What is the importance of social support networks for new parents?

• A. Reduces stress, supports mental health, helps with infant care and access to resources, and improves family resilience
• B. Increases dependence and reduces autonomy
• C. Has no influence on parenting outcomes
• D. Is only relevant for extended family, not parents

Answer: (D)

Social support networks provide emotional, informational, and practical help that helps new parents manage the transition to parenting. When partners, family, friends, and community resources are available, new parents experience less stress and better mental health because they have someone to talk to, guidance on infant care, and help with daily tasks like feeding, soothing, and routines. These supports also connect families to services and information—lactation help, pediatric care, child care options, and financial or community resources—making infant care more feasible. This combination strengthens family resilience, helping the family adapt to new roles and bounce back from challenges more quickly.

Choosing a statement that focuses on increased dependence misses the broader benefit of empowerment that comes from support, while saying there’s no influence ignores a large amount of evidence. And restricting support to extended family excludes the essential roles of partners, friends, and professionals who support new parents and infant care.