If you have a newborn in Ann Arbor, you’re probably navigating a rollercoaster of emotions while trying to heal and adapt to your new role. Being newly postpartum is INTENSE. It’s a time filled with sweet moments, leaking boobs, extreme emotions, and sleepless nights… and it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. I’ve been there, and I understand how relieving it is to have the right support during postpartum recovery. After decades of doula work and years as a mom, I’ve learned my fair share of tips for encouraging a positive postpartum and a healing recovery and I’m here to share those with you. I hope they help you, like they helped me!

Understanding Postpartum Recovery

Postpartum recovery is a time of physical healing and emotional adjustment. After giving birth, your body needs time to recover from the rigors of pregnancy and birth, while your mind adapts to the demands of caring for a new baby. This initial 3-ish month period (often called the 4th trimester) can feel a bit like a rollercoaster, but with the right strategies and support, you can navigate it more smoothly.

Essential Postpartum Recovery Tips

Rest and Sleep

• Prioritize Rest: Your body has been through a lot. Prioritize rest to aid in your recovery. Nap frequently, stay in bed, and call on your partner, family, friends, and doula for help.

Nutrition and Hydration

• Nourishing Foods: Eating a nutritious, balanced diet is essential for postpartum recovery, but you shouldn’t be doing the cooking yourself! Have your doula setup a meal train so friends & family can feed you or check out our favorite postpartum meal delivery service. Focus on foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein to support healing and energy levels.

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of hydrating beverages helps your body recover and supports breastfeeding if you choose to do so. Water is fine, but try to mix it up with decaf herbal teas, fruit infused water, or coconut water for added minerals.

Emotional Support

• Share Your Feelings: It’s normal to experience a range of emotions after giving birth. Freely share your feelings with your partner, family, or friends. A doula can also provide a listening ear and emotional support during this time.

• Postpartum Depression and Baby Blues: Be aware of the signs of postpartum mood disorders like the “baby blues” or depression. If you’re struggling, reach out to a healthcare provider or your doula for support and resources.

How a Doula Can Help New Moms in Ann Arbor

Doulas are trained professionals who provide physical, emotional, and informational support to new moms and their families. Here are a few ways a doula can help you:

Personalized Care

• Tailored Support: Every new mom’s recovery journey is unique. A doula offers personalized care tailored to your specific needs and preferences, ensuring you get the support you require.

Expert Guidance

• Breastfeeding Support: Breastfeeding can be challenging. A doula can offer guidance, techniques, and support to help you and your new baby establish a successful breastfeeding routine. If she doesn’t have answers for you, or your breastfeeding hurdles are outside of her scope of training, one of our IBCLCs can help!

• Newborn Care: From diapering to soothing techniques to newborn sleep education, a doula provides practical tips and hands-on help with newborn care, giving new moms and new dads confidence in their parenting skills.

Emotional Support

• Non-Judgmental Listening: A doula offers a safe, non-judgmental space to share your feelings and concerns. They provide reassurance, encouragement, and resources, helping you navigate the ups and downs of postpartum life.

• Support for New Dads: Doulas also support new dads, offering guidance on how they can be involved and support their partners during this time.

Resource Connection

• Local Resources: A doula is well-connected within the Ann Arbor community and can refer you to local resources such as moms groups, postpartum support groups, and mental health professionals.

Postpartum recovery is a critical time for new moms and their babies, and having the right support can make all the difference. Our Ann Arbor based doulas provide personalized, compassionate care that supports both your physical recovery and emotional well-being. By prioritizing rest, nutrition, and emotional support, and by leveraging the expertise of a doula, you can navigate the postpartum period with greater ease and confidence.

If you’re a new mom or new dad in Ann Arbor looking for daytime postpartum support or overnight postpartum support, reach out to be matched with a doula.