The journey of postpartum recovery is a transformative experience, one that flourishes with the right support system.

At Materna Health, we've seen firsthand how involving partners, family members, or close friends in our Virtual Intensive Postpartum Care (IPC) program can significantly enhance a new mother's recovery and overall well-being.

Why a Support System Matters

The postpartum period is often described as the "fourth trimester," a time of immense physical and emotional change. Having a dedicated support person by your side during this time can be invaluable. They can provide emotional comfort, assist with day-to-day recovery, and help strengthen your relationships during this transitional phase.

10 Ways to Involve Your Support Person in Your IPC Journey

1. Collaborative Care Planning Invite your support person to review your personalized care plan with you. This shared understanding of your recovery goals and expectations can foster a unified approach to your postpartum care.

2. Virtual Appointment Buddies Having your support person join your virtual consultations can be incredibly beneficial. They can take notes, ask questions you might forget, and provide additional insights about your progress.

3. Partner Therapy Sessions Our program includes dedicated partner therapy sessions in weeks 7-8. These sessions are crucial for addressing the changes in relationship dynamics that often occur after childbirth.

4. Shared Learning Experience Encourage your support person to engage with the educational resources provided by our care team. Discussing what you're both learning about postpartum recovery can deepen understanding and empathy.

5. Physical Recovery Assistance Your physical therapist will guide you through safe postpartum exercises. Having your support person learn these exercises too means they can help ensure you're performing them correctly at home.

6. Mental Health Allies Postpartum mood changes are common and can be challenging. We teach your support person to recognize signs of mood disorders and strategies to support your emotional well-being.

7. Team Approach to Infant Care Attending lactation consultant sessions together and learning about newborn care as a team can help distribute responsibilities and reduce stress.

8. Nutritional Partnership Involving your support person in dietitian sessions can lead to better meal planning and preparation, ensuring you're getting the nutrition needed for recovery.

9. Care Team Liaison Your support person can be an additional point of contact with your care team, helping relay information or concerns and assisting with appointment scheduling.

10. Shared Progress Check-ins Participating in weekly progress assessments together allows you to celebrate milestones and address challenges as a team, reinforcing your support system.

Respecting Boundaries

While involvement is encouraged, it's crucial to remember that the level of participation is entirely up to you. Your privacy is paramount, and you have the right to decide what aspects of your care you want to share. If you don't have a partner, consider involving a trusted family member or friend who can provide similar support.

Getting Started

Ready to involve your support person in your IPC journey? Here are four simple steps:

1. Share this blog post with your chosen support person.

2. Discuss which aspects of your care you'd like them involved in.

3. Inform your care coordinator about your preferences.

4. Ask your care team about specific ways your support person can participate in upcoming sessions.

At Materna Health, we're committed to supporting not just you, but your entire support system throughout your postpartum journey. By involving your partner or support person in your care, we believe you're setting the stage for a stronger, healthier postpartum experience.

Remember, postpartum care is not just about recovery—it's about thriving in your new role as a mother. And with the right support, you're well on your way to doing just that.