What kind of support is needed once baby is here?

Question

I know everyone says you'll need so much help and support once the baby is here, but I'm wondering what people typically need help with.
I assume things like grocery shopping, dinner prep, cleaning, laundry...?
Not really sure what to expect as this is my first baby.

Answer

Shoot this is baby #4 and I never had help except someone watch my other kids while i was in the hospital

Answer

I'm going to answer as a mom and as a L&D; nurse. Granted it is great that most of you commenting were able to do it on your own and some of you had no choice. However no labor, delivery, and baby is alike. The can be many complications and factors that will determine how much help a new mom will need once they go home. Some moms have a smooth delivery with no tears, no pain, and a great breastfeeding experience (baby latches great, only feeds for 20mins, etc). Then there are moms that had long labors resulting in swollen lady parts, 4th degree tears that takes weeks to heal, difficult csections, unmanaged pain, a  colicky baby, a baby that breast feeds 45-60mins each fed, a baby that won't stay sleep for more than 45mins. Not to mention other factors not  baby related. When we say have support at home that support is whatever you NEED it to be to prevent pure exhaustion and postpartum depression. Do you need sleep, a shower, help cleaning, cooking, watching your other kids, shopping, appts, emotional support, etc. Only you will know when the time comes. If you have people available then don't be afraid to ask for help! 
With my 1st I didn't necessarily NEED help  but it was nice when my mom was there in the beginning because she wanted to help; that made my postpartum experience more pleasurable. She would come and cook clean and watch the baby while I slept. I was so grateful!!!

Answer

This is probably not helpful but I really don’t think much support is needed unless you don’t have a partner at home. I pretty much was out and about days after the hospital. I guess it also depends if you are having a c-section etc.

Answer

Only support needed is with someone you trust watching baby so you can get some sleep . The meds I was sent home with would literally put me in a deep sleep a few mins after taking them and I wouldn’t wake up for hours after so I needed help from family to watch him . They were the only meds that actually relieved my pain . Other than that I still managed to do laundry and everything else I needed to do minus going to the store (had family to watch him ) . 
This time around it’ll be the same .

Answer

I had help for a few meals after delivery, but that’s really all I needed...the biggest help you could get is emotional support. If people are willing to allow you to have space without making you feel guilty for “depriving them of baby”, that’s the greatest thing ever! I really never felt like I needed help keeping up with household things (I also didn’t get to everything each day...just as I was able), and I never felt like I needed someone else to do my shopping for me. If you do not have a significant other, do have PPD, or have a c-section, you may have some more needs. Maybe a car ride to dr. Appts till you’re off meds, someone to chase your toddler around after a c-section, or emotional support if you suffer from PPD. I have recruited help for my oldest daughter for the two weeks after delivery, because I am having a repeat c-section, and know I won’t be able to keep up with a super super active toddler till my incision is better healed.

Answer

I would say the biggest thing you would need help with is sleep, especially if baby is colic and fussy and up all night. The lack of sleep is something that no one can prepare you for and so if people want to come around and let you nap for an hour it’ll help you have energy to do the other things like cook and clean. The first week will take the most adjustment until you get used to having a newborn but you’ll get through it!

Answer

I'd like a cook, housekeeper and nanny..... but oh well! My husband barely dies the dishes. I'll be convincing the 7 and 9 year olds to help.

Answer

I like someone cooking and cleaning after me. Baby is asleep 75% of the time soooooooooooo 🤷🏾‍♀️ I just did different tasks during naps.
I'd nap
I'd shower
I'd raid the fridge and pantry for food
That was my entire maternity leave lol

Answer

I lived 6 hours away from all family and friends when I had my first. When someone visited they’d help out, our moms would take over for me at night. Otherwise, we didn’t have help. My husband was in school at the time so I’d have her all night until she woke around 5 and he’d take over so I could sleep in and since he’s a morning person. Then I’d have her the rest of the day when he’d be at school and just kinda shared the responsibility in the afternoon if he wasn’t studying or working on projects after school.

Answer

I never had anyone other than my spouse for help and he wasn’t very much help lol.... I think it all depends on your delivery. My babies have been born vaginally so my recovery time was pretty quick even with stitches.  Any help is appreciated but I’d say you might not need much help.

What kind of support is needed once baby is here?

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