Finding Your Village: Why Support Matters on the Parenthood Journey

Jan 16

Written By Ash .

Becoming a parent is one of the most life-changing experiences you’ll ever have. It’s beautiful, messy, and overwhelming all at once. No matter how prepared you feel, one thing becomes clear pretty quickly: you’re not meant to do this alone. That’s where finding your village comes in.

Your village is the group of people who support you: family, friends, and even professionals, through the highs and lows of parenting. They’re the ones who remind you that you’re doing a great job when you doubt yourself, offer practical help when you’re running on empty, and give you a space to connect when you need it most. Let’s talk about how to build that village and why it’s so important.

Family and Friends: Your Built-In Support System

For many of us, family and friends are the first people we lean on after having a baby. Whether it’s your partner, parents, siblings, or best friends, these are the people who show up with food, hold the baby so you can nap, or simply sit with you when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

But even the closest family and friends don’t always know what you need unless you tell them. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s a few hours of childcare, someone to run errands, or just a listening ear. Your village wants to support you. They might just need a little guidance on how.

Professional Support: The Backbone of Your Village

While family and friends are essential, professional support can be a game-changer during the parenthood journey. Having access to trained professionals who understand the unique needs of both parents and children provides a level of care and expertise that can make all the difference. Professional support allows you to focus on your well-being and gives you the confidence to tackle the challenges of parenthood with the right guidance.

1. Doula Services

Doulas, whether for birth or postpartum, are there to provide emotional, physical, and informational support. A birth doula helps guide you through labor, supporting your choices and offering reassurance when things get tough. Postpartum doulas help during the transition to life with a newborn, providing everything from breastfeeding support to housework and emotional check-ins. Their expertise helps you feel less overwhelmed and more confident as you navigate new parenthood.

2. Childcare Professionals

The right childcare is vital, and local programs like The Aspen House are stepping up to fill that need. With flexible, affordable childcare options that support both children and parents, these programs ensure that families have a safe, nurturing environment for their little ones while offering parents a chance to focus on work, self-care, or just a well-deserved break.

3. Therapists and Counselors

The emotional ups and downs of parenthood can sometimes feel overwhelming. Having access to a therapist or counselor trained in perinatal mental health can be incredibly valuable. These professionals can help you navigate postpartum anxiety, depression, or any other emotional struggles that might arise, offering you strategies and tools to better manage your mental well-being.

4. Lactation Consultants

Breastfeeding can be challenging, and a lactation consultant provides the guidance and support to ensure both you and your baby are on track. Whether you’re experiencing latching issues or concerns about milk supply, a lactation consultant can provide invaluable hands-on support to make breastfeeding a more successful and fulfilling experience.

5. Pediatric Care

Having access to a pediatrician or healthcare provider who understands your family’s needs is a cornerstone of professional support. From well-child visits to handling illnesses, your pediatrician is a key resource for ensuring your baby’s health and development is on the right track.

6. Postpartum Care and Physical Therapy

After birth, your body needs time to heal and regain strength. Working with physical therapists trained in postpartum recovery can help with pelvic health, diastasis recti, and other concerns. They offer personalized guidance to strengthen your body, alleviate discomfort, and ease the transition back into your routine.

By seeking professional support, you’re not only ensuring that you’re well-supported, but you’re also investing in your family’s long-term health and happiness. These professionals are there to fill in the gaps, offering you expertise, support, and resources when you need them most.

Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether it’s a doula, childcare professional, therapist, or lactation consultant, don’t hesitate to reach out and make the most of the professional support available to you.

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Connecting with Other Moms: Building Your Community

Parenthood can feel isolating, especially in those early months when you’re figuring everything out. Connecting with other moms who get it is a game-changer. That’s why I host events to help moms find their village and build those connections.

In the summer months, we gather for Forest Frolics, kid-friendly nature walks designed to bring moms and pregnant people together. Each walk includes a guest speaker who covers topics like birth support, lactation, or pelvic health, followed by a Q&A. It’s a relaxed, fun way to connect while enjoying the fresh air.

When the weather gets colder, we move indoors for Village Vibes Momma Meetups. These cozy gatherings are all about building friendships, sharing experiences, and supporting one another through the ups and downs of parenthood. Whether you’re looking for advice, a laugh, or just a chance to talk to someone who understands, these meetups are here for you.

Seeking Local Support Programs

Building your village isn’t just about personal connections. It’s also about tapping into local programs and resources designed to make parenthood easier. One fantastic example in our area is The Aspen House.

The Aspen House provides a multi-generational, flexible childcare model with pay-per-hour rates and affordable monthly memberships, specifically focusing on children ages 0-5. It’s more than just childcare. It’s a community hub where parents can access on-site care, coworking and independent workspaces, and rooms for parent-centered care services in the future.

From their website:
"The whole family model will ensure that the growing number of parents with young children in Leelanau County will have an option for childcare that allows for flexibility, affordability, and most importantly, resiliency."

For parents looking for a balance between work, personal growth, and quality time with their little ones, places like The Aspen House can be a game-changer.

The Aspen House

Why Your Village Matters

Your village isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s essential. Parenthood is too big of a journey to navigate on your own. Having people to lean on, whether they’re family, friends, or fellow moms, makes the hard days easier and the good days even better.

If you’re feeling isolated or unsure where to start, I’d love to invite you to join us at one of our events. Whether it’s a Forest Frolic or a Village Vibes Meetup, there’s a spot for you in this community. Let’s walk this journey together. You don’t have to do it alone.