Help is on the way, dear
Welcoming new moms into motherhood with a homecooked meal or household help is one of the simplest, but most powerful things we can do. It begins a relationship of reciprocity, and weaves us together as a community that shows up for each other.
The fourth trimester goes by many names. In India, the first 42 days after birth are called the Sacred Window. In China, the first month is called Zuo Yue Zi, or Sitting the Month. In Mexico, the first 40 days are called La Cuarentena.
In all of these traditions, women are expected to stay in a bonding cocoon with their baby while they're cared for by their community. The new mother is "mothered" by the women in her life.
Through Many Hands and Meal Trains, we're reviving a culture of community postpartum care.
Meal Trains are a modern version of the ancient cultural practice of feeding the new mother.
A Meal Train is a shared calendar where people can sign up to bring a family one meal. When many people sign up, the family is fed for the first few weeks so they can focus on healing, bonding, and caring for their newborn.
“Little Village created our postpartum meal train, leading to the most supported fourth trimester I could have ever asked for.”
Through Many Hands, volunteer crews provide hands-on help in families' homes. We can help with things like:
“When I suddenly needed to move, the community rallied around us with practical support, encouragement, and kindness, helping us navigate a challenging transition.”
Request your Meal Train during pregnancy, so you don't have to think about it after baby is born. Request Many Hands whenever you're ready to ask for help. Asking for help is how a village works. Volunteers are moms too, so there's no judgment here.
Getting ready for a new baby? Find the baby stuff you need at Village Commons, and ask the people in your life for food and care instead of stuff.