06/29/2026
As a doula, I’ve sat beside more mothers than I can count during moments of overwhelming joy. But, I’ve also sat beside more mothers than I can count during moments of overwhelming sadness - sadness fueled by weeks of broken sleep, by hormones that feel completely out of your control, by loneliness, by feeding struggles, by physical pain, by the impossible weight of wondering if you’re doing enough for your baby.
The postpartum season is messy, beautiful, and tender.
No matter how much you prepare, you can’t always predict what your postpartum journey will bring. It may include postpartum depression or anxiety, breastfeeding challenges, a baby who cries for hours, birth recovery that takes longer than expected, or simply the adjustment of becoming a parent. But, you CAN prepare for the things within your control. Before your baby arrives, before the exhaustion sets in, take time to build your support system.
💗Find a maternal mental health therapist before you think you need one.
💗 Fill your freezer with nourishing meals or organize a meal train.
💗 Make sure your partner or support person knows the signs that you may be struggling.
💗 Create realistic expectations for returning to work and daily life.
💗 Schedule care for yourself, whether that’s a massage, chiropractic care, a quiet coffee alone, or simply uninterrupted time to rest.
💗 Set realistic expectations for yourself and your baby.
💗 Discuss sharing responsibilities with your partner.
💗 Have professional, in-home lactation support lined up if you plan to breastfeed.
💗 Consider hiring a postpartum doula for daytime or overnight support.
We spend months preparing for labor and birth, let’s spend just as much time preparing for what comes after. Postpartum mothers were never meant to do this alone.
