As a postpartum doula, expectant parents often ask me about the best time to decide on postpartum support. My answer is simple: Right now while you’re still pregnant!
I know there’s a LONG list of things to do when you’re getting ready to have a baby: prenatal appointments, childbirth classes, reading pregnancy and baby books, baby registries, baby showers, kick counting, nursery prep, maternity photos, installing car seats, interviewing pediatricians, and so much more! Anything that happens AFTER your baby arrives is quite literally the last thing on your to-do list. I’ve been there!
But here’s the thing: You never know how your birth experience is going to go or what the temperament of your baby will be. You could have a smooth and speedy delivery that’s pretty much textbook. Or you could have a long and tiring delivery that leaves you feeling exhausted from day one. You may have a baby with their days and nights mixed up who just isn’t that into sleeping!
Lots of partners don’t get much time off work and new parents don’t always have family nearby. If you do have family nearby, you may realized they aren’t as supportive as you’d like. Unfortunately, family support often falls more into the category of “visitor” than “helper,” and that can leave you feeling even more exhausted as you try to entertain a revolving door of well-meaning visitors while also trying to recover and take care of your new baby.
Wouldn’t it be nice to know that an extra set of hands is only a call or text away once your baby arrives? Someone who is who is 100 percent focused on you and your needs and already has time set aside in their schedule to come over as soon as you’re ready? A reliable person who can worry about the everyday chores, errands, and tasks needed to keep your house running smoothly so you can rest, recover and get to know your new baby.
That’s exactly what a postpartum doula can do for you. Postpartum doulas prepare meals and snacks, do light housekeeping, take care of your baby while you rest and shower, help with laundry and dishes, entertain or care for older siblings or pets, and help you get comfortable with your skills as a new parent. We can also be the “bad guy” when well-meaning “visitors” overstay their welcome!
Postpartum doulas also provide emotional support. I’ll be there to listen if you’re having a rough day or you want to process your birth experience. I can help you figure out comfortable positions for breastfeeding or navigate your options for supplementing or bottle feeding.
We’re also an excellent resource to connect you with experts and evidence-based information related to breastfeeding, mental health, and any other topics that you might be navigating as new parents.
If you’d like to talk in more detail about how I may be able to support your family as you adjust to life with a new baby, the first step is to schedule a FREE consultation. We’ll meet in person to get to know each other, discuss your pregnancy and postpartum plans, and answer any questions you might have.
I love to help new parents get settled in, rest, recover, and get to know their new baby so everyone can have a sweeter beginning. Contact me today to reserve your spot on my calendar!
P.S. If you book a postpartum support package with me before the end of the year, I’ll throw in a FREE one-hour postpartum planning session. I’ll come to your home in the last month of your pregnancy to help you plan for your baby’s arrival.
Sweet Beginnings by KAVI 