I Want Ideas for How to Be Supportive of an Expecting Parent

For expecting parents, each stage of pregnancy is personal and can be difficult. As caregivers, you can help support these parents as they navigate through their pregnancy.

The best way to lend support is to listen and ask how you can help. By first listening and then asking, you will know exactly what will help them without the added stress of now knowing what they need. Another way to provide support is to do something practical such as helping get their home ready for their new baby. Although pregnancy can be a happy and exciting time, it is also personal and not always easy for each expecting mother.

You may find that some expecting mothers experience symptoms of Perinatal or Postpartum disorders. There are many different signs of this showing up in mothers; however, there are many myths surrounding these two disorders which leave many people confused and how to best support their loved ones.

Perinatal and Postpartum depression can show up in many ways. A few signs to look for in parents include:

• The parent not feeling like themselves
• Having problems sleeping
• Experiencing severe mood swings
• Feeling shame and guilt
• Isolating and withdrawing from spending time with their friends and family.

If you notice one or more of these signs in your loved ones, then the best you can do is to provide a safe space for them to share how they are feeling and let them know they are not alone, and you are there to help if they want.