So what does that mean?
 
It’s understanding that your baby’s wants are your baby’s needs. It’s relaxing into those needs and trusting there is no spoiling your baby during this time and that no “bad habits” are being formed. It’s “babying the baby” so they can grow and thrive with a solid foundation for going forward. As long as your baby is full-term and has no health concerns, you can let them be your guide.
 
Does that mean forgetting about your needs? Definitely not! That needs equal attention. You must both be thriving for all to be well. By feeling less anxious about the thought of spoiling your baby, though, worrying that you’re picking them up or holding them too much or are responding to their feeding cues to quickly, you can more confidently relax into these weeks and get the rest and recovery you need for yourself, too.
 
It’s all about the well-being of you both — both of you thriving, both of you building on your successes, both of you developing trust in the other. You and your baby can melt into each other as you gently make your way through the tender early postpartum time.

Waking and feeding at night is the biological norm for your baby during their early months and beyond. That’s a huge adjustment for all new parents and can make the postpartum period very challenging. This especially rings true as time goes on and the weariness accumulates. When considering ways to manage this exhaustion, it's helpful to start planning for your nighttime by being creative beforehand.

• get in sync with your baby for the first weeks and months – grabbing sleep whenever you can, such as going to bed early or taking shifts with a partner or family member
• broaden your imagination to include periods of rest throughout the 24 hours that each day has to offer
• if breastfeeding, work with your body's hormones after feedings to help you fall asleep as your baby does
• strive to achieve comfortable, relaxing, non-stimulating nighttime feeds

You will be well rewarded in the later weeks by giving yourself the most restful early postpartum you can. By thinking outside the box for extra daytime rest you can have an increased ability to cope at night. Don’t forget, you’re in transition, too.

The first three to six weeks are a time of gentle transition into the outside world for a newborn, away from their perfect environment in utero where every need was being met instantly & around the clock. During this time after birth your baby’s wants and needs are one-and-the-same and you can trust that meeting those needs day and night will benefit you both. You and your baby can hit your stride with “early and often” feedings and holding your baby whenever you or they want. You're both learning and getting to know the other.

By introducing small, easy changes at first and gradually shifting over to life outside the womb over these weeks, this transition can be fulfilling and pleasant for you, too. There is no spoiling a baby during this time -- and no bad habits are being formed. By taking it gradually and with love, you are establishing a healthy, trusting relationship and a solid foundation for the months and years to come.

You can protect the early moments with your newborn by restricting company in the first few days after birth. This precious time can be reserved especially for you to get to know your new arrival, catch up on rest, and to get those important early feedings under your belt. You can stay in your pajamas and post a note on your door to explain why you might not be answering, or to please keep their visit short while you get to know your new little one.

At the same time, try not to feel shy asking for or accepting offers of help that you could really use. You can think of it as something you're doing especially for your baby! Food drop-offs are always the most welcome. A family member or friend may ask if you need anything from the store or if they could walk your dog for you. Be creative and ready with an idea or two if someone inquires.

An expanded network of support for your postpartum period may include community groups, others who have babies too, or supportive postpartum care providers. Meeting up or introducing yourself prior to your baby's birth is ideal so that you're not a stranger when it comes time to reach out. If something feels wrong or you have a question or concern, you'll have expertise, companionship and wisdom at your fingertips. Expect you'll have times when you'll need targeted support in the early weeks. This expanded network can help you achieve greater peace of mind and help you to get back on track if a tricky situation arises.

Nighttime visits can include some of what a postpartum doula might accomplish during a daytime visit (see previous post), fitting in time for chatting, questions & support. A doula brings a calm, quiet nighttime energy into your home  and fine-tunes the visit toward maximizing your family's sleep.

Here are some ideas specifically suited to nighttime support!

• If you're breastfeeding your baby, they are brought to you to nurse as needed, then gathered up when you're finished
• Nursing sessions can be for dozing off with baby at the breast while your doula watches over you, for support or friendly chatting while you're nursing, or for quickly pumping while your doula takes care of bottle-feeding your expressed breast milk elsewhere
• You get to take a break from changing diapers, burping, and soothing your baby for a nice long stretch — all night!
• If exclusively bottle feeding, you and your partner sleep the night away while your doula tends to your little one entirely
• Appropriate household tasks or some food prep are quietly done for you
• Pump supplies and/or bottles are washed and prepared for the next day
• Get help organizing your nighttime routines for optimizing sleep for all

Here are a bunch of ideas and possibilities!

It is helpful to note your postpartum doula does not include diagnosis or personal help with medical concerns. Doulas will not act like or attempt to replace your primary care provider. When circumstances are beyond a postpartum doula’s scope of practice, though, you can be comforted to know that your doula is a great resource for helping you find professional care for you or your baby. A doula is familiar with skilled mental and/or physical health care professionals, community organizations, and/or other support professionals near you. It’s important that you and/or your baby get any additional support you need to ensure you're in good hands and good health overall.

In the weeks following the very early days, ongoing postpartum support continues to be invaluable to families adjusting to their new arrival. Postpartum visits provide a special time of day or night when you can look forward to feeling caught up, rested, and back on track for at least the time being. That’s a wonderful feeling!
 
It can also be extremely valuable for new questions, discussions, and continued reassurance as parents chart this new ground. There is nothing like face-to-face, comprehensive support through the early weeks or months. What better investment can you make to nip feeding challenges in the bud, stay ahead of exhaustion, and enjoy the companionship and help of an experienced, non-judgmental and compassionate visitor?