Newby Nurturing Lactation & Postpartum Support

The ideal length of postpartum doula support depends on your family's unique needs, but there are some general guidelines that can help you decide what’s best. My Recommendation I always suggest starting with at least three consecutive days of support. This gives you a real chance to rest and experience the full benefits of having a doula, rather than just getting through a single night. After three days of solid sleep and hands-on help, most parents notice a big shift in their energy levels, emotional well-being, and confidence in caring for their baby. How Much Support Do You Need? Every family is different, but here’s a helpful breakdown: First-time parents: 2–12 weeks Parents with older kids: 1–8 weeks Recovering from a C-section: 3–8 weeks Parents of multiples: 4–12 weeks What a Schedule Might Look Like Many families start with more frequent support in the first few weeks (3–5 nights per week) and gradually taper down as they get more comfortable (1–2 n...

Navigating the early days of motherhood can feel both magical and overwhelming. Right in the middle of all the beautiful chaos - emotions, sleepless nights, and endless questions - a postpartum doula offers a calming, steady presence that can truly transform your experience. A Sense of Calm in the Unknown A postpartum doula is more than just a helper - they’re a reassuring presence in the room. Their experienced, compassionate support helps reduce anxiety and brings a sense of calm during those unpredictable moments. When you're feeling overwhelmed, knowing that someone is there to listen, answer your questions, and validate your feelings can make all the difference. Building Confidence and Trust In the midst of uncertainty, it’s common for new moms to question their instincts. A doula provides gentle guidance on baby care techniques - from soothing a fussy baby to helping you find the right breastfeeding position - empowering you to trust your maternal intuition. This supporti...

One of the most common questions new moms ask is, "How long should I breastfeed?" The answer isn't one-size-fits-all – it truly depends on your personal goals and circumstances. While professional health organizations offer recommendations, remember that your breastfeeding journey is uniquely yours. What the Experts Recommend The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises mothers to breastfeed for at least 12 months or longer if both mother and baby wish to continue. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond. These guidelines highlight the continued benefits breast milk provides, even as your baby grows into toddlerhood. Your Choice, Your Journey Ultimately, how long you breastfeed is a deeply personal decision. As long as both you and your baby are happy and thriving, there is no "right" or "wrong" duration. Some mothers breastfeed for a few ...

Breastfeeding creates a beautiful bond between mother and baby, but the journey is so much richer when dads are actively involved. While the physical act of nursing may fall on mom's shoulders, fathers have countless opportunities to support this journey and build their own special connection with baby. Let's explore some meaningful ways dads can become essential partners in the breastfeeding experience. Get Educated (Without Being Told To) Nothing makes a nursing mom feel more supported than a partner who takes initiative to understand breastfeeding! Taking a class together before baby arrives shows you're in this as a team. Even if baby is already here, watching a few YouTube videos or reading articles about common challenges can transform a dad into a breastfeeding ally when he suggests, "Maybe try the football hold?" during a difficult latch. Master the Art of Silent Support There's something magical about a partner who can deliver a fresh water bottle, pl...

Bringing home a new baby is a beautiful, transformative experience, but it can also be overwhelming. As you navigate this new chapter, remember that it’s okay to ask for help and take time for yourself. Here are five expert doula tips to help you adjust to life with your newborn while maintaining your well-being and sense of self. 1. Don’t Lose Yourself: Prioritize Self-Care Your identity doesn’t disappear the moment you become a mother. As your priorities shift, it’s crucial to carve out moments for yourself. Practicing self-care early on can make a big difference. This can mean stepping outside for a few minutes and feeling the sunlight on your skin or soaking in a hot bath to relax and recharge. Catching up with a girlfriend over the phone can also do wonders for your mental health. Remember, you are still you, mama – and nurturing yourself allows you to better care for your little one. 2. Accept Help When It’s Offered I can still remember vividly the times I turned down help when i...

The transition into motherhood is such a special time, but let's be real.. finding your way through those early days with a newborn can feel overwhelming! While everyone focuses on pregnancy and birth, the postpartum period (what we love to call the fourth trimester ) is when you really need that extra support to navigate this new chapter. That's exactly why I'm so passionate about postpartum doula care! Gentle Support When You Need It Most As postpartum doulas, we're here to help you find your rhythm as a new mama. We bring years of experience supporting families through the newborn stage, but we're not here to tell you how to parent – we're here to help you discover what works best for your unique family. What Does Newborn Support Look Like? Every family's needs are different, but here's a peek at how we can help make your transition smoother: Hands-on newborn care support : Whether you'd like guidance with diapering, swaddling, or even observing t...

Hey mamas! As a nurse, postpartum doula and lactation specialist, I can't stress enough how important those first few days of feeding are for both you and your little one. Today, I want to chat about why getting a feeding assessment in those early days can make such a difference in your breastfeeding journey. The First 72 Hours: Setting You Up for Success Those first three days postpartum are golden for establishing breastfeeding. Your body is producing nutrient-rich colostrum, and your baby is learning how to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing. This is why I offer home visits in the New Braunfels-San Marcos area – because I believe every mama deserves support right where she's most comfortable. During these early assessments, we look at: How your little one latches and transfers milk Any signs of oral restrictions that might affect feeding Your comfort level during feeds Baby's positioning and overall body tension Signs that baby is getting enough milk ...

When families ask if postpartum doulas work overnight, the answer is absolutely! Let’s break down what these shifts look like and how they can make life easier for you during this exciting and often overwhelming time. Overnight Postpartum Doula Support Overnight shifts typically run from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. During this time, doulas take care of baby’s needs-diaper changes, soothing, feeding (or bringing baby to you for nursing), and other tasks that might keep you up at night. They help clear your mental load by tackling the mundane but necessary duties that can clutter your mind, allowing you to rest and focus on bonding with your baby. Daytime Postpartum Doula Shifts Daytime support usually comes in 4- to 6-hour blocks. Whether it’s an early morning shift, like 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., to help you start your day, or an evening shift from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. to handle the fussy "witching hour," daytime doulas are all about making your life easier. What they do: Support baby care like di...

The Importance of Warm and Nourishing Meals During Postpartum Recovery Welcoming a new baby is a transformative, demanding, and often overwhelming experience. After giving birth, a mother’s body undergoes numerous changes, including significant blood loss, leaving her in what many traditional practices describe as a “cold state.” This makes warm, nourishing meals essential for healing and recovery. Why Warm Foods Are Key for Postpartum Healing Warm meals provide comfort and actively support your body’s recovery process. Foods like bone broth are especially beneficial. Bone broth is rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals, which promote tissue repair, strengthen joints, and enhance overall health. The warmth of the broth also helps restore balance to the body, easing the transition and helping you regain your strength after the marathon of childbirth. Countless evidence-based benefits come from eating nutrient-rich, warm foods during the postpartum period. These meals provide much-n...