Demystifying and Normalizing the Postpartum Experience
We are not medical experts. We are not the go to source for information on parenting or birth. We are two well-informed mothers and professionals. As a doula, Taylor is trained to provide postpartum doula support and stays up to date on the birth world. As a mental health counselor Fiona is trained to support women to manage a variety of challenging situations including postpartum adjustment and mental health issues. We will share evidence-based information and suggest resources to help you dig a little deeper. We will share ideas with expecting mamas about how to prepare for the postpartum transition. We will encourage honestly about the challenging parts so that new moms aren’t blindsided. We want you to be empowered to make conscientious decisions about your and your family’s well-being.
More on Postpartum Anxiety
Last week we shared Christina’s story about her unexpected struggle with postpartum anxiety. I had the opportunity to meet her at a local group for expecting moms and, as I spoke with her, I was struck by how blindsided she was by her symptoms. She knew nothing about the possibility of developing anxiety during the postpartum period.
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Accepting Baby’s Need for Attachment in an Independent Culture
When I was parenting a newborn baby I really struggled to accept her dependence on me. I entered parenthood with the idea that I would be loving and nurturing, but I would also encourage independence. When it came to newborn care, this meant I wouldn’t hold my baby 24-7, I wouldn’t be overly responsive to her grunts and squeaks in the middle of the night, and I would let her know that it was ok to be in this world on her own. Two years later, it now sounds so unrealistic and harsh to have approached parenting this way, but I think this parenting approach is more common than it’s counterpart – attachment parenting.
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Helping Children Adjust to a New Baby Sibling: My Story
One of the greatest challenges I support families with is integrating a baby into a family that already has at least one child. The experience for that child or children is one that often rocks their world and so many parents are left wondering how to help support their child through the transition. While my experience won’t be exactly like yours, I want to share it here to remind you that you’re not alone if your child is struggling with the adjustment to a new sibling.
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