Historically during the sacred times around birth and death, there was a village of love and support surrounding the family. The mother was cared for so that she could in turn care for her baby. There were community members to help take care of practical and spiritual aspects involved when a soul moves on from this world. In the absence of the traditional village, many families today face overwhelm and isolation. Research shows that a lack of social support can have drastic consequences affecting the entire family for years to come including depression, anxiety, and difficulty in bonding. This is a public health issue. We are not meant to parent alone, we are not meant to grieve alone.
The good news is that proper social support around the time of birth or grieving presents a grand opportunity for healing, growth, and transformation.
Prevention is less costly than treatment.
We are social beings. We are not meant to birth alone, parent alone, or grieve alone. Isolation can result in tragic health consequences that require costly, often lifelong treatment. Social support during these transformational times can not only prevent adverse health outcomes, saving time and money, but also promote healing and well-being for families and future generations.