“It takes a Village” is probably a phrase you heard long before the pregnancy test let you know you weren’t alone. But what does that really mean? There seems to be a misconception in today’s society that parents have to do it all themselves, but that was never the way it was meant to be. Here’s the thing no one will tell you: you’re allowed to ask for help and create a village that supports you, and no one is allowed to tell you otherwise. 

We work with hundreds of families welcoming home newborns every year, and we see too many parents struggling because they feel like they’re weak or a failure if they were to ask for help. When I talk to parents on daily discovery calls, they often overexplain why they need in-home newborn help. Even though we are the ones providing the service, some parents still feel that we’re going to judge them for the decision to seek out support. This mindset has to change.

What is a “Village”?

Back in olden times, an entire village would show up to help a new family. Family and friends lived nearby and neighbors would pitch in as well. They would cook, clean, and take care of the baby while the birth parent recovered. It was literally a village! That set the bar that has slowly dwindled into a forced self-sufficiency we were never meant to undertake.  

So, what exactly does having a village mean in today’s world? Well, it’s complicated. To one family, it might mean having very involved grandparents who come over during the day. To another family, it may include having hired overnight help so they can sleep. Every family has different needs, and it’s solely up to them to decide who, what, and when they want support. 

Even when society doesn’t always agree.

Why do new parents need support?

It may seem silly to ask why new parents need support, but we hear it quite a bit. We also hear how someone’s friends did everything themselves and told their new friend they would never dream of having help. That’s truly great for them, but what’s not great is the shame that it puts on people asking for help. 

Let’s be honest, postpartum is hard. Babies are hard. Waking up at 3 a.m. with leaking boobs? Hard. 

Something no one really tells you is that nights can be the hardest. During the day, people want to come see the baby (and hopefully bring you snacks). But at night, everyone goes home. Even grandparents staying for a few weeks expect to sleep. Parents tend to have the sundown scaries (a real term, I promise). It’s not uncommon for parents to dread nighttime or feel lonely and isolated during those hours. 

How a Newborn Care Specialist Can Help:

A Newborn Care Specialist is a certified professional who is trained in all things baby. They typically work overnights and help allow parents to get some much-needed sleep while they take over all aspects of care. 

Our favorite way to phrase having help overnight is that it allows you to better enjoy your baby and function better during the waking hours. It allows you to have meaningful moments without being so exhausted you want to cry. It allows you to learn more and be supported by someone who genuinely cares how you’re doing. Who can listen and support you in an unbiased way. 

The reality of parenting is: we need a village. We need people we can lean on and learn from. Who help make us better parents. 

Let us be part of your village, book a call today to learn more about how we can best support you and your little one.