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Nourishing the New Mom: The Role of Postpartum Doulas in Your Healing Journey

  Staying hydrated and well-nourished with healthy meals and snacks is a vital part of postpartum healing– yet it’s often the first thing to be put on the back burner in those early weeks with a newborn. At Newby Nurturing, we make sure your basic needs don’t get overlooked. As postpartum doulas, we’re here to mother the mother. In the whirlwind of sleepless nights and learning your baby’s cues, it’s all too easy to put your own needs last. Skipping meals, forgetting to hydrate, or reaching for whatever’s quick (but not always nourishing) becomes the norm– and over time, that takes a toll. That’s where our support makes a difference. Whether it’s preparing a nourishing snack, keeping your water bottle full, or offering a moment of encouragement and care, we’re here to help you feel grounded and restored. Sometimes that care looks like slicing apples with peanut butter, warming up a bowl of hearty oatmeal or fixing a warm piece of avocado toast– something ready when your hands ...
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The Power of Skin-to-Skin: Benefits Beyond Breastfeeding

There’s something deeply instinctive and calming about holding your newborn against your bare chest. That warm, snuggly moment of connection? It’s not just sweet—it’s incredibly beneficial. Skin-to-skin (also called Kangaroo Care) is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to support your baby’s development—and it’s not just for breastfeeding moms. What Is Skin-to-Skin, Really? Skin-to-skin is exactly what it sounds like: your baby lies on your bare chest, wearing just a diaper. That’s it. No fancy gear, no perfect timing. Just you and your baby, heart to heart. This contact helps mimic the environment of the womb and creates a sense of safety and calm for your baby—and for you too. The Science Behind the Snuggles When you practice skin-to-skin, magical things happen on a biological level. For breastfeeding mothers, this contact stimulates the production of essential hormones: Prolactin – the milk-making hormone that ensures adequate supply Oxytocin – often called the ...

What No One Tells You About Postpartum: You Don't Need to Bounce Back

In our society's rush to return to "normal," new mothers often feel pressured to bounce back quickly after childbirth. But here's the truth: postpartum-also known as the fourth trimester-about bouncing back. It's about healing, bonding, and laying the foundation for your long-term wellbeing.  The Wisdom of Lying-In Many cultures practice what's known as a "lying-in" period-typically forty days after birth-where new mothers focus exclusively on recovery and bonding with their baby. During this time, they're nourished with healing foods, relieved of household duties, and supported by family and community. There's a powerful saying that "the first forty days postpartum determines a woman's next forty years." This acknowledges that how a mother is cared for during this sacred time can have profound impacts on her long-term health and wellbeing. Why Rest and Recovery Matter Physically, your body undergoes tremendous changes during t...

What a Postpartum Doula Does Not Do: Understanding the Boundaries of Postpartum Support

Hiring a postpartum doula can be such a helpful step when you're adjusting to life with a new baby. Doulas offer nurturing, hands-on support during a big life transition – but there can be some confusion about what we actually do (and don’t do). Understanding where our role begins and ends can help you get the most out of the support we offer. We’re Not Medical Professionals Postpartum doulas provide amazing emotional and practical support, but we’re not medical providers. That means: – We can’t give medical advice or diagnoses – We don’t prescribe medications – We’re not a substitute for your doctor or midwife – We don’t make medical decisions for you or your baby We do keep an eye out for things that might need medical attention and will always encourage you to check in with your provider if something doesn’t seem right. We’re Not House Cleaners We help keep your space feeling calm and manageable, but deep cleaning isn’t in our job description. That means: – We don’t ...

Celebrating World Doula Week: A Journey of Serving and Supporting Mothers

  Long before I knew what a doula was, I had the heart of one. For fifteen years, I’ve been part of a close-knit group of friends that embodies support, love, and sisterhood. My passion for supporting women and admiring mothers began early. At twelve, I became a certified babysitter, and by sixteen, I was caring for babies in my church nursery. My love for babies and mothers wasn’t just a passing phase. Shortly after becoming a mother myself, I discovered the beautiful Greek definition of a doula: "a woman who serves." I felt called to this role and knew I had found my dream job. For the past decade, I’ve had the incredible privilege of serving as a postpartum doula. Each day brings the joy of supporting mothers through their transformative journey into motherhood and breastfeeding. It’s more than a job—it’s a sacred mission of care, compassion, and community. Where Do We Serve? Doulas are everywhere-in hospitals, birthing centers, homes, and communities. We support mothe...

How Long Should I Book a Postpartum Doula?

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...

A Reassuring Presence in the Room: The Benefits of a Postpartum Doula

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...