How to Create Your Postpartum Village: A Guide for Modern Moms

hello Momma,

Becoming a parent is life-changing, exhausting, and beautiful all at once. One of the biggest lessons postpartum moms often learn is this: you don’t have to do it alone. Recovery, breastfeeding, and caring for a newborn are easier when you have a support system — a “village” of people and tools that help you heal, nourish, and thrive. And while we do often romanticize about the past and the villages that were in place, we often forget that for the most part we do motherhood alone. While that is true and some do favor to do it all, there is some specifics that need to be foundations for your recovery. Your village is needed more than ever as you become a momma and care for your little one.

Here’s how to intentionally build your postpartum village, from pregnancy through the first few months after birth.

1. Ask Your Besties for a Nesting Party

Before your baby arrives, gather your closest friends for a nesting party. This isn’t just about decorating the nursery — it’s about prepping meals and practical support for the weeks after birth.

• Cook and freeze nourishing meals together.

• Label containers with dates and reheating instructions.

• Share tips, resources, and even favorite snacks.

A nesting party transforms friends’ energy into practical help — a tasty, supportive boost for your postpartum recovery.

2. Create a Daily Post-Birth Checklist for Your Partner

Even the most attentive partner can feel lost when a newborn arrives. Setting up a post-birth daily checklist can help them support your body and recovery with clarity.

Include items like:

• Meal prep or bringing nourishing snacks.

• Setting aside quiet time for naps or gentle stretching.

• Running small errands to keep the home calm and functional.

• Checking in with you emotionally to see how you’re feeling.

A simple checklist ensures that everyone is aligned, and you get the rest and nourishment you need.

3. Take a Mother-Focused Postpartum Prep Course

Not all learning has to happen in person. There are virtual courses designed for expectant and new mothers that focus on postpartum care, self-nurturing, and newborn guidance.

Benefits include:

• Learning how to structure your first weeks at home.

• Practical tips on nutrition, recovery, and emotional well-being.

• Connecting with like-minded moms in a low-pressure, supportive space.

A virtual course allows you to gain expert knowledge from the comfort of your own home, without adding extra stress to your busy schedule.

4. Share Your Needs with Neighbors

Your neighbors can be a quiet but powerful part of your postpartum village. Don’t be shy about asking for small daily supports:

• Collecting packages or mail.

• Checking in on older children or pets.

• Lending an extra hand with groceries or errands.

Being upfront about what you need — even if it’s just a quick hello or helping hand — strengthens your support network.

5. Connect with Your Birth and Postpartum Doula

A doula is your bridge between birth and recovery, supporting both emotional and practical needs.

They can:

• Help with newborn care, feeding, and settling routines.

• Support postpartum recovery strategies like gentle movement, nourishment, and rest.

• Offer guidance on integrating your broader support network.

A doula ensures that your postpartum experience is focused, guided, and compassionate, filling in gaps that friends or family may not know how to navigate.

6. Connect with a Holistic IBCLC Before Birth

A lactation consultant, especially one with a holistic approach (IBCLC), can be an invaluable member of your postpartum village before your baby even arrives.

• Discuss natural feeding strategies and positioning.

• Learn about supplements, herbs, or foods that support milk production.

• Create a plan for potential challenges, so you feel confident and prepared.

Early connection with an IBCLC ensures that breastfeeding is supported, personalized, and proactive, helping you start your journey with confidence.

Bringing It All Together

Creating a postpartum village isn’t about having a huge team — it’s about curating the right people and resources to support your body, your baby, and your emotional well-being.

A strong village includes:

• Friends and family who step in with meals, errands, or laughter.

• Partners who understand your needs and follow a daily support plan.

• Professionals like doulas, lactation consultants, and healthcare providers guiding your recovery.

• Resources and courses that empower you to care for yourself from the comfort of home.

When you intentionally build this support network, you give yourself the gift of healing, nourishment, and peace of mind, which ultimately benefits both you and your baby.

Quick Tips Recap

• Host a nesting party to prep meals.

• Make a daily checklist for your partner to support nourishment and rest.

• Take a postpartum prep course from home.

• Communicate your needs with neighbors.

• Connect with your birth and postpartum doula.

• Speak with a holistic IBCLC before birth for lactation guidance.

By planning, asking for help, and connecting with the right people, your postpartum journey can be smoother, more nurturing, and filled with support every step of the way.

Wishing you all the healing!