There are research studies citing several benefits of birthing couples taking a childbirth class. For first time birthing families, recent statistics show only about 33% participate in a prenatal birth prep class. It used to be a “rite of passage” to take an in-person childbirth class for the majority of first time parents. If having…
A Postpartum Doula on Navigating New Parenthood
Approximately 1 in 7 women will develop a postpartum mood disorder. When I was a new mom, many years ago, I found myself struggling to adjust to the demands of new motherhood. I did not know where to turn or how to get help. As a postpartum doula over the course of 8+ years, I…
Again, such a common concern for new parents. Especially when they’ve returned to work as baby is in 12-16 week range of age. Parents are so hoping to create a routine that allows everyone in the household good nighttime rest. I just love Sarah Ockwell Smith’s realistic suggestions and regard for the baby’s capabilities for…
This question is perhaps one of the primary concerns new parents have. Those first 6-8 weeks can be fraught with exhaustion from the frequent feeds and challenges to interpret a baby’s needs. As a postpartum doula, I so enjoy empowering new mamas and papas by helping them understand their baby. Having worked with so many…
Understanding your newborn’s 6 states of consciousness/being can help new parents gain confidence in supporting and responding to your baby’s needs. As newborns don’t communicate verbally, we can all benefit by recognizing their natural states of being to ease the transition of bringing a new baby into the family. Babies cue us, if we are…
What a fascinating look at newborns in this Psychology Today article. Understanding the perspective of newborns, while they learn to adapt to a world full of new sounds, sights and smells, etc.– can also help you adjust the ways in which, you comfort and support your new baby. Take a closer look at how we, as caregivers,…
This is the classic question every mom (and partner) want to know in those early weeks after birth. . . I can’t tell if my baby has eaten well while nursing since there is no way to measure how much milk has transferred from breast to baby’s tummy? The breast doesn’t calculate the transfer in…
As a postpartum doula, one of the first new skills I teach a breastfeeding mama, is to learn to nurse baby in a side-lying position to optimize rest, cuddling and relief–if she’s dealing with a sore perineum or hemorroids. Since a new mom is breastfeeding anywhere from 10-12 times a day, it just makes sense to make it…
As a childbirth educator and postpartum doula, I regularly counsel my clients to create a sacred space immediately after giving birth. The first hour of life of a newborn needs to be a gentle transition from the womb into the world. A baby delights and relaxes best when being held snugly to mom or dad’s…