What if We planned for Postpartum Support as we do our Wedding Day?
Most of us have dreamed about our special day. The location, color scheme, guest list, even our menu. We put a lot of emphasis on this one day. The cost sometimes outweighs our actual budgets, but that may not stop us. We can't place value on our memories. What if we put this same energy into our postpartum recovery. What if our dreams also included all the stages of starting a family. We are taught about the 3 trimesters of pregnancy. There is also one important transition that requires support and planning. It's called the 4th trimester, also known as Postpartum. Everyone focuses on Pregnancy and Birth, but what happens after the baby arrives? We plan huge baby showers to receive gadgets and clothes that the baby may not even utilize. What happens at 2:00 am when your sweet baby is screaming and you are exhausted? There isn't anything from that shower that has prepared you for that moment. The moment where your eyes are heavy and your nerves are short.
But what if we planned for that additional support? For our weddings we hire wedding planners. The wedding planner helps guide and coordinate your momentous event. It takes the stress off you and creates happy memories. You deserve that same kind of care after the birth of your baby. A Postpartum Doula can be your guide in the 4th trimester. A non-judgmental trained professional that comes in to help ease life with a newborn. They can help your family with newborn education, physical support, meal prep, light housekeeping, adequate rest. Let us not forget that listening ear of emotional support.
Does that not sound like a dream? It does sound like a dream, but can we afford it? Here is a thought: Can you afford not to? Being a new parent is hard all on its own, but that lack of support can seem even more overwhelming. Think of what kind parent you could be with: proper rest, nourishment, support, and an extra set of hands?
Here are a few ways you can fund your Postpartum Support
1. Ask Potential Doulas if they offer payment plans. Some will require a deposit to hold a space on their calendars. It's a good idea to start this plan while pregnant which gives you more time to shop around and get your support paid for.
2. Add it to your baby registry. I mean how many onesies, socks and outfits do you really need? But you could use help with washing the ones you receive...lol.
3. Ask family and friends to donate money even if they only pay for one hour. Those hours add up. Some doulas even offer gift certificates.
4. If you have an HSA account check the guidelines, this may be an option as well.
5. My all-time favorite is.... SAVING for it. As you plan to start a family, start putting money aside for that extra help.
Everyone needs extra support after welcoming a baby. Whether you gave birth or adopted, the newborn life will still be fairly the same. They all cry, poop, and need to be fed. You will also need time to heal and adjust to this new little life that has stolen your heart and time. Speaking of time, let's not forget that self -care routine. You were a person before you became a parent. We are all humans and need breaks - yes, even from our babies. So welcome that support with open arms and take care of yourself and your new family.