Having a newborn is like entering a new world. It’s hard to navigate all you need, especially while you are so exhausted! Taking newborn care classes, reading books about what to expect, and planning for this time will definitely help make the transition a bit smoother. However, there are many key supports that are often unknown to new families. After supporting newborns and new families for the past decade in the Chicagoland area, I have a great understanding of resources and supports that many families benefit from.
The following resources are commonly helpful for families during this time:
Have support! If you have supportive friends and family, start with them. Most friends and family can be of great help during the daytime hours, but if you know that you will struggle greatly without having rest at night, it might be helpful to look into having a Postpartum Doula for nightly newborn care. Knowing that you’ll be able to rest each night will be such a relief. There are so many things that you will need help with after you have a newborn.
Key things needed include:
- Someone who will let you sleep.
- Someone to share accurate and supportive information and someone to help with all household tasks.
- Anyone you invite into your home during this time should be helpful and willing to support you in these ways.
Remember that there is support for most things that you are struggling with!
Struggling with breastfeeding? Reach out to Lactation consultant. We love the Lactation Partners and North Shore Lactation.
Struggling with your physical recovery? Reach out to a pelvic floor physical therapist. We love Centre Physical Therapy.
Struggling with general health and wanting to feel better in general? Reach out to Alchemy Acupuncture and Herbs. They work closely with Division Chiropractic. Chiropractic care can help with all the aches and pains postpartum as well.
Struggling emotionally or feeling like you want some emotional support for this huge transition? Reach out to Wildflower Counseling.
Struggling with sleep, getting routines established, having time to complete tasks? Reach out to us, Chicago Family Doulas and we would love to support your family with daytime and overnight care.
We have spent the last decade building relationships with our community to ensure that all of our amazing families have the privilege of feeling supported and cared for during this truly transformative, amazing and overwhelming at the time. Please check out our partners page and private Facebook group to see what other resources and connections our community has.
