It can be a big scary world when you suddenly realize you have an infant to care for. And that new awareness can put parents on edge about just about everything. However, an unexpected source of pressure comes from your mind, thinking you have to do it all and be all.
Coach, lover, provider, protector, and hero. A knight in shining armor for all things coming in from the world, and the person who remembers to take the garbage out without being asked. Talk about pressure!
So you guys decided to hire a doula for after you come home from the hospital, and you said yes, but you aren’t sure what another person is going to do other than change diaper, and hold your baby, and maybe wash some things.
And you’re right. Your doula is going to help with that stuff.
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Your doula is going to help you feel less pressure to know *ALL OF THE THINGS*
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Your doula can help fill in the info of things you don’t know, because she may not know ALL OF THE THINGS, she sure does know A LOT OF THE THINGS.
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Your doula can show you other things that work to soothe or comfort your child. Sometimes it’s a small adjustment of a hand position or a big change in how you swaddle.
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Add some levity to this whole whirlwind. A new baby! Working from home! A Pandemic! 2020 sounds like a bad movie plot! Let’s laugh about the poop that is everywhere. It will help.
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When that laughter turns to tears, your doula is right there for that too. Not wishing it away or saying you are fine, but saying it is hard, and it does suck right now, and you are doing the best you can.
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When you want your family to understand why you don’t feel okay with them coming over, your doula will understand. Or that you are hurt that they won’t help more, your doula will listen and let you vent about all of it.
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Because sometimes, the best help is sleep- your doula will be a trusted person that helps you and your partner feel like you can exhale, tuck in, and trust that your baby is in good hands.
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Your doula is there to help your family transition with as much confidence as possible.
