Supporting New Mums: Embracing the Fourth Trimester with Villey

Lucy Quinlan
Oct 2
3 min read

Updated: Oct 28

Becoming a mother is a life-changing experience. It’s exciting, joyful, and often overwhelming. The first three months after birth, commonly referred to as the fourth trimester, are a time of incredible adjustment.

While everyone celebrates the arrival of your baby, the real challenge lies in the day-to-day. Sleepless nights, physical recovery, emotional ups and downs, and the constant pressure of caring for a newborn can be daunting.

This is when practical support becomes essential. The role of friends, family, and the broader community is more important than ever.

But how can you, or society, truly “show up” for a new mum?

Understanding the Fourth Trimester

The fourth trimester isn’t just about healing physically; it’s also about emotional support, guidance, and practical help. New mothers are navigating:

Sleep deprivation: Recovering while attending to a tiny human’s needs.
Physical recovery: Healing from birth, whether vaginal or C-section.
Mental health: Adjusting to a new identity, potential anxiety, or postpartum depression.
Daily logistics: Cooking, cleaning, running errands, and managing older children if applicable.

Often, the people around a new mum want to help, but they don’t know what to do.

That’s where Villey comes in.

How to Be a Good Friend to a New Mum

Being there isn’t just about showing up; it’s about being intentional with your support.

Here’s what genuinely helps:

Offer specific & practical help:
Instead of saying “let me know if you need anything,” try:
“Can I drop off dinner tonight?”
“I can help fold laundry tomorrow morning.”
“I’ll watch the baby for an hour so you can nap.”

Listen without judgment:
New mums need a safe space to vent, cry, or share fears. Listening is often more powerful than offering advice.
Check in consistently:
The fourth trimester can feel isolating. Even a simple message—“Thinking of you today”—reminds a new mum she’s not alone.
Support mental and physical wellbeing:
Encourage healthy meals, gentle movement, or professional help if needed. Recognise that postpartum support is about both body and mind.

Where Villey Steps In

Even with well-meaning friends and family, the reality is that practical support, as the months go on, often falls through the cracks. Society also has a tendency to be 'too busy' and often moves on.

That’s why Villey was created: to fill the void with reliable, professional, and vetted helpers who can support new mums with:

Household tasks: Household management, laundry, running errands—so the new mum can rest.
Meal prep: Nutritious meals delivered or cooked in-home.
Childcare support: Caring for older siblings or assisting with newborn routines.
Postpartum recovery support: Gentle encouragement, reminders, and help with everyday logistics.
Building community: Lending an ear and companionship at home to reduce isolation.

Villey doesn’t replace friends and family; it amplifies their support. When everyone wants to help but doesn’t know how, Villey ensures that new mothers get the care they need, when they need it.

The Importance of Community Support

Community support is vital during the fourth trimester. It’s not just about physical help; it’s about emotional connection. When you show up for a new mum, you’re not just providing a meal or a helping hand. You’re offering companionship and understanding.

Consider organizing a meal train with friends. This way, a new mum can enjoy home-cooked meals without the stress of cooking. Or perhaps arrange a playdate for older siblings, giving the new mum some much-needed time to rest.

Showing Up Matters

The fourth trimester is not a time to struggle alone. Every bit of practical support, every thoughtful gesture, makes a difference. By leaning into care, understanding, and tangible help, we can all make the postpartum journey less isolating and more joyful.

Villey is here to ensure that new mums aren’t just surviving—they’re supported, empowered, and cared for. Whether you’re a friend, family member, or community member, you can make a difference by connecting with Villey and showing up for the mums in your life.

So what can you do?

If you know a new mum who could use some help—or if you’re navigating the fourth trimester yourself—discover how Villey can make life a little easier.

Embracing the Journey Together

As we navigate this journey together, let’s remember that every new mum deserves support. It’s a time of transformation, and with the right help, it can also be a time of joy.

Let’s create a community where new mothers feel valued and supported. Together, we can lighten their load and give them back valuable time.

Every small act of kindness counts. Let’s show up, lend a hand, and make a difference in the lives of new mums. They deserve it!