There is something about birth that prepares you to become a parent to a child.

It is usually a somewhat long process that ensues after about 40 or so weeks of pregnancy. When it starts, you’re ready. You know you will finally meet this baby that has been growing, stretching, rolling and hiccupping inside of you.

You spend early labor in excitement, active labor in focus, and transitional labor in determination. You push for anywhere from 20 minutes, to a couple of hours and unto you, a child is born.

Or, your birth goes more like this.

You eat a delicious dinner comprised of your favorite comfort foods and you devour a pint of ice cream before the clock strikes midnight. You get into bed with the idea that you’ll sleep since you have an early appointment at the hospital in the morning.

Sleep does not come easy, but you rest. In the morning, you load up the car and head for the hospital. You are admitted, your doctor and anesthesiologist come in and have you sign some paperwork, your nurse preps you and brings you back to the OR, an epidural is placed, your partner joins you and shortly after they arrive, you birth your baby by cesarean delivery. It is a process that prepares you to meet your baby.

But what about BREASTFEEDING?

Is there really anything that can prepare us for that? I’m going with a big fat NO on that, but I will say that some education ahead of time will make you feel a little more prepared.

Look, here’s the deal. You have never had anyone suck on your nipples like your baby will (no matter who your partner is) and it’s gonna take some getting used to.

Even if this is not your first rodeo, it IS this baby’s first time. And in order for breastfeeding to work out, you and your baby have to come together over time to perfect it.

I know it seems like this should be automatic. We see a dog give birth to 6 puppies and they all manage to find their way to the nipple, latch, get nourished, fall asleep and then repeat that cycle, right? But for us, it’s just not that simple.

Instead, it’s a process. One in which we doubt ourselves an second guess every decision we make…

But unlike other mammals, we don’t have to do it alone, when we have a baby, we can engage the help of a postpartum doula. Doulas are there to provide guidance, support, and encouragement. To help with those doubtful moments and cheer on the successes!

If you are home with a new baby and the challenges are piling up; if you feel overwhelmed and hoped that this new baby thing would go smoother, contact Northeast Doulas today and let’s get you the support that you need.