After baby arrives, your world will look different. The ways you need and want to connect with others may change and transform as you navigate early parenthood. If you’re able to think about this a bit prenatally, you can generate some ideas (notice: ideas, not plans– flexibility is key!). If you are already postpartum, no worries; it is always a good time to check in with your social needs.

One of the universal postpartum needs, described by Kimberly Ann Johnson, is companionship. Social connection and companionship is a crucial part of healing, and we are excited to share some of our favorite ways for people to connect with their communities after baby arrives.

5 Ways to Build and Maintain Community After Baby

1. Identify your key support people. We have blogs about postpartum planning and building your birth and postpartum team, as well as how to get the help you need postpartum. Paid professionals, family members, neighbors, and other folks are important parts of your community. Their roles will each look different, and the goal is that you will feel supported in a variety of ways by a variety of people and services.
2. Keep in close touch with your “top 3.” We sometimes suggest having three key loved ones that you plan (prenatally) to maintain closer connection with during early parenthood. You might ask these three people if they have the capacity to check in with you weekly for the first several weeks postpartum. This may happen naturally, and you may find it easy to keep up with them. However, in the case that you don’t, this simple structure can offer you some consistent opportunities for connection.
3. Join a parents’ group. Whether it’s IRL or virtual, finding spaces with people who have shared identities, similar aged children, and/or live nearby can be extremely valuable. In Austin, we love the Partners in Parenting (PIP) groups, and we have a list of other group offerings here!
4. Pick 1 activity that feels joyful to add in or maintain. There are many important parts of your identity, including and outside of being a parent. Many of our clients find community through adding in or resuming an activity that is meaningful to them. For example, pick up your weekly pottery class again or attend your monthly book club. Keeping it low stakes and low commitment in the beginning is helpful, but we find that these outlets can bring parents a lot of joy.
5. Check out local events/places. Hanging out at neighborhood parks or coffee shops can offer a sense of connection to place. Plus, you may organically meet other parents while you are out and about. (This is, of course, a suggestion for well after the first few weeks or month postpartum. Rest, rest, rest before then!) Local family-focused events can also be fun ways to connect with new folks.

ABG is Here for You

We are here to support you as you navigate early postpartum and parenting. Join us in class or reach out about in-home postpartum services! It’s an honor to support your growing family.

 

*Photo credit: Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash