We spend so much time preparing for birth, but what about everything that comes after? For many new parents, the lack of support, resources, and care in postpartum can come as a shock. Today, we are talking about that gap, and hearing one mother's experience navigating a difficult season without the necessary support.
Guest Speaker
On this episode we talked with Maria. She is a Canadian mom living in the United States. She has three wonderful boys and her work creating the business In Kind Boxes has been featured on Good Morning America and in Entrepreneur. She is passionate about helping support new parents as they transition into parenthood.
What Can You Do if You Are Feeling a Lack of Support?
You do not have to be a super mom. It is ok to ask for help. Here are some ways to start building the support you need:
- Lean on and cultivate your village. Do not be afraid to build your village of parents who can relate to the hard days.
- Put yourself out there to meet more people who can help support you. It takes effort but it makes a meaningful difference in how you experience postpartum.
- Find parent friends who have kids both the same age as yours and slightly older. Seeing that the current phase your child is in does not last forever can be incredibly reassuring.
- Find help from healthcare providers and other social services. Maria has a list of support services a new parent might potentially need on her website: How to Thrive After Birth: The Essential Guide to Postpartum Planning and Support
In Kind Boxes
Maria created her business because all new moms deserve the opportunity to thrive and be set up for success. She wanted to try to fill some of the gap between services and support new parents need, compared to what is actually provided. She wants new moms to know they are allowed to prioritize their self care and do not have to feel guilty for taking a shower.
What is in a box?
A box includes approximately 15 items, half for the baby and half for mom's recovery and self care. These are full size items, not sample sizes. Items may include:
- Digital thermometer
- Nail clippers
- Diaper balm
- Nipple butter
- Swaddle
- Tea
- Scrunchie
Her team was very intentional about how they chose these items and want to keep it consistent across the boxes so everyone receives the same highest quality.
Buy One, Give One
If you buy one, they donate another one to someone in need. Her website also has other resources for those in need of help and support.
Resources
- In Kind Boxes: All Products
- Nationwide Resources for New Parents
- In Kind Boxes Blog
- In Kind Boxes on social media: @inkindboxes
This article is a companion to Episode 17 of the Functional Fourth Trimester podcast.