Adjusting to Life with a Newborn: 5 Doula Tips for New Moms
Bringing home a new baby is a beautiful, transformative experience, but it can also be overwhelming. As you navigate this new chapter, remember that it’s okay to ask for help and take time for yourself. Here are five expert doula tips to help you adjust to life with your newborn while maintaining your well-being and sense of self.
1. Don’t Lose Yourself: Prioritize Self-Care
Your identity doesn’t disappear the moment you become a mother. As your priorities shift, it’s crucial to carve out moments for yourself. Practicing self-care early on can make a big difference. This can mean stepping outside for a few minutes and feeling the sunlight on your skin or soaking in a hot bath to relax and recharge. Catching up with a girlfriend over the phone can also do wonders for your mental health. Remember, you are still you, mama – and nurturing yourself allows you to better care for your little one.
2. Accept Help When It’s Offered
I can still remember vividly the times I turned down help when it was offered. If I could go back, I definitely would have accepted it. Instead of feeling ashamed about the state of my kitchen, I would have felt grateful for the person willing to lend a hand. It’s hard in the moment, but accepting help doesn’t make you weak – it shows strength in allowing others to support you. Trust me, you’ll feel so much better in the long run if accept the help when it's offered.
3. Start a Gratitude Journal
Beginning each day with a grateful heart helps shift your mindset, especially during challenging moments. Jotting down a few things you’re thankful for – whether it’s a hot cup of coffee, a sweet smile from your baby, or a supportive text from a friend – can help you find joy in the little things. A gratitude journal encourages a positive outlook, grounding you amidst the unpredictability of new motherhood.
4. Reach Out for Resources
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Connecting with other moms can provide valuable support and encouragement. Consider joining a local mommy group or attending a breastfeeding support group hosted by organizations like La Leche League. Some local churches also host supportive gatherings for new moms. Being around others who understand your journey can make a world of difference in feeling supported and less isolated.
5. Give Yourself Grace
This is all new territory, mama. There’s no manual for navigating motherhood, and it’s okay not to have all the answers. Be gentle with yourself and allow room for mistakes and learning curves. Lean on those around you when needed, and seek out support, whether it’s from family, friends, or professional resources.
You’re Not Alone
Adjusting to life with your new baby takes time, patience, and compassion. By practicing self-care, accepting help, focusing on gratitude, seeking community, and extending grace to yourself, you’re setting the foundation for a joyful and fulfilling motherhood journey.
Remember, you are not alone, and you are doing a great job. If you need additional support or guidance, reach out – we’re here to help.
How Our Postpartum Doulas Help New Parents Navigate the Newborn Stage
The transition into motherhood is such a special time, but let's be real..finding your way through those early days with a newborn can feel overwhelming! While everyone focuses on pregnancy and birth, the postpartum period (what we love to call the fourth trimester) is when you really need that extra support to navigate this new chapter. That's exactly why I'm so passionate about postpartum doula care!
Gentle Support When You Need It Most
As postpartum doulas, we're here to help you find your rhythm as a new mama. We bring years of experience supporting families through the newborn stage, but we're not here to tell you how to parent – we're here to help you discover what works best for your unique family.
What Does Newborn Support Look Like?
Every family's needs are different, but here's a peek at how we can help make your transition smoother:
Hands-on newborn care support: Whether you'd like guidance with diapering, swaddling, or even observing that first bath, we're here to help you feel confident in caring for your little one.
Feeding support: From breastfeeding tips to bottle-feeding guidance, we've got your back.
Sleep support: We'll help you implement calming bedtime routines and guide you in understanding your baby's natural patterns.
Soothing techniques: Together, we'll discover what helps your baby feel most comfortable and content.
Creating Space for Rest and Bonding
One of the most beautiful parts of having postpartum support is that it gives you more space to focus on what matters most – bonding with your precious baby. We can:
- Ensure you're staying hydrated and nourished (hello, snack refills!)
- Help you recognize early feeding cues
- Share different comfort measures for both you and baby
- Create opportunities for you to rest when baby does
The Extra Support Your Family Deserves
Your postpartum doula is here for your entire family. We can:
- Help partners feel confident in their new role
- Share current safety guidelines with grandparents
- Make appropriate referrals to specialists when needed
- Provide a listening ear as you process your birth experience
Ready to Learn More?
Remember, mama, navigating the newborn stage shouldn't feel overwhelming or lonely. Having a postpartum doula means having someone in your corner who understands this journey and is dedicated to supporting your family's unique needs.
Ready to learn more about how postpartum support could help your family navigate the newborn stage? Let's chat! We serve families in the Houston and San Antonio-New Braunfels areas, and we'd love to help you create a postpartum plan that feels just right for you.
Download your FREE Postpartum Planning Workbook here.Why Your Baby's First Feeding Assessment Matters
Hey mamas! As a nurse, postpartum doula and lactation specialist, I can't stress enough how important those first few days of feeding are for both you and your little one. Today, I want to chat about why getting a feeding assessment in those early days can make such a difference in your breastfeeding journey.
The First 72 Hours: Setting You Up for Success
Those first three days postpartum are golden for establishing breastfeeding. Your body is producing nutrient-rich colostrum, and your baby is learning how to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing. This is why I offer home visits in the New Braunfels-San Marcos area – because I believe every mama deserves support right where she's most comfortable.
During these early assessments, we look at:
- How your little one latches and transfers milk
- Any signs of oral restrictions that might affect feeding
- Your comfort level during feeds
- Baby's positioning and overall body tension
- Signs that baby is getting enough milk
A Holistic Approach to Oral Ties
One topic that often comes up during feeding assessments is oral ties (lip, tongue, etc.). While these can certainly impact feeding, I believe in taking a thorough, holistic approach before considering any interventions.
When assessing oral function, we look at:
- Can baby form an effective seal?
- How's their range of motion?
- Are they transferring milk well?
- Is feeding comfortable for you?
Sometimes, what looks like a tie might just need support from other modalities. This is where a team approach can be incredibly beneficial.
Your Support Team
There are several wonderful professionals who can support your feeding journey:
- IBCLCs (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants): Expert breastfeeding support and in-depth feeding assessments
- Bodywork Specialists: Chiropractors, craniosacral therapists, and other specialists who help with body tension and positioning
- Feeding Therapists: Occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists specializing in oral function and feeding skills
Virtual Support When You Need It
Can't make it to an in-person assessment? I offer virtual support through I Help Moms at just $1.25 per minute. It's perfect for troubleshooting specific challenges, getting quick tips about positioning, or discussing sleep concerns. Sometimes a quick video call is all you need to get back on track! Click here for my coaching link.
Ready for In-home Lactation Support?
Visit my website's lactation support tab to learn more about my home services in the New Braunfels-San Marcos area. Whether you need an in-person assessment or prefer virtual support, I'm here to help you and your little one thrive on your feeding journey.
If you're looking for postpartum doula support, my team serves both Houston and the San Antonio-New Braunfels area to help you feel supported in the early weeks with your newborn.
Remember, mama – getting support early can make all the difference. You don't have to figure this out alone!
Postpartum Doulas: Daytime vs. Overnight Support
When families ask if postpartum doulas work overnight, the answer is absolutely! Let’s break down what these shifts look like and how they can make life easier for you during this exciting and often overwhelming time.
Overnight Postpartum Doula Support
Overnight shifts typically run from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. During this time, doulas take care of baby’s needs-diaper changes, soothing, feeding (or bringing baby to you for nursing), and other tasks that might keep you up at night. They help clear your mental load by tackling the mundane but necessary duties that can clutter your mind, allowing you to rest and focus on bonding with your baby.
Daytime Postpartum Doula Shifts
Daytime support usually comes in 4- to 6-hour blocks. Whether it’s an early morning shift, like 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., to help you start your day, or an evening shift from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. to handle the fussy "witching hour," daytime doulas are all about making your life easier.
What they do:
- Support baby care like diapering, feeding, and soothing.
- Ensure you’re eating and drinking enough (Bringing you snacks and refilling your water)
- Offer tips to partners and grandparents on evidence-based baby care.
- Create space for self-care, whether it’s a nap, shower, or just a breather.
Why Choose Overnight Support?
- Rest: Getting solid sleep is imperative for your recovery and peace of mind.
- Reassurance: You’ll sleep so much easier knowing your baby is cared for by someone experienced and compassionate.
- Feeding Help: Doulas can assist with nursing sessions or prep bottles as needed.
Why Choose Daytime Support?
- Learn Together: Get hands-on baby care guidance while you're awake.
- Family-Focused: Doulas support the whole family, from partners to older siblings to grandparents.
- Relief from the “To-Do” List: They handle small, but nagging tasks, so you can focus on what matters most-your sweet baby.
Postpartum Doula vs. Night Nurse
A postpartum doula’s role is non-medical and rooted in compassionate, evidence-based care. They’re there to support your family emotionally and practically without judgment. Night nurses, on the other hand, may have medical training and focus on clinical tasks.
Supporting the Whole Family
Postpartum doulas do more than care for your baby. They help partners feel confident in their role, update grandparents on the latest safe sleep and baby care guidelines, and provide a listening ear as you process your birth experience. Their goal is to support your entire family’s transition into this beautiful new chapter.
Feeding Support
No matter how you choose to feed your baby, postpartum doulas have your back. They’ll help with breastfeeding techniques, bottle-feeding tips, and any challenges that come up, so you feel confident and supported.
Bringing a baby home can feel like a big adjustment, but you don’t have to do it alone! Whether you need overnight care or daytime support, postpartum doulas offer personalized care to help you feel rested, supported, and fully present for your little one.
Serving families in the Houston and San Antonio-New Braunfels areas, we provide compassionate, postpartum doula care tailored to your unique needs! Click here to fill out our contact form and connect with one of our wonderful professionals!
Warm Meals, Warm Hearts: Essentials for Postpartum Healing
The Importance of Warm and Nourishing Meals During Postpartum Recovery
Welcoming a new baby is a transformative, demanding, and often overwhelming experience. After giving birth, a mother’s body undergoes numerous changes, including significant blood loss, leaving her in what many traditional practices describe as a “cold state.” This makes warm, nourishing meals essential for healing and recovery.
Why Warm Foods Are Key for Postpartum Healing
Warm meals provide comfort and actively support your body’s recovery process. Foods like bone broth are especially beneficial. Bone broth is rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals, which promote tissue repair, strengthen joints, and enhance overall health. The warmth of the broth also helps restore balance to the body, easing the transition and helping you regain your strength after the marathon of childbirth.
Countless evidence-based benefits come from eating nutrient-rich, warm foods during the postpartum period. These meals provide much-needed energy, replenish depleted nutrients, and contribute to emotional well-being during this sacred time—ultimately paving the way for a joyful postpartum experience.
Making Postpartum Comfortable
I love finding ways to pamper new mamas during their postpartum period. Thoughtful gifts like cozy slippers, soothing bath salts, and microwavable heating pads are among my go-to suggestions. These small gestures, I hope, bring relaxation during a time when a mom’s top priority is caring for her baby’s needs while also paving the path for her own recovery and self-care.
Another heartfelt way to support a new mom is by bringing her a warm, homemade meal. My go-to favorite is chicken and dumplings—a dish that not only warms the body but is like comfort in a bowl! It’s a favorite in my household, and I always add a twist by incorporating bone broth for its extra healing benefits.
Easy Meal Ideas for New Moms
For families looking to support a new mom, any homemade soup or stew can be a great option. Whether it’s a cherished family recipe or a new crockpot meal you discovered on Pinterest, the effort of providing something nourishing and from the heart will always be appreciated.
Freezer meals are another wonderful option. Preparing crockpot-ready meals in advance gives moms a no-prep solution for those days when cooking feels impossible. These meals can be a lifesaver, offering comfort and nutrition with minimal effort.
Support Through Simple Gestures
Postpartum recovery is a time for rest, healing, and nourishment. Whether you’re the new mom or someone looking to support one, warm meals and thoughtful comfort foods can make this precious time feel a little easier and a lot more nurturing.
24-Hour Bone Broth Recipe
Okay, I’ll leave you with a recipe! Here is my (loose) 24-hour bone broth recipe:
Ingredients:
- Bones of choice (such as chicken bones, turkey carcass, etc.)
- 3–4 stalks of celery, roughly chopped
- 1 onion
- Black peppercorns
- Garlic (minced or fresh)
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (this helps draw nutrients from the bones)
- Ginger powder
- Sea salt
- Optional: Bouillon cubes (beef or chicken) for added flavor
- Any herbs you like
Instructions:
- Fill a crockpot with bones, covering them with water until it takes up about half to three-quarters of the crockpot.
- Add the celery, onion, black peppercorns, garlic, apple cider vinegar, ginger powder, and sea salt.
- If desired, include bouillon cubes and your favorite herbs for extra flavor.
- Simmer on low for 20–24 hours to extract maximum flavor and nutrients!
Book a discovery call today to learn how my team and I can support your unique postpartum needs.
Download your free Postpartum Planning Workbook and start preparing for your healing journey today!
We proudly serve families in Houston, New Braunfels, and San Antonio, offering compassionate Postpartum Doula Care and Breastfeeding Support.
Breastfeeding Insights for the Early Days
Preparing for the Early Days of Breastfeeding
The first few days and weeks of breastfeeding can be a learning curve for both you and your baby, but with a little preparation and understanding, you can set the foundation for a successful breastfeeding journey. Here are some key points to remember during those early days:
Bring Baby to the Breast Often
Frequent feedings are crucial in the first few days to help establish your milk supply, ensuring your baby is getting the nutrition they need. Aim to feed every two to three hours or whenever they show signs of hunger.
Removing milk often–either through breastfeeding or pumping–stimulates your body to make more milk and maintain production!
Skin-to-Skin Time is Vital
Spending time skin-to-skin with your baby is incredibly beneficial. It helps lower stress levels for both of you, regulates your baby’s breathing and blood sugar. It also stimulates the production of oxytocin and prolactin-hormones that increase milk production and bonding.
Baby’s Natural Instincts
Babies are born with natural instincts to breastfeed. Most healthy, full-term newborns can self-attach to the breast if placed skin-to-skin on their mother’s abdomen. They will instinctively crawl up her torso using their stepping reflex and massage the breast to activate their feeding reflexes.
Understanding Colostrum and Baby’s Tummy
In the first few days, your body produces colostrum—a thick, golden milk packed with nutrients and antibodies to help prime your baby’s immune system. Many new moms worry they aren’t making enough milk, but colostrum is all your baby needs. Did you know a newborn’s stomach is about the size of a cherry and can only hold a small amount? By day three, it grows to the size of a walnut, and by one month, it’s about the size of a chicken egg.
Refer to this chart for a visual representation:
Milk Transition
Monitoring Wet and Dirty Diapers
One of the easiest ways to ensure your baby is getting enough milk is by keeping a log of their diapers. Tracking their wet and dirty diapers provides valuable insight into their hydration and digestion, especially in those early days.
Wet Diapers
- Day 1-2: Expect 1-2 wet diapers per day
- Day 3-5: You should see at least 3-5 wet diapers daily as your milk transitions
- Day 6 and Beyond: Look for around 6 or more wet diapers daily.
- Day 1-2: Your baby’s first stools, called meconium, will be thick, sticky, and black
- Day 3-4: Stools will transition to a greenish-brown color as meconium clears
- Day 5 and Beyond: Stools should become mustard-yellow, seedy, and loose in consistency. Breastfed babies typically have 3-4 diapers a day, which can vary.
Dirty Diapers
Below is another visual that may be helpful:
Around day three or four, your milk will transition from colostrum to mature milk. This is often when moms notice their breasts feeling fuller. If your baby is latching well and effectively removing milk, your supply will adjust to meet their needs.
Latch and Feeding Cues
Breastfeeding should not be painful! Some tenderness is normal in the first few days, but sharp pains or discomfort could indicate a poor latch.
Signs of a good latch include:
• Baby’s cheeks are full (not dimpled).
• You hear active sucking and swallowing.
• Baby’s lips are flanged outward.
• Their chin touches your breast.
You can express a little milk or gently stroke your nipple along your baby’s upper lip to encourage a wide mouth before latching.
Seek Support Early
Lactation specialists and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) can provide valuable guidance to prevent and address breastfeeding challenges. They can show you different feeding positions to ensure you and your baby are comfortable.
Breastfeeding Benefits
Breastfeeding offers many health benefits for both you and your baby. For your baby, it strengthens their immune system, protects against obesity and GI issues, and reduces their risk of infections. For you, it lowers the risk of ovarian and breast cancer and supports postpartum recovery by releasing oxytocin-the ‘love hormone.’
Weight Gain and Feeding Schedule
Your baby may lose some weight in the first few days due to fluid loss, but you should see them regain their birth weight by around day 10. Feeding every two to three hours, or on demand, will help maintain your milk supply and support your baby’s growth!
Every Drop Counts
Breastfeeding, even in small amounts, provides incredible benefits for your baby. Each drop of breast milk is packed with valuable nutrients and antibodies that support your baby’s health and development.
Additional Resources
If you’d like more guidance, I offer a free downloadable journaling guide for setting your unique breastfeeding goals! Click here to download.
For moms returning to work, I recently joined Madison Fugere- on the Postpartum Plan Podcast to share tips on building a milk stash and managing pumping schedules. Click here to listen!
If you like to explore virtual support, I offer video consulting through the I help moms platform. I can provide tailored support with breastfeeding and infant sleep routines, providing evidence based-guidance and a listening ear. Your first 15-minute consult with me is free and then $1.25 for expert support on your motherhood journey. Click here for my coaching link.
If you’re an expectant mother and would like more info on hand-expressing breast milk, the importance of the first hour after birth, and optimizing milk production in the early days, check out this wonderful resource: First Droplets by Dr. Jane Morton. Her videos are highly demonstrative and easy to follow.
Breastfeeding can come with challenges at times, but it’s also a rewarding journey! Remember, you and your baby are learning together, and it will get easier with time and practice. You’ve got this, mama, and I’m here if you need extra support.