Becoming a parent is a profound and life changing journey. The arrival of your baby (or babies, if you have more than one) is a moment filled with awe, as you welcome this tiny human into the world. Yet, the postpartum adjustment period, often referred to as "the fourth trimester," can be both intimidating and anxiety-inducing. Feeling overwhelmed during this transitional phase into parenthood is entirely normal. Navigating the healing journey post-childbirth, acquiring new parenting skills, battling exhaustion, and embracing newfound feelings of love creates an emotional roller coaster for every parent. You can find a few tips on how to navigate your postpartum recovery here.

In today’s modern world, numerous new parents encounter the difficulty of having their family members living far away. Traditionally, this support network would have resembled a village that collaboratively assisted when a new baby entered the scene. The physical separation often leaves growing families feeling the weight of handling everything on their own. Introduce the influence of social media, reliance on Google, and technology, and our parenting instincts can quickly become muddled when it comes to nurturing our unique babies. The abundance of information available, which is often conflicting, makes it challenging to discern what is both safe and suitable for one's family.

In the early weeks, you might experience a sense of isolation, yearning for the support of a community that would have once offered much-needed care. Even if family and friends are present, their support may not always align with your values or what is essential during this transitional postpartum period. In such situations, our In-home New Parent Support appointments can prove highly beneficial for you.

It's important to acknowledge that just like adults, babies have unique needs. While apps and other informational resources offer valuable guidance, they may not always account for the distinctiveness of each baby and family. Through In-home New Parent Support, you gain access to evidence-based, current, and non-judgmental assistance, facilitating your journey through this adjustment period with your baby.

Receiving support in the comfort of your own home offers the advantage of a trained doula meeting you right where you are in your parenting journey. The primary objective is to empower parents and foster confidence in their abilities. This is achieved by providing guidance on infant care, demonstrating essential newborn tasks, engaging in bonding activities, offering support for various feeding methods (bottle, breast, pumping, alternatives), and suggesting sleep solutions. All these tips and guidance are customized to address the specific needs of your family.

Here is a breakdown of some of the elements of the In-Home New Parent Support appointments:

Emotional support 

Welcoming a new baby brings forth a range of emotions and having emotional support is a crucial element for new parents to build their confidence. Having a professional in your home can provide reassurance and guidance, not only in caring for your baby but also in tending to your own needs as parents. The presence of an experienced individual can be instrumental in supporting day-to-day mental health, especially when doubts about parenting decisions arise.

Practical guidance 

Despite the abundance of advice, the reality is that you don't have to know everything about parenting. In-home New Parent Support can help alleviate insecurities and anxieties by offering practical guidance, such assisting with the first baby bath, suggestions for setting up functional feeding and diapering stations, advice on feeding positions, and addressing common challenges like cracked nipples, low/oversupply strategies, sleepy baby, bottle preparation, and more. The support also extends to tips and techniques for burping, clothing, sleeping, food preparation, and tailored strategies for families with multiples.

Educational aspects 

Through In-Home New Parent Support, you gain access to up-to-date, evidence-based information that enhances your confidence in parenting. For instance, did you know that a baby is born with only 30% of their brain capacity? By understanding a baby’s growth and needs, our support team can provide suggestions on promoting positive brain development and attachment. Each visit is tailored to suit your home situation, offering realistic suggestions that emotionally and physically support the entire family.

Having the right support could help you actually enjoy the early weeks of your baby's life rather than being filled with anxiety and self doubt. Often, just a visit or two is all that families need to feel reassured and supported as they care for their baby. If you believe that In-Home New Parent Support could benefit you, please visit our New Parent Support page for further information on booking your visit.