Save Our Moms

Moms face a number of risks throughout pregnancy and childbirth. But there are so many ways to support the moms in your life - from offering help around the house to just being there to listen – the list is endless. Here are some starting points for inspiration, but you can also get creative and put your best skills to use. If you get stuck, just ask them what they need.

‍

Help Them Get the Best Care: 

There are countless things to think about during pregnancy so sharing reliable information on prenatal care, offering to help with medical appointments, and keeping an eye out for warning signs can be invaluable ways to support moms.

• Share resources on pregnancy and motherhood
• Discuss options for childbirth classes, doula support and birth planning
• Offer transportation and childcare for health appointments
• Encourage them to make an appointment with their doctor or go to the emergency room if they are not feeling well
• Understand their pre-existing conditions and the potential warning signs of complications before, during, and after birth (issues can arise after birth!)
• Check in on their symptoms and speak up with them at visits to their doctor or midwife if they need backup
• Continue to ask the mama how she feels even post-birth

‍

Help Them Feel Good: 

You can be a pregnant mama’s best ally by asking them how they’re feeling and being there to listen. Take every symptom she mentions seriously and encourage her throughout her pregnancy and beyond.

• Check in on their well-being by asking questions like:
  • “Are you feeling supported? How can I help? Have you felt down or depressed?”
• Ask how you can help them take time for themselves and find ways to relax such as massages and light exercise
• If they are dealing with difficult emotions or stress, help them see they are not alone and share resources on postpartum mood and anxiety disorders
• Acknowledge the challenges of being a mother and encourage them
  • “I know this is really difficult, but you’re doing great”

‍

Help With the Day To Day: 

Sometimes the best way for pregnant moms to take care of their babies is to take care of themselves first. But they can’t do it alone. By helping moms with the balancing act of life, you’re really making an impact.

• Help out with chores around the house like laundry, yard work, cleaning, etc. so they can rest
• Support by cooking nutritious meals that they can defrost when stretched for time
• Offer to help take care of pets
• If you’re a coworker, check in and see if there’s anything you can do to help with work-life balance

‍

Help With the Baby: 

There are lots of easy ways to make sure new moms aren’t overwhelmed.

• Offer to help prepare the nursery and pack their hospital bags
• Share information on breastfeeding and resources geared towards a healthy baby
• Ask them if they’re missing any baby essentials
• Give them a break by watching their children

‍

More Resources: 

• • Advocate for change on maternal health globally and in the US: Every Mother Counts
  • Support better care free from discrimination for Black mothers: Black Mamas Matter Alliance
  • Get general information about pregnancy and childbirth:
    • Office of Women’s Health
    • National Library of Medicine‍
  • Find out about federal programs that support moms in need: USDA WIC Program

‍