The Power of Community CAre
In recent weeks, Los Angeles has faced devastating wildfires that moved with alarming speed, leaving families scrambling for safety and stability. Yet, amidst the chaos and loss, something remarkable emerged: neighbors opening their homes, strangers donating essentials, and communities coming together to provide support. These moments of collective care remind us of the incredible things we can accomplish when we lean on each other—and serve as a powerful model for how we can approach other challenging times, such as the postpartum period.
We’ve all heard the phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child.” But somewhere along the way, our society shifted away from that village mentality. Independence became a badge of honor, and asking for help was seen as a sign of weakness. New parents are often expected to navigate sleepless nights, physical recovery, and the immense emotional demands of caring for a newborn—all while “bouncing back” and returning to work as quickly as possible. This isolation is not just unfair; it’s harmful.
The postpartum period is a time of immense transition. It reorients a parent’s entire experience of the world. Relationships shift, priorities change, and life becomes a delicate balancing act. And yet, the rest of the world doesn’t pause. I’ve supported families basking in the joy of their new baby while simultaneously planning funeral arrangements for a loved one. I’ve worked with parents navigating endless pediatric appointments while trying to stay on top of their own medical needs. This period is overwhelming, even in the best of circumstances.
As a postpartum doula, I see my role as a vital part of community care. My work extends beyond the baby—it’s about supporting parents, nurturing the family unit, caring for their home, and helping them find their footing in a new reality. This isn’t just about surviving those early weeks and months; it’s about thriving, about creating a foundation of support that empowers families to grow and flourish.
When we lean on each other, we create space for healing and growth. The recent wildfires have shown us the extraordinary power of community care: people providing shelter, food, and emotional support in the face of unimaginable loss. We can carry these lessons into our everyday lives, especially when it comes to postpartum families.
It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to admit that you can’t do it all on your own. By creating and leaning into a supportive network, we not only strengthen ourselves but also our communities as a whole.
Whether it’s reaching out to a neighbor, offering a meal to a new parent, or donating to those in need, every act of care makes a difference. Below are some links to organizations providing relief for the Los Angeles wildfires. Let’s continue to show up for each other—in times of crisis and beyond.
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
