A day in the life of a postpartum doula…

We are often lumped in with nannies or cleaning services, but the support we give extends far beyond that, as does our training. We support families during the first year, and even sometimes more than that! It all depends on each family’s individual needs.

Our day starts as soon as we walk into your house. YOU are our first priority. What are the immediate needs? Have you had breakfast? Do you need to rest? Are you feeding your baby okay, or do you need some gentle assistance and guidance? Oftentimes, clients greet us with a list of things they want us to take care of, as soon as we walk in the door, and we gladly check everything off! But the bottom line is, postpartum support never has a wrong appearance…we are there to support the needs of our clients, and these needs change minute to minute.

As we tackle items on the list, they may include light meal prep, doing dishes, storing breast milk, organizing toys, doing laundry or even running errands. Oftentimes while doing things around the house we are followed by curious older siblings, who are looking for someone to talk to them and pay attention to them, and this is one of the parts of our job we love to do!

Sometimes, we may feed baby or put baby to sleep. Many parents want us only to tend to baby as their main goal is rest. Sometimes, we even wear baby (with gear provided by the clients) while accomplishing chores on the list. We are the ultimate multitaskers.

We also make it a goal to sit talk with the parents while we are in the home. We find out how postpartum life is going, and gauge if there may be anything going on in the house that could benefit from resources or referrals. There are many experts in the area we network with if a situation is out of our scope of practice. However, a huge part of having a newborn can often be isolation, so sometimes our job is simply keeping parents company. Often times this can include talking about birth stories, validating a decision a parent is unsure about or knowing when a recovery related issue may need to be assessed by a care provider.

In addition to daytime shifts, postpartum doulas are commonly being hired for night shifts. While chores don’t usually get done during this time, it can be helpful to give parents a full night’s rest without worrying. Babies are able to be cared for in the manner that the parents wish, and we are trained to tend to all philosophies. Oftentimes, we come in to get babies on a schedule, but we are also trained to soothe babies back to sleep and work with their unique schedules. In the instance of breastfeeding moms who don’t wish to pump, we can even bring baby in to nurse, and then leave the room, saving mom the added stress of putting baby back to sleep after the feeding. If timing allows, we may even be able to prepare coffee or breakfast in the morning before we slip out the door!

Does this sound like a dream in the making? Call the NY Baby Co. at 518-712-9767 today to request more information or request a consultation for postpartum care.

Do doulas affect birth outcomes?

Our short answer is NO, but hear us out!

For years, newspapers and blogs have broadcasted that hiring a doula can make you less likely to require pain medication, lower your chance of a cesarean birth and lower your risk of postpartum depression. We don’t want to negate anyone’s experiences, but we want to make it clear that doulas do not have anything to do with outcomes.

While it is our goal to support our clients while helping them to the birth they want, we do recognize that there are road bumps that can derail this from happening, and our main goal is to make sure that our client is aware of the process, supported and as comfortable as possible.

There are so many factors

The truth is, one human being, even with sufficient training, cannot affect a birth outcome. Perhaps the support we provided did help a client hang on a little longer before getting pain medication, and it is highly possible that our presence may have lessened the stress of being a postpartum parent, and prevented a client from feeling depressed. However, a doula is not a guarantee to make sure these things don’t happen, and even if these things do happen, we are trained and have a huge desire to support our clients!

In fact, sometimes our clients want these things to happen. Many of our clients go into their births knowing that they want pain medication or have planned a cesarean. We don’t affect outcomes here, because we support ALL of our clients’ choices without question. Our clients will always have the last word and the final decision, along with their provider when it comes to their birth.

Sometimes special situations, variations of normal and risk factors arise that make certain outcomes not possible. We aren’t trained to change that outcome…no one can! We are however trained to support every family through whatever turns their birthing and postpartum periods may take.

We specialize in ALL outcomes

Much like we can’t control the weather, we can’t control the road bumps that arise in the birth and postpartum period…every experience is different! We are trained to understand that and work with any outcome!

The NY Baby Co. does not keep track of our clients’ birth outcomes. This is because support is our main goal and we believe that every client’s birth outcome is worthy of support. No matter what outcome a client finds themselves in, we will always be ready to hear, attune and validate. We will always stand behind the fact that we give 100% to all of our clients, regardless of outcome.
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Are you finding it difficult to get your needs met as a parent? You are absolutely not alone! This is a common part of parenting, and especially for those who are not so willing to admit they need help in a society where do-it- yourself is still in (Why is that, anyway?) it can be a hard thing to put into words exactly what you need when someone asks you if you need help.

“Just let me know if I can help with anything.”

When our friends offer this phrase, we should absolutely accept their offer! Sometimes, people don’t know exactly how to help, and are looking for any way. Verbalizing our needs can be helpful to make sure people are truly helping us in the way we need. While it can be hard, as their offer is such a blanket statement, we highly encourage you to accept! Today, we have compiled a list of things to ask for help with, so you don’t have to think about it.

• Dishes/General housecleaning
• Laundry, especially folding!
• Holding baby while everyone else rests, or so the parents can eat with both hands!
• Tending to older siblings
• Running errands
• Mowing the lawn, managing outside space
• Meal Prep, Snack Prep
• Bringing coffee or another favorite beverage
• Company keeping…parenting can be lonely!
  
  

While it is blatantly obvious that any parent could do any of these things themselves, we can’t deny how exhausting it is! Sometimes it’s good to just add an extra hand and relax. Recharging will make us better able to face the day and all of the challenging tasks of parenting. Even if we are feeling great one day, the next day could be unpredictably harder. Our biggest takeaways for our readers: don’t wait until you’re burnt out to ask for help! You are worthy of help even when things feel manageable.

Of course, this is just our list, and if there’s anything else that you think to add, by all means, do it! And when your postpartum doula is over for a shift, rest assured that they will find plenty to add without you even having to say a word, thanks to good old attunement.


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Ugh…we said it! The dirty M word. The thing no mother ever wants to experience.

Reality check? Mastitis does happen to breastfeeding moms, and is most common during the first month of breastfeeding, but can happen at any time during the breastfeeding journey. The two main causes of mastitis are clogged ducts and bacteria entering the breast due to cracks and cuts.

What are the Symptoms of Mastitis?

• Weakness, Fatigue, Overall feeling run down
• Fever and chills
• Pain and redness in the breast
• Breast is warm to touch

It is typical that the flu-like symptoms will come on first, and then the actual breast symptoms will follow. However, mastitis makes it very difficult to care for a baby, so it is best to call your provider, as antibiotics are often necessary. There are many antibiotics that will be safe to take while breastfeeding, and there is no need to stop breastfeeding during mastitis, as it actually will help in your recovery. Eating more cultured yogurt or drinking kombucha while on the antibiotics will be a great way to prevent thrush, a yeast infection of the nipple or breast.

Ways to Prevent Mastitis

• Always fully drain the breast while breastfeeding
• Make sure baby’s latch is correct to prevent cuts where bacteria can enter
• Change positions you breastfeed for each feeding
• Address clogged ducts as soon as they appear

Upon recovery from mastitis, you may notice that baby is fussier at the breast. This can be due to antibiotics, but can also be because milk supply can lower at first, as the infection is healing and clogs are opening back up again. Continued nursing should allow this to be overcome in no time. If there are any further concerns, a call to your provider or an IBCLC is suggested.

That's right, here at New York Baby Co. we believe that grandparents are an important part of the journey and we want to help them be as confident and fierce in their role as you are. Think of us as the liaisons between the two generations. It is never your job as parents to explain anything to the new grandparents, however, we can't blame them for having the well meaning desire to do what is best for their grand baby. Let us take care of the explaining so you can focus your energy on your baby and your journey.

In the grandparents class, we will discuss how babies were raised back in the day and give grandparents the safe space to talk about their individual journeys. We will hear and nurture them, much like we do for you in your new parenting journey. Giving them the space to do this with us can, many times, minimize the chance that they will be doing this with you when you have enough going on in your head. Sometimes, our parents just want to feel validated that they did a great job with us, and we are here to give that to them! 

After talking about their side of the story, we will fill them in on generational differences. For example, they are likely not to understand that your generation may be much more likely to show off the baby bump. By showing them all these differences, they may not understand completely, but they will be aware, and in turn, build a respect for the differences. We will display many of the ways regulations have changed, such as not putting baby on his/her belly to sleep anymore and why these changes are now in place. This way, we can have all the conversations with them so you won't have to do so in the heat of an exhausted morning after being up all night with your little one.

As always, our main goal is nonjudgmental support and you can rest assured that we will not take sides with either generation! We will merely serve to show ways for each generation to understand each other better. No approach or method is silly in our minds. However, we believe that all parents deserve to run their family confidently and in peace, and we want to do everything we can to help make this a reality in your household, while still giving the grandparents the golden moment they deserve.

Want to hear more about this fantastic class?  Visit our education page here or give us a call at 518-712-9767.


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At The NY Baby Co. we are true believers in FIERCE parenting! We want all of our parents to walk in the direction of confidence, fueled only by those who are going to contribute positively to their journey. While a doula serves to support, the ultimate goal is to nurture the family in a way that they will be able to function independently and no longer need the additional support. We will enter the scene with nothing but love and acceptance while gently guiding you where your instincts and values want to go, and by the time we leave, we hope to see you standing taller, knowing that while you can call us again for our services anytime, you've got this! 

So what are the signs of a fierce parent? We are so glad you asked! Here are our three biggest takeaways that make a parent truly fierce.

Confidence in Decisions

You have Friend A telling you something different from Friend B, while your mother tells you that back in her day none of this was an issue and people are so uptight. What is a parent to do? While it can be easy to get frustrated and overwhelmed by all of the tension surrounding what you do with your baby, a fierce parent will smile, thank everyone for their opinion and move along. Trusting instincts is key. You know how to pick a great care provider and you know in your heart what your baby needs. It seems that even when you display this kind of confidence, people will chime in and have something to say, but that's okay, because a fierce parent knows how to move along with class, while continuing to do what is best for their family. 

Self Care, NO Apologies. 

It seems to be a tale as old as time that the terms parent and martyr go hand in hand. The self sacrificing person with every hair out of place and no time to themselves always seems to get the most praise. However, what is not pictured, is this same self sacrificing person burning out and melting down. No one wants another person to feel this way! This is why fierce parents know that when it's time to focus on themselves, it must be made a priority. It could be as simple as watching the newest episode of "Stranger Things" or as extravagant as buying yourself a hotel room for the night and enjoying not being touched...by anyone. Fierce is worn differently by everyone, but the importance is in how it makes you feel. It is fact that only when you are cared for, will you be able to give caring for someone else your absolute all.

Never Lose your Charm!

A fierce parent knows that they are still the person they were before they had a baby. Becoming a parent doesn't mean you are suddenly joining the club of one size fits all. It just means, you have another hat to wear. Do you love to paint? Like travel? Like going on for a night of dancing? KEEP DOING IT! Keep being you and keep shining. Our children love nothing more than to see that their parents are people with a passion and zest for life. Never forget the biggest lesson in this: fierce parents make fierce kids! If we want our children to know that they are free to be who they are, we have to show them that having them never erased who we were. And though they might give you a few eye rolls in their teen years, we can almost promise they will turn around to love you for it!

Does this all sound impossible? Not to worry! It can be a tall order for families with a new baby to truly get comfortable with the idea of being fierce. That is why doulas can make a huge difference in your journey. We will help you navigate this crazy road and validate you when others won't. Fierce doesn't only belong to a few.  It can belong to anyone.  And it is YOURS for the taking!

What is a babymoon?

A baby moon is a relatively new trend, similar to a honeymoon where a couple takes a trip to enjoy some time together before a new baby join their family. This idea is catching on fast, and of course! Why not? A fun trip to take care of yourself before you’re taking care of someone else sounds not only logical, but healthy!

As far as where to go and what to do, the limit does not exist! We have compiled a list of the five most ideal places in the Northeast to inspire some ideas for your perfect babymoon! Here goes nothing…

2) New York City, New York
Start spreading the news, this city has so much to offer personalities of all kinds. Go to the top of the empire state building, see the statue of liberty, catch a Broadway show or walk through central park. This destination is relatively close and an easy train ride away! Pro-tip: Pack comfortable shoes!

3) Newport, Rhode Island
Take a beautiful stroll on the cliff walk, visit the famous mansions and have a few beach days. Don’t forget to indulge in some New England clam chowder and grab a cute onesie from one of the many shops on Thames Street.

5) Waterbury, Vermont
Many ski resorts remain open for the summer, which could mean a cheaper stay going in the off season. There is surprisingly so much to do in this area. For the foodies: tour the Ben and Jerry’s and Cabot cheese factory, and don’t forget that you can take two samples! For the adventurers, enjoy fishing, hiking, kayaking and paddle boarding. For the sentimentals, take a stop in the teddy bear factor and make your baby’s first lovie together. And if you’re wanting for some beautiful scenery, take the trek up to Lake Champlain.

Already took your babymoon? Where did you go? Tell us all about it in the comments!

Attunement is the ability to get inside the mind of another person. It’s about anticipating their wants and needs and knowing how they may react to certain situations without even having to ask them. There are many times we attune in our everyday lives without even realizing it. Think about a friend who is having a hard time, a child and parent relationship or career fields such as psychology, education or medicine. No matter what walk of life we are from, it’s likely that we all have at least tried to attune to someone at some point in our lives. Attunement is everywhere, and when done well, can be a powerful gift for the giver and recipient.

Doulas can attune too!

Did you know that a huge part of the training our doulas go through involves learning to attune to another person? It’s actually pretty important, and tends to be why our clients love us. The birth and postpartum periods can be vulnerable and exhausting, even for the seasoned parent. It can often be difficult for our clients to verbalize exactly what it is they need in terms of support.

Hiring a professional doula takes the guess work out of figuring out wants and needs, and in turn gets them met in a way that the entire family can function in harmony as a unit. This attunement can appear in many different ways, but allow us to name just a few.

• Knowing when a birthing person is uncomfortable, and offering helpful options
• Anticipating when the partners may need to eat or rest
• Seeing when a big sibling is having a difficult time with new changes
• Initiating a supportive conversation with a parent who is overwhelmed
• Knowing a restless parent may need to hear that it is okay to go lay down
• Sensing when parents need to bond with baby, and when a break is needed

Attunement feels GREAT!

Having someone around who can attune to us can be one of the most amazing feelings in the world. During the birth and postpartum period, our needs can change in the blink of an eye. Having a professional to anticipate these needs changing and adjust to the family’s needs can make all the difference between surviving and thriving.

As your doulas, we want to make your experience the best it can possibly be, and while you’re always free to tell us what is on your mind or what you need, you can rest assured that if this is a difficult task for you, we will always be working very hard to figure it out and then support you in a way that will make sense to your individual journey.

Want an attunement expert in your birth and postpartum experience? Give the NY Baby Co. a call today at 518-712-9767 to schedule your free consultation!

You’re six weeks postpartum! You may be feeling back to normal, or may still be wondering how you will ever get there. You might be ready to exercise and have sex, or you may be wondering how you will ever manage to do these things again. Regardless, six weeks is the perfect time to be having these thoughts, as you will be checking in with your provider for your six week postpartum visit.

What happens at the six week postpartum checkup?

This checkup will start normally with the typical weight and vital signs being taken. There will then be a pelvic exam to make sure the uterus is back to its normal size and that there is no sign of infection. For women who have had incisions due to cesareans or episiotomies, these will be checked as well. Since this appointment can count as your annual well woman exam, your provider will often times do a pap smear. A breast exam will also be done to feel for any abnormal lumps. This is a great time to bring up any discomforts and ask questions about anything that may feel not quite right.

Other important matters addressed in this checkup include mental health and birth control. Usually, there will be a screening for postpartum depression and other perinatal mood disorders. The screening can vary in detail from provider to provider, so it is important to remember to speak up if you feel anything is not quite right with your mental state. Perinatal mood disorders are more easily managed when addressed and treated earlier on. Your provider will also start to talk to you about birth control, and see which option you may want to pursue. Some changes may need to take place from methods you previously used. For women wanting to continue taking the pill who are breastfeeding, a progesterone only pill will be prescribed, because the pills with estrogen can lower milk supply. Also, women who
were using the diaphragm will need to be fitted for a new one. It is important to pick a birth control method you are comfortable with, which you feel will be most effective with your new pace of life.

When can I have sex again? 

At your six week appointment, your provider will give you the all clear to start having sex again if everything checks out normal. If your lochia (postpartum bleeding) has stopped, this is a great sign that the lining of your uterus has healed. It is important to wait until you are healed before engaging in sex, and know that if you had a tear or episiotomy, it may take a little longer for you to feel ready.

Does sex hurt after childbirth?

It is common for women to have discomfort the first few times they have sex after having a baby. Often times, a water based lubricant can be helpful in easing this discomfort. For couples using condoms, be sure to avoid oil based lubricants. For longer term issues with pain, there may be a pelvic floor issue. A call to your provider and/or referral to a physical therapist can help with this.

Above all... remember this:

It is most important when getting back to your normal routine, that you listen to your body and don’t push it further than it wants to go. Remember that the six week recommendation is a guideline, not a must. If anything is particularly bothersome, reach out to your provider at any time.