Having a newborn is amazing, but it also can be exhausting and overwhelming. Newborns do not have a schedule and their needs can feel endless. For many people it feels like nothing can be accomplished due to the unpredictability of their needs. As the owner of one of the busiest doula agencies in the country, I have the privilege of connecting with 1000’s of families each year. Here are some of the many reasons I hear as to why a family chooses to have a 24/7 live-in Postpartum Doula or Newborn Care Specialist.
1. A busy home! Many families who are welcoming a new baby have an already busy home and the stress of having to care for a new baby can feel overwhelming and even impossible. Having a professional available at all times to jump in and support whenever and however needed is an incredible relief and families can feel the joys surrounding their new baby rather than the stressors.
2. A reliable professional available. Having a live-in professional available at all times to offer guidance and support allows families to feel confident and supported as they navigate the many unknowns of this new journey. For many who are having their baby this may be the first time that they have the responsibility of caring for a newborn and that feeling can be overwhelming and scary. Having a professional available sets everyone’s minds at ease.
3. Sleep!!! Newborns sleep quite a bit, but their sleep is very broken and they need to eat typically every 2-3 hours all day and all NIGHT. This lends to exhausted parents. With live-in doula care the doula cares for the baby throughout the night and helps the parents get the sleep and rest that they need.
4. Flexibility. One of the hardest things about becoming a parent is the loss of independence and flexibility with your schedule. With support from a live-in doula, families can still maintain this freedom and independence. They can continue with activities and even with traveling whenever they are ready for that. Live-in doulas can even travel with a family. HUGE PERK!
5. Relationship-based care. Families love that they can build a trusting and strong relationship with their live-in doula and often they feel like she becomes an integral part of their family. They can rest knowing their baby is in the very best care.
Written by Anna Rodney: Owner and Founder of Chicago Family Doulas and Birth & Baby University. Anna is a mama of 3, and a certified labor doula, postpartum doula and childbirth educator through CAPPA. She is a CAPPA Certified Lactation Educator, a Certified Newborn Care Specialist, Happiest Baby on the Block and Lamaze instructor.
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