The idea for Wochenbetter was born during the pregnancy with our second child, in conversations about the postpartum period with other families who were expecting.

Friends told us how much they'd love to help, but often don't know how, or what is actually wanted and needed at any given moment.

That's where the idea of a Google Doc came up — to write down wishes and needs and invite trusted people who want to help.

Julian (a programmer — salzkammercode.at) pricked up his ears — and the gears in his head started turning. Isn't there a simpler solution? Something clear and tidy? Instead of a list that can be deleted by accident, or a group chat where the important things might get lost among all the congratulation messages?

He got to work, and out came: Wochenbetter — an app in which families can invite, ahead of time, the people whose support they'd be glad to accept during the postpartum period, into a circle created just for that purpose, where they can post what they need.

As his partner, I was skeptical. Would cold technology creep into a place where warm humanity is needed?

Together we reflected on our first postpartum experience, which had been very profound. We were completely overwhelmed by the intensity — despite the warnings, the meals cooked in advance, and trusted people around us. What would we have needed back then? Would an app like this have helped?

So now we're simply giving it a try — and inviting you to test it with us!

The app is meant to make coordination easy, not to replace human connection.

Helpers should feel completely free to take on only what truly suits them — and at the same time to proactively offer what they'd love to give.

Parents can then honestly and freely accept what feels right — in the app, and of course always in person too, sharing whatever else matters to them (for example, that things are intense right now and small talk or visits aren't welcome at the moment).

Let's find out together what Wochenbetter is worth. We are our own first testers, and we gladly open up space for feedback and shared experiences. Feel free to write to us at [email protected]

Wochenbetter is free of charge — because the postpartum period is such an important, sacred time, and if something like an app can make this time a little easier for families, then everything is already won!