Objectives:
The aim of the study was to determine whether social support obtained by women in the third trimester of pregnancy and in the postpartum period differs significantly with respect to the mode of delivery and whether there is a difference in the life satisfaction of the studied women..

Methods:
The study included 195 women in the third trimester of pregnancy and 182 women from the same group after delivery. The Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were used in the study.

Results:
As early as in the third trimester of pregnancy, women who later underwent Caesarean section received significantly more support of all types than women who gave birth physiologically. In the postpartum period, post-Caesarean women received significantly more support of only instrumental nature. No statistically significant differences were found with respect to life satisfaction of the studied groups of women.

Conclusions:
The results of the present study demonstrate that Caesarean section does not provide greater life satisfaction. Instrumental support plays a crucial role in meeting the caring needs of post-Caesarean women in the postpartum period. The study reveals which type of support is needed by women and highlights the significant role of fathers during childbirth.