Tag: self-care

A Loving Check-In: Baby is doing great…But how are YOU?

Dear New Mamas,

Congratulations on embarking on the incredible journey of motherhood! Welcoming your little one into the world is a moment filled with delight and wonder, but it’s also important to acknowledge that this chapter comes with its own set of emotions and challenges. Amidst the diapers, feedings, and lullabies, there’s one question that holds immense significance: How are YOU feeling?

Your Emotions Matter

The postpartum period is a rollercoaster of emotions. While the world celebrates your new role, it’s okay to experience feelings of exhaustion, uncertainty, and even moments of sadness. Your emotional well-being matters just as much as your baby’s care. When someone asks how you’re feeling, it’s an invitation to share your emotions honestly, without fear of judgment. Your feelings are valid, and you deserve to be heard.

A Safe Space to Express

Opening up about your emotions can be liberating. When someone takes the time to ask, it’s a reminder that you’re not alone on this journey. Whether you’re elated, overwhelmed, or a mix of both, talking about your experiences creates a safe space for you to express yourself. Your story matters! 

Embracing Help and Support

We understand that asking for help might not come easily. But when someone asks how you’re feeling, it’s an opportunity to let your guard down and accept the support you deserve. Whether it’s a warm meal, a helping hand with chores, or simply a chance to rest, remember that accepting help doesn’t diminish your strength – it amplifies it.

Nurturing Your Mental Health

Motherhood is a journey that tests your resilience. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed at times. In fact, many new mothers experience a range of emotions, including anxiety and sadness. By discussing your feelings openly, you’re contributing to the conversation around maternal mental health. Let’s normalize talking openly about mental health! If you find yourself struggling, know that seeking professional support is a courageous step towards your well-being.

Building Bonds and Memories

When someone asks how you’re feeling, it’s a reminder that your identity matters beyond being a mother. It strengthens the bonds between you and your support network, fostering deeper connections. These conversations are a chance to share not just the challenges, but also the moments of joy and triumph that make this journey uniquely yours.

In this exciting yet demanding chapter, remember that you’re not alone. Your feelings, your experiences, and your well-being matter. So, dear new mamas, as you nurture your little one, also take a moment to nurture yourself. When someone asks how you’re feeling, seize the opportunity to share, to connect, and to embrace the incredible journey of motherhood with open arms and an open heart.

~Tammy Swetter is the owner of Rooted In Nurture and a mother of two grown children ages 22 and 18.  She’s a certified postpartum doula who is dedicated to helping new moms enjoy their first few weeks home with their new baby.  Contact her to discuss how a postpartum doula can help you not just survive , but THRIVE those early weeks at home with baby! Tammy offers postpartum doula support within an hour of the Scranton, PA area of Northeastern Pennsylvania as well as the Southern Tier of NY State.

WAIT…WHAT IS A POSTPARUM DOULA?

The first few weeks and months into motherhood can be challenging due to a multitude of factors such as hormonal changes, lack of sleep, physical recovery from childbirth, the demands of caring for a newborn, and the adjustment to a new and often overwhelming role. It’s a time of learning and adapting to the needs of the baby while also dealing with your own physical and emotional changes. It’s important to seek support and have a supportive “village” when welcoming a new baby. A postpartum doula is a wonderful resource to add to that village!

But wait…What IS a postpartum doula?

A postpartum doula is a helpful expert who comes to your home after you have a baby. They’re there to be a part of your village and to make things easier for you during those early days, weeks, and months while transitioning into parenthood. A postpartum doula will be there to nurture you every step of the way and can help take care of the baby, give advice & educate about feeding and soothing, ensure you are getting adequate rest & nutrition, prepare nourishing meals & snacks, and even assist with light chores around the home. Basically, they are like a superhero sidekick for new parents making sure you are taken care of as you adjust to life with your new little one.

What about my mental health?

Postpartum doulas make a positive impact on the mental health of new parents as well by providing emotional support & a safe space for new parents to express their feelings and concerns without judgement. They offer reassurance, validation and a listening ear during a time of adjustment & vulnerability. By helping with practical tasks and offering guidance, they reduce stress and allow parents to focus more on self-care and bonding with the baby. This support can contribute to a sense of confidence and well-being, in turn promoting better mental health during this time.

What can a postpartum doula NOT do?

PPD’s can provide a wide range of valuable support, but there are certain things they do NOT do. They do not provide medical care so they cannot diagnose or treat medical conditions. They do not perform any medical procedures, administer medications, or provide medical advice. Postpartum doulas also do not replace the role of a mental health professional. Although, a good postpartum doula’s expertise and training allows them to recognize early warning signs that may warrant a referral to an outside resource which they can provide for you. Additionally, PPD’s are not nannies so their focus is on supporting and guiding you as parents rather than solely caring for the baby on their own.

If you had a postpartum doula or if you did not have one but feel you could have benefitted from one please share your experience in the comments or reach out to me here!

~Tammy Swetter is the owner of Rooted In Nurture and a mother of two grown children ages 22 and 18.  She’s a certified postpartum doula who is dedicated to helping new moms enjoy their first few weeks home with their new baby.  Contact her to discuss how a postpartum doula can help you not just survive , but THRIVE those early weeks at home with baby! Tammy offers postpartum doula support within an hour of the Scranton, PA area of Northeastern Pennsylvania as well as the Southern Tier of NY State.