As a post partum doula (ppd) my role changes daily as the transition into parenthood progresses. Wether it is your first child or your third, with each new addition there are shifts, concerns, and celebrations. I find that parents are all concerned about what will sooth their baby when it seems like nothing else will, how to know whether their child is eating enough, intimidated by that first bath, and EXHAUSTED.
I feel so strongly about the importance of post partum care. Families need to be supported, period. The transition into parenthood is a challenging one that often is glorified in a culture that doesn't fully support it. So what's a new family to do? Okay, here is the answer: hire a Post Partum doula. I promise she will help. You will get some sleep. You will have someone to talk to who will have answers to most of your new parent questions. She will be able to tell you about a lot of different experiences she has had with all different kinds of families....and you will not feel alone.
A ppd is there to help you with figuring out the how to's of a newborn. How and when to feed,sleep,bath,rest etc. She will be NONJUDGMENTAL of your choices, allow you to laugh and cry about all of this new stuff in your life, suggest several different options and techniques on how to care for yourself and your baby. The ppd will be sure that you have eaten, gotten some rest and that you remembered to shower. The ppd is likely to be seen as the baby expert as well as the personal assistant. If you are feeling overwhelmed with all of those thank you notes that need to be sent out she will work on them with you. She will be happy to return gifts, make phone calls, talk to you about the best baby products and even go and buy them for you.
When a family is supported by a ppd they have set themselves up for success. You will be amazed at what you can do as a parent with a bit of help and encouragment.