baby was delivered. In general, […]
Ready for Sex
You may or may not feel ready to have sex again shortly after delivery. However, it is recommended that couples wait for the postpartum visit and exam with a health care provider before they have sex. Time for postpartum healing reduces the risk of infection. Of course being cleared to have sex and WANTING to […]
Ready for Sex
You may or may not feel ready to have sex again shortly after delivery. However, it is recommended that couples wait for the postpartum visit and exam with a health care provider before they have sex. Time for postpartum healing reduces the risk of infection. Of course being cleared to have sex and WANTING to […]
Getting Out with Baby
While new parents quickly become experts at getting out the door, it can be tricky at first. Be prepared for last minute spit ups and diaper explosions! If you’re planning to meet people, make sure to remind them that babies and young children are unpredictable and to be patient if you are late. Having a […]
Getting Out with Baby
While new parents quickly become experts at getting out the door, it can be tricky at first. Be prepared for last minute spit ups and diaper explosions! If you’re planning to meet people, make sure to remind them that babies and young children are unpredictable and to be patient if you are late. Having a […]
Stepfamilies
Babies can be born into a wide variety of family settings. A baby could be a couple’s first child. A baby could be born to a single mother. A baby could be born into a stepfamily—a family in which one or both adults in a committed couple relationship have a child or children from previous […]
Stepfamilies
Babies can be born into a wide variety of family settings. A baby could be a couple’s first child. A baby could be born to a single mother. A baby could be born into a stepfamily—a family in which one or both adults in a committed couple relationship have a child or children from previous […]
Unsolicited Advice
New moms get a lot of advice – from family, friends, even complete strangers – about how to navigate parenthood. Almost everyone has personal experience as a parent, aunt, uncle, or sibling – and everyone has been a baby. For each person, these experiences run deep, and it can be hard to untangle all the […]
Unsolicited Advice
New moms get a lot of advice – from family, friends, even complete strangers – about how to navigate parenthood. Almost everyone has personal experience as a parent, aunt, uncle, or sibling – and everyone has been a baby. For each person, these experiences run deep, and it can be hard to untangle all the […]
Friendships After Baby
The needs and unpredictability that come along with infant and self-care in the 4th Trimester often changes relationships among friends. This can be especially true for those who are not parents and may be excited but not fully be able to understand the challenges of recovery and baby care. Connection among friends may shift to […]
Friendships After Baby
The needs and unpredictability that come along with infant and self-care in the 4th Trimester often changes relationships among friends. This can be especially true for those who are not parents and may be excited but not fully be able to understand the challenges of recovery and baby care. Connection among friends may shift to […]
Dealing with Not-So-Helpful Helpers
New parents often receive a lot of questioning and advice. While it is usually intended to be well-meaning, it does not always feel that way. Some may be welcomed, it can also put mothers and others on the defensive. The 4th Trimester is a time for caring in the ways that benefit parents. This can […]
Dealing with Not-So-Helpful Helpers
New parents often receive a lot of questioning and advice. While it is usually intended to be well-meaning, it does not always feel that way. Some may be welcomed, it can also put mothers and others on the defensive. The 4th Trimester is a time for caring in the ways that benefit parents. This can […]
When Partners Are Away
Some women have partners who are not physically present to help care for a new baby and provide ongoing support to the family. Partner absence could result from being pulled away for work responsibilities, deployed as part of their military service or in prison or jail. A partners’ absence requires a lot of family change, […]
When Partners Are Away
Some women have partners who are not physically present to help care for a new baby and provide ongoing support to the family. Partner absence could result from being pulled away for work responsibilities, deployed as part of their military service or in prison or jail. A partners’ absence requires a lot of family change, […]
Vehicle Safety
Getting out and about with a newborn safely is an important step that can also present some challenges. Car seats can be tricky to install – they fit in cars in different ways and can be complicated. Most community fire departments offer car seat checks to ensure car seats are installed properly. There are also […]
Vehicle Safety
Getting out and about with a newborn safely is an important step that can also present some challenges. Car seats can be tricky to install – they fit in cars in different ways and can be complicated. Most community fire departments offer car seat checks to ensure car seats are installed properly. There are also […]
Tobacco, Vaping, Smoking
Now that you are a new parent, it is still very important to take care of yourself and to keep you and your baby healthy. One of the most important ways to do this is to be tobacco free, including the use of vaping products. If you quit while you were pregnant (or your partner […]
Tobacco, Vaping, Smoking
Now that you are a new parent, it is still very important to take care of yourself and to keep you and your baby healthy. One of the most important ways to do this is to be tobacco free, including the use of vaping products. If you quit while you were pregnant (or your partner […]
Trusting My Partner to Care for Baby
It is common for mothers to want to be the main caretaker of their newborns. New moms are very connected to their infants, especially during the 4th Trimester. Many mothers struggle to leave their baby to the care of others, even from people they trust and love deeply. It can be scary or upsetting to […]
Trusting My Partner to Care for Baby
It is common for mothers to want to be the main caretaker of their newborns. New moms are very connected to their infants, especially during the 4th Trimester. Many mothers struggle to leave their baby to the care of others, even from people they trust and love deeply. It can be scary or upsetting to […]
Relationship Changes After Baby
The birth or adoption of a baby is a major life change. This will affect your relationships. From emotional connection, communication, physical touch, and partnership dynamics – a lot may shift. Whether you’re feeling closer than ever to your partner or worlds apart, communication is at the heart of understanding. Priorities may have changed in […]
Relationship Changes After Baby
The birth or adoption of a baby is a major life change. This will affect your relationships. From emotional connection, communication, physical touch, and partnership dynamics – a lot may shift. Whether you’re feeling closer than ever to your partner or worlds apart, communication is at the heart of understanding. Priorities may have changed in […]
Partner
WELCOME TO PARENTHOOD! Welcoming a new baby into the world changes almost everything – including your partner. For postpartum partners, the 4th trimester can be filled with joy, fulfillment, and excitement as well as sadness, loneliness, and resentment. Adjusting to a new family life, managing sleep deprivation, and supporting your partner through recovery and emotional […]
Partner
WELCOME TO PARENTHOOD! Welcoming a new baby into the world changes almost everything – including your partner. For postpartum partners, the 4th trimester can be filled with joy, fulfillment, and excitement as well as sadness, loneliness, and resentment. Adjusting to a new family life, managing sleep deprivation, and supporting your partner through recovery and emotional […]
Intimacy and Sex After Childbirth
“The quality of your intimacy is strongly influenced by the quality of your recovery. The more you focus on healing, the better you can feel when being intimate, and the more you can enjoy it. That is what’s most important.” View this video of postpartum intimacy from Nurse Nikki. Read her blog about talking about […]
Intimacy and Sex After Childbirth
“The quality of your intimacy is strongly influenced by the quality of your recovery. The more you focus on healing, the better you can feel when being intimate, and the more you can enjoy it. That is what’s most important.” View this video of postpartum intimacy from Nurse Nikki. Read her blog about talking about […]
Postpartum Supplies
Babies need a lot of things and it is helpful when friends and family help buy them. Women also need supplies to help them recover. We encourage family and friends to shower a new mother with the same love and support in helping her get ready for the 4th Trimester. Below are some supplies that […]
Postpartum Supplies
Babies need a lot of things and it is helpful when friends and family help buy them. Women also need supplies to help them recover. We encourage family and friends to shower a new mother with the same love and support in helping her get ready for the 4th Trimester. Below are some supplies that […]
Creating a Postpartum Plan
Many things will be unexpected and possibly out of your control, but this may help serve as a guide to share your needs and be ready for the days ahead. This tool is meant to help new parents think about and prepare for the weeks after the baby arrives. As you work on this plan […]
Creating a Postpartum Plan
Many things will be unexpected and possibly out of your control, but this may help serve as a guide to share your needs and be ready for the days ahead. This tool is meant to help new parents think about and prepare for the weeks after the baby arrives. As you work on this plan […]
Getting Ready & Supporting New Parents
Now, more than ever, new parents need support. This economy has put quite a strain on new families, and navigating postpartum recovery while staying up on daily life and family needs is challenging. Support can come in the way of gifts and supplies — or logistical and home support, listening and ‘being there,’ and making […]
Getting Ready & Supporting New Parents
Now, more than ever, new parents need support. This economy has put quite a strain on new families, and navigating postpartum recovery while staying up on daily life and family needs is challenging. Support can come in the way of gifts and supplies — or logistical and home support, listening and ‘being there,’ and making […]
Safer Sleep
Sleep and safety around sleep arrangements is important for everyone who cares for your baby. There are steps you can take to make sure that your baby’s sleep environment is as safe as possible. The American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) recommends that babies sleep safest alone (on a separate surface from their parents, siblings, or […]
Safer Sleep
Sleep and safety around sleep arrangements is important for everyone who cares for your baby. There are steps you can take to make sure that your baby’s sleep environment is as safe as possible. The American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) recommends that babies sleep safest alone (on a separate surface from their parents, siblings, or […]
Postpartum Health Care
Traditionally, the postpartum visit takes place 6-8 weeks after the birth of a baby. Given all that happens to women’s bodies in the early weeks after giving birth, many women find that visit to be too little and too late. There are also many women who never receive a postpartum visit! The American College of […]
Postpartum Health Care
Traditionally, the postpartum visit takes place 6-8 weeks after the birth of a baby. Given all that happens to women’s bodies in the early weeks after giving birth, many women find that visit to be too little and too late. There are also many women who never receive a postpartum visit! The American College of […]
