A Friend’s Guide to Postpartum Support
By Rima Sheehab, Strategic Product Lead (Digital Health Focus) at Sakhee
Navigating the postpartum journey can be incredibly challenging, and as someone who has watched many friends and family members go through it, I've seen firsthand how crucial a strong support system is. I'm not a birthing parent, a doula, or an expert, but I am a friend who has learned a lot about how to show up and help.
Sakhee means “friend,” and our mission is to support a healthy and fulfilling postpartum experience for all. This is something I believe in deeply, and it's what has motivated me and my community to find ways to be the best friends we can be.
The Challenge of Asking for Help
One of the biggest hurdles I’ve noticed is that many parents find it incredibly difficult to ask for help. They don't want to be a burden or they feel like they should be able to do it all themselves. They might not even know what to ask for. The default answer of "I'm fine!" or "Don't worry about me!" is a common response.
When my friends were struggling to pinpoint a particular need, we realized the best thing we could do was step in and offer specific support. We needed to move past the generic "let me know if you need anything" and provide concrete, actionable ideas.
Offering Specific Support: A Postpartum Plan
As a friend, you can help by being the one who plans ahead. One of the most effective things our group did was set up a Meal Train to coordinate food deliveries. This not only took the burden of cooking off our friends but also created a community-wide effort.
But support goes far beyond meals. Here are some other specific ideas for your own postpartum plan with a friend:
Run Errands: Offer to pick up groceries, drop off mail, or grab a coffee.
Toddler Time: If they have an older child, offer to take the toddler to the park for a few hours or even just watch them in the next room while the parent gets a short break. Five minutes of alone time can feel like an eternity.
Go for a Walk: Offer to meet your friend at an accessible, stroller-friendly park for a walk, and then drop them and their baby back home afterward.
Light Chores: Ask to fold a load of laundry, wash a stack of dishes, or tidy up the living room.
Simply Show Up: Offer to sit with the baby so your friend can take a shower, lie down, or just have a moment of peace.
The key is to give specific examples of what you can do. For someone in the thick of postpartum, the simple act of having to think of a chore for you to do can feel overwhelming. By offering a list of concrete tasks, you take the mental load off of them and make it easy for them to say "yes."
Be a Friend
My experiences have shown me that a healthy postpartum journey is not just about the parent; it's about the entire community surrounding them. By proactively offering support and making it easy for them to accept, we can truly live up to the Sakhee name and be the friends they need.
Resources for Support
Remember, a healthy postpartum journey is a team effort. If you or a loved one needs professional guidance or a listening ear, please know that support is available.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Sakhee: Our mission is to be a friend to those navigating the postpartum period. If you're looking for personalized support, our team is here to help. [Link to Consultation Page]
Postpartum Support International (PSI): This organization offers a helpline, support groups, and other resources for new parents and families.
The Sakhee Blog: Find more tips and stories on building your postpartum village in our other blog posts.