The Postpartum Gap: Building Support and Connection for New Parents
Featuring Maria
With Lauren Zatezalo, OT student, and Melissa O'Neal, OTR/L
In this episode, we talk with guest speaker Maria about the challenges new parents face postpartum, including isolation, lack of support, and the need for community during the transition into parenthood. We also explore how her business, In Kind Boxes, is helping families feel seen and supported through thoughtfully curated postpartum care boxes designed to nurture parents after birth.
About Maria
Maria 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 You Will Learn in This Episode
- You do not have to be a super mom. It is ok to ask for help. Lean on and cultivate your village of support, and do not be afraid to build connections with other parents who can relate to the hard days.
- 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 during difficult moments.
- Seek help from healthcare providers and social services. Maria has a list of support services a new parent might potentially need on her website at inkindboxes.org.
- In Kind Boxes include approximately 15 full size items, half for the baby and half for mom's recovery and self care. Items include things like a digital thermometer, nail clippers, diaper balm, nipple butter, swaddle, tea, and a scrunchie. If you buy one, they donate another one to someone in need.
- Put yourself out there to meet more people who can support you. Building your village takes effort but it makes a meaningful difference in how you experience postpartum.
Show Notes and Resources
In Kind Boxes (inkindboxes.org). In Kind Boxes on social media (@inkindboxes). Nationwide resources for new parents (inkindboxes.org/general-4). In Kind Boxes blog (inkindboxes.org/blog). How to Thrive After Birth: The Essential Guide to Postpartum Planning and Support (inkindboxes.org/post/how-to-thrive-after-birth-the-essential-guide-to-postpartum-planning-and-support).
From This Episode
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. You do not have to be a super mom. It is ok to ask for help.
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