It Takes a Village: Finding Your Postpartum Support in 2025

Why Postpartum Support Matters

Motherhood is one of life’s most transformative journeys. You’ve changed (to put it lightly). Suddenly, you’re someone’s safest place in the middle of the night, the one who knows just how to rock them back to sleep or prepare their favorite snacks exactly the way they like them. You lean into the little moments a bit more now—the few quiet sips of coffee in the early morning, the hot shower at the end of the night, and the weight of your baby’s head resting against your chest.

The postpartum period, often called the “fourth trimester,” is a time of healing, adjustment, and so much newness. While it can be magical, it can also feel overwhelming as you adapt to a new rhythm of life with your growing family.

This is where a strong support system—your village—becomes invaluable. Having a network of people you can lean on, whether it’s family, friends, or professionals, can make a big difference as you find yourself in this new chapter. Someone to watch the baby while you run a few solo errands, a lactation consultant to support you with your feeding journey, or a trusted friend to answer questions about starting solids—your village helps lighten the mental and physical load so you can focus on bonding with your baby and prioritizing your own well-being.

Because let’s be honest: no mom should have to do this alone. And the good news? Your village is out there—sometimes you just need to know where to start looking.

What Does a Postpartum Village Look Like?

Every family situation is different. A one-size-fits-all mom doesn’t exist, and neither does a one-size-fits-all village. Maybe you have a supportive partner but still feel tapped out from the constant demands of motherhood. Maybe you’re living far from extended family. Or you’re the first of your friends to have kids, or the opposite—you’re having children later than your friend group, and they’re past the baby stage. Or maybe you’re growing your family and ready to grow your support too, recognizing that more hands, hearts, and help can make a big difference. 

Whatever your circumstances, building your village matters. Over the years, we’ve drifted away from the strong, community-focused support systems that used to surround moms—but the world seems to be waking up. Postpartum recovery is a winding journey. Moms need more. Moms deserve more. There’s a growing understanding that when we care for moms, we’re caring for families too. 

Here are some people who could be part of your postpartum village:

• Family and friends: Your trusted loved ones who can pitch in with meals, errands, or just be there to listen when you need to vent.
• Healthcare professionals: Your OB-GYN, midwife, or family doctor.
• Lactation consultants: We are so grateful for our amazing lactation consultants! There to offer feeding guidance, troubleshoot challenges, and help you feel confident in feeding your baby.
• Mental health providers: Therapists or counselors who specialize in postpartum wellness can make all the difference when it comes to emotional support for moms.
• Parenting communities: Think local mom groups to connect with other moms who get it.
• Childcare helpers: A postpartum doula, babysitter, or even a helpful neighbor can be there for you so you can catch a break or focus on yourself for a little while.

Where to Find Your Village

There are so many ways to start building a village. You just need to focus on finding what works best for you. Here are a few ways to build a support system: 

• Local mom groups: Look for mom meetups, parenting classes, or postpartum support groups in your area to connect with others who are in the same season of life.
• Online communities: Join forums or social media groups for moms. These can be great for advice, resources, and finding your people—right from home. Just remember to focus on spaces that make you feel supported and seen, and don’t be afraid to ditch groups that spark comparison or negativity.
• Services like Mothers Haven: If you’re looking for postpartum support in Rhode Island, check out our postpartum services at Mothers Haven. From maternal mental health support and nutritional guidance to moms’ clubs and events, we’re here to help you build the village you deserve.

Why a Village Makes a Difference 

Having a village means having people in your corner who are there for you in all the ways that matter most:

• feeling seen and heard
• support with things like meals and chores at home
• help with the baby so you can have time for yourself
• mental clarity and peace of mind
• a boost in confidence when you need it most
• someone to talk to who truly understands what you’re going through
• practical advice from people who’ve been there before
• emotional support on the hard days (because we all have them)
• extra hands for errands or last-minute tasks
• guidance from professionals for expert care and reassurance
• a group of women who just get it—whether it’s swapping stories, laughs, tears, or words of encouragement
• a sense of belonging that reminds you you’re not in this alone

When you’re supported—when someone sits with the baby so you can make a solo Target run without checking the clock, or when you have a place to gather with other moms, soaking in their energy and knowing you’re all in this together—you start to feel like yourself again. You have the space to breathe, the energy to show up for your baby, and the perspective to enjoy the little moments that matter most and remember so much of this time is all a phase. That’s the power of having a village.

How to Start Growing Your Village

Wondering how to build a support system? Sometimes taking the first step is the hardest—you might feel unsure about how to ask for help, where to go, or who to lean on. But remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. Start small, with even one actionable step, and let it build from there:

• Ask for help — Reach out to family and friends. People often want to help but aren’t sure how until you tell them. It’s ok to be specific too! You can say, “Could you watch the baby for an hour while I rest?” or “Would you mind bringing over dinner one night this week?”
• Join a group — Look for local mom meetups, parenting classes, or online communities that feel supportive and encouraging.
• Seek out professionals — Consider lactation consultants, postpartum doulas, or therapists to guide and support you.
• Lean on other moms — Connect with other moms through playdates, community centers, or moms’ clubs—they get it like no one else.
• Create your own network — Invite friends, neighbors, or family members to be part of a new mom support circle in ways that work for you. You could start a weekly coffee morning with a few mom friends or set up a babysitting swap with a neighbor.

You Deserve Support (And We’re Here to Help)

In the new year, make it a priority to prioritize you. Reaching out for support is one of the strongest and most loving things you can do for yourself and your family. At Mothers Haven, we’re here to make sure you have the tools, guidance, and community to feel cared for and confident during your postpartum journey.

If you’re looking for support as a new mom in Rhode Island, our resources are designed with you in mind. We’re moms here too! From sleep support to infant care classes and maternal mental health support, our services focus on postpartum wellness in RI to help you feel empowered in this chapter of motherhood.

One amazing place to start? Our New Moms Club, with a new session beginning on January 14th. It’s a great opportunity to connect with other moms, share your experiences, and feel the warmth of a supportive community.

You don’t have to do this alone. We’re here to help you build your village, so you can focus on what matters most—your well-being and the joy of this special time with your little one. Visit our website or stop by Mothers Haven to learn more about how we can support you.