Maybe this isn’t your first baby, and you know you could have used more support the first time around. Or, you’ve just heard from your friends that the best thing they did was to hire a postpartum doula or newborn care specialist to help with the transition to life with a newborn. There’s no doubt that having ample support in the beginning can impact your mental and physical health, your breastfeeding goals if that’s how you’re feeding your baby… even your relationship with your spouse. Finding ways to make this huge transition in your life smoother is one of the greatest kindnesses you can give to yourself.
Here are a few signs that hiring a postpartum doula might be exactly what you need to ease into the new demands and strike a new balance. This is the first in a series, so stay tuned for many more reasons to consider hiring a postpartum doula!
Sign #1. You’ve Finished Your Birth Plan… and Realize Postpartum Is a LOT Longer Than Birth
Many expectant parents put a lot of time and attention into a birth plan, and then at some point suddenly realize that the postpartum period lasts far longer than labor and delivery… and yet they’re not exactly sure how to make a plan for that. How do you plan for sleep deprivation, for potential feeding challenges, for the questions that will come up in the middle of the night… for the emotional processing of everything that’s going on?
So much attention goes into preparing for birth, but the postpartum weeks are where families often need the most hands-on support. While you can’t plan for every potential question or challenge… you can put a safety net in place so that you know there will be someone to answer your questions when they come up, to help you prioritize your rest and recovery, to be an extra set of hands and listening ears. A strong safety net often includes a trained and professional postpartum doula or newborn care specialist.
Sign #2. The Idea of Making Freezer Meals Makes You Want to Hide Under the Covers
Maybe you’ve heard that preparing freezer meals before the baby arrives is a great way to get ahead of the overwhelm in those early weeks. But if your energy is going towards growing a human – and possibly chasing at least one other small human at the same time – the thought of spending hours shopping and cooking in bulk can feel completely overwhelming. (There’s probably already a long list of things you’re trying to finish before the baby arrives!)
The good news? A postpartum doula can help with meals during daytime shifts. They might start to prepare dinner for that evening (while baby naps, or while wearing your baby!). Or, they can cook meals in bulk to freeze for later. Or they can just make simple one-handed snacks that you can grab throughout the week during those moments when you can’t put the baby down but you’re hungry. They can also help with toddler snacks or quick lunches.
Sometimes the best solution is simply crossing a task off your list entirely – don’t make the meals now, let the doula do that.
Sign #3. You’re Already Having Flashbacks (or Flash Forwards!) to Sleepless Nights
If this isn’t your first baby, you might already remember the sleepless nights of the newborn phase. Maybe you’re starting to picture what those nights will look like again — except this time with a toddler in the house, too. And certainly if you haven’t been through it before… you’ve heard how trying it can be in the beginning!
An overnight postpartum doula or newborn care specialist can help parents prioritize rest. They can care for the baby between feedings so you can sleep more deeply – and not have to wonder what every “peep” means! (Some of those babies sure like to grunt and squirm). Your doula can support breastfeeding, or help you figure out how and when to introduce bottles if that’s part of your plan. (And yes — they’ll wash pump parts and bottles too).
They can also show you effective soothing methods, and give you strategies for getting the baby to sleep for longer stretches over time! Sleep is a precious commodity, and how your night goes makes a huge difference in how you feel when you face a new day.
In Part 2 of this series, we’ll talk about how postpartum doula support can help you navigate roles and relationships – whether that’s with your spouse, your toddler, or visiting relatives. Stay tuned!
