Why Asking for Help Matters

  • Ensures you get timely support—physical, emotional, or informational.
  • Reduces stress and prevents burnout by sharing responsibilities.
  • Models healthy self-advocacy for your family and community.
  • Improves outcomes: better health, stronger relationships, and greater confidence.
Infographic illustrating steps to ask for help: recognize need, choose contact, craft request, follow up.
Infographic illustrating steps to ask for help: recognize need, choose contact, craft request, follow up.

Types of Help You May Need

TypeDescriptionExamples
PhysicalAssistance with chores or tasksMeal prep, cleaning, childcare
EmotionalSomeone to listen or comfort youPartner check-ins, support groups
MedicalProfessional health servicesPrenatal visits, mental health counseling
InformationalAdvice or educationWorkshops, reputable websites, helplines
FinancialMonetary supportCommunity grants, family contributions
Diagram mapping informal and formal supports: family, friends, CHW, health professionals, helplines.
Diagram mapping informal and formal supports: family, friends, CHW, health professionals, helplines.

Identifying Your Support Network

  • List trusted individuals: partner, family members, friends.
  • Include formal supports: CHW, doctors, counselors, social services.
  • Note digital resources: apps, forums, helplines relevant to your needs.
  • Keep contacts organized: phonebook, app favorites, written list.
Diagram mapping informal and formal supports: family, friends, CHW, health professionals, helplines.
Diagram mapping informal and formal supports: family, friends, CHW, health professionals, helplines.

Overcoming Common Barriers

Barrier: Shame or stigma—remind yourself that everyone needs help at times.

Barrier: Fear of burdening others—frame your request as an opportunity for connection.

Barrier: Lack of clarity—use simple, specific language about what you need.

Barrier: Communication anxiety—practice or write a script beforehand.

Diagram listing common barriers to asking for help: stigma, pride, lack of knowledge, communication fear.
Diagram listing common barriers to asking for help: stigma, pride, lack of knowledge, communication fear.

Effective Communication Strategies

1. Be Direct & Specific: “Could you please help me bring groceries this week?”

2. Use “I” Statements: “I’m feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk to.”

3. Set Expectations: “I need 30 minutes of uninterrupted time daily.”

4. Express Gratitude: “Thank you for listening—it means a lot.”

Graphic with sample scripts: asking partner, CHW, employer, friends, and professional services.
Graphic with sample scripts: asking partner, CHW, employer, friends, and professional services.

Sample Request Scripts

Partner

“I’ve been really tired and could use help with the baby’s bedtime routine tonight.”

Community Health Worker

“Can we schedule an extra home visit to discuss my blood pressure readings?”

Employer

“I need a short break every two hours for health reasons. Can we adjust my schedule?”

Friends

“Would you be able to drop off a meal this weekend?”

Professional Services

“I’d like information on local counseling options for postpartum mood changes.”

How a CHW Can Help

CHWs offer home visits for health monitoring, referrals to clinics, health education, and emotional support.

They can connect you with community programs, supply kits, and peer groups.

Keep their contact handy and reach out early for non-urgent needs.

Illustration of how a community health worker supports asking for help—home visits, referrals, counseling.
Illustration of how a community health worker supports asking for help—home visits, referrals, counseling.

Leveraging Digital Help Tools

  • Pregnancy and postpartum apps with chat features and reminders.
  • Online forums moderated by healthcare professionals.
  • 24/7 helplines for maternal health emergencies and mental health crises.
Graphic showcasing mobile apps, helpline numbers, and online forums that facilitate help requests.
Graphic showcasing mobile apps, helpline numbers, and online forums that facilitate help requests.

When & How to Seek Urgent Help

  • Medical emergency: call your provider or emergency number immediately.
  • Mental health crisis: contact crisis helplines or go to nearest facility.
  • Domestic safety concerns: reach trusted contact, CHW, or local helpline.
Chart of urgent contacts and when to call: medical emergency, mental health crisis, domestic safety.
Chart of urgent contacts and when to call: medical emergency, mental health crisis, domestic safety.

Self‑Care While You Seek Help

  • Acknowledge your bravery for reaching out.
  • Practice a quick self‑soothing technique—deep breathing or affirmations.
  • Set aside a moment to celebrate even small steps toward support.

Additional Resources

  • SHELY app’s “Ask Mira” chat feature for instant guidance.
  • Local support group directories for pregnancy and postpartum.
  • National maternal health helplines and mental health crisis lines.

Conclusion

Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By clarifying your needs, choosing the right supports, and communicating effectively, you build a network that sustains you through every challenge.

Next Steps

  • Identify one area where you need help today and choose a person or service to ask.
  • Use a template script to craft your request and practice it aloud.
  • Save key contacts in your phone and set a reminder to follow up.