In the UK, we’re fortunate to have access to many things that make having children easier and safer than in other parts of the world: clean water, vaccination programmes and free healthcare, to name but a few. But many of us lack a supportive and communal approach to parenting that’s commonplace in other cultures. We might not live near our parents or extended families, for example, or have scores of close friends who are busy having kids at the same time as us.

S tudies show that being raised by a ‘village’ of willing adults increases resilience and social connection in children, while further research finds mothers who have adequate social support are less likely to develop post-natal mental health issues.

“Support during the fourth trimester is critical for new mums as they adjust to the challenges of caring for a newborn while recovering physically and emotionally from birth,” says Emiliana Hall, founder of The Mindful Birth Group. “When mums have the right support, it helps them feel stronger and more confident, setting the foundation for healthier families. This has a positive impact on society, leading to happier, more resilient parents and stronger communities overall.”

How to support your mates when they’ve just had a baby – and why the ‘fourth trimester’ is so important