The Japanese proverb,“giving birth to a baby is easier than worrying about it!”, is the basis of my experience and advice to an expectant mama out there.
It was only three years ago since my second delivery, but you'll soon see why the events are still fresher than a cadaver in my head.
I’m a trained postpartum doula. Because many people don’t know what a postpartum doula is or does, I usually begin by explaining what I don’t do. I am not medically trained. I do not make diagnosis, give medical advise, or administer medicine.
What I do do is Nurture, Educate, Support and Transition (N.E.S.T.) the new mother and her infant on their journey from womb to world.
“When I was 28 years old I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Due to the incurable nature of the cancer I had, my doctors decided it would be best to do a complete double mastectomy with reconstruction surgery.
Looking back, now 5 years in remission, it all feels like a dream. And the perspective I had gained was so invaluable. After my diagnosis, I vowed to myself that I would appreciate every single day. You never know when your time will run out.
Let’s face it, no matter how thrilled you are with your new baby, you still need to be able to perform simple functions to get through the day.
As a postpartum doula, I encourage new mothers to slow down and give their bodies time to recover from pregnancy and delivery, and to get to know their babies, but you can go stir-crazy without some mobility.
Congratulations, new mama!
Your baby is finally here and how precious and sweet it is to hold them, smell them and marvel at that perfect (and tiny!) body. Is there anything cuter than baby feet? I don’t think so.
