Building Your Village: Why Support Matters for Mental Health
When I think about what really makes the difference in pregnancy and postpartum, it’s not just the perfect crib, the best baby carrier, or even the right feeding plan. It’s the people who show up for you.
That’s why the V in my THRIVE method stands for Village.
Because having a strong, supportive community isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s actually one of the most powerful protective factors for your mental health in pregnancy and postpartum.
What the Research Says
We’ve known for years that social support is linked to better outcomes for new parents. Studies show that:
Lower rates of postpartum depression and anxiety are directly connected to feeling supported.
Faster recovery and more positive birth experiences happen when parents feel held by their partners, friends, or extended community.
Even breastfeeding success is linked to support—people are more likely to keep going when they don’t feel alone.
And here’s the kicker: lack of support is one of the strongest predictors of postpartum depression. Not hormones. Not birth method. Not even sleep (though that’s a big one too). It’s feeling isolated.
Can you believe that? Something as simple—and as human—as community can change everything.
Why Villages Matter
When you have people around you who:
Bring food without asking for anything in return
Hold the baby so you can shower
Do your laundry so you can hold your baby
Remind you that you’re doing a good job
Sit with you in the hard moments, without trying to fix them
…you don’t just feel cared for. Your nervous system actually shifts into a calmer, safer state. And that makes your body, your milk supply, and your mental health stronger.
But What If You Don’t Have a Village?
So many of us live far from family, or have complicated relationships, or feel like we “should” be able to do it all ourselves. And then we end up exhausted and isolated.
That’s why I believe in building your village, not just waiting for one to appear. This can look like:
Joining a prenatal yoga or birth prep class where you meet other parents-to-be
Saying yes when someone offers help (even if it feels uncomfortable at first)
Finding support online in safe, moderated communities (like ours!)
Working with a doula, therapist, or postpartum professional who can be part of your circle
Where Beyond Birth Comes In
This is exactly why the Beyond Birth Baby Steps program includes community support. Because you shouldn’t have to figure this out alone. Inside the 6-week cohort, you have a built-in village—people who get it, who are walking through the same exact season, and who can hold you up on the days when it feels heavy.
The “V” in THRIVE is a reminder that we are not meant to do this solo. Your mental health, your recovery, and even your joy in parenting are stronger when you are surrounded by support.
Love,
Emily
