Who’s Caring for Mom?

Rethinking Baby-Centered Culture in the Fourth Trimester

In many modern cultures, the birth of a baby is a moment of collective joy—and rightly so. Friends and family send gifts, share congratulations, and eagerly ask for photos of the newborn. But amid the excitement surrounding the baby, one person is often quietly overlooked: the mother.

In a society that celebrates the baby but forgets the birther, who is caring for mom?

The Hidden Weight of the Fourth Trimester

The fourth trimester, the first 12 weeks after childbirth, is a profound period of transformation. Physically, emotionally, and mentally, the mother is recovering from pregnancy and birth while also navigating sleep deprivation, hormonal shifts, and the enormous demands of newborn care. Despite this, our baby-centered culture often assumes that once the baby arrives safely, the mother is simply “back to normal.”

But the truth is: postpartum recovery is not linear, and it’s not instant. In fact, many mothers quietly endure exhaustion, anxiety, and isolation behind closed doors—because the expectation is that they should simply cope.

From "Supermom" to Supported Mom

The image of the “supermom” who does it all—feeds the baby, keeps the house tidy, hosts visitors, and smiles through the pain—is not only unrealistic, it’s dangerous. This cultural expectation can prevent mothers from asking for help, admitting they’re struggling, or even recognizing that what they’re feeling is not just part of the process.

Mothers deserve better than survival mode.

They deserve care, rest, and gentle support. They deserve someone to check in on them, not just the baby. This is where postpartum care professionals, such as doulas or care assistants, make an essential difference.

Bringing Back the Village

In many traditional cultures around the world, new mothers are surrounded by a village: elders who cook, clean, offer wisdom, and keep the mother company as she heals and bonds with her baby. These rituals were not luxuries—they were the default.

In contrast, modern Western life is increasingly individualistic. Family may live far away, community ties may be thin, and partners often return to work shortly after birth. For many new mothers, the fourth trimester can feel like being dropped into a storm—with no shelter.

How Maison Maman Can Help

At Maison Maman, we believe no mother should feel alone during postpartum recovery.

Whether it’s nighttime presence, postnatal massage, or in-home assistance, our services are designed to restore the sense of nurturing, presence, and non-judgmental support that every new parent deserves. Our care assistants are trained to gently mother the mother—offering a moment to breathe, to rest, and to feel held.

We also offer educational workshops and a growing circle of resources so that families in the Montreal area can reconnect with the village they need to thrive.

Final Thoughts

So, the next time a baby is born, let’s ask not only “How’s the baby?”—but also “How’s the mother?”

Because caring for mom isn’t a bonus—it’s the foundation of a healthy family.