Best & Worst: Find Support Where YOU Live
Did you know there can be a MAJOR difference in the pre-natal and postpartum care you receive depending on WHERE you live?
In a perfect world of maternal care, families would experience 3 stages:
Care during pregnancy and through birth
Postpartum care through the "fourth trimester"
Supporting the entire family system to have optimal caregiving and parenting experiences (see my wishlist below)
If you are from the United States, you should check out this great article on the best states to live in when your having a baby.. Hint hint Massachusetts vs. Mississippi!
The 10 Worst States To Have A Baby (And The 10 Best)
I have put together a Wish List of support services that I, as a Mom and Gentle Sleep Coach, think should be provided to women and families!
My hope is that in the future, major changes will be made in the amount of support women automatically receive, but for now, I hope this helps families identify areas they may use for support for pre-natal and the postpartum period.
Please check your state, check your insurance and ask family and friends. If you and your family found support resources particularly helpful, share that with your friends, family and neighbors. I promise you there is someone else out there thinking they are the only one struggling in that area and validation that they are not alone and that help is available can make all the difference in their parenting journey.
As you can see, there is a vast network of professionals that are committed to helping you and your family thrive. It is important to make sure the professionals are trained and certified and have the experience to support your individual needs. Below I have give you more explanation on the specifics of the most needed and wanted services.
Sleep Consultants/Sleep Coach: Trained and Certified Sleep Experts who provide guidance and strategies for establishing healthy sleep routines for both parents and children(0-10 years old). It's important to note that the approach and techniques used by baby sleep coaches can vary, ranging from more gentle and gradual methods to more structured and systematic sleep training approaches. Parents should research and interview and choose a sleep coach whose philosophy aligns with their parenting style, values and the level of 1:1 customized support they need and want. There are 3 methodologies, click here to watch a video explaining each one so you can make a better choice on the sleep support you need.
Postpartum Doulas: Trained professionals who offer emotional and physical support to new mothers, including help with breastfeeding, newborn care, and household tasks.
Lactation Consultants: Specialists who provide guidance and support for breastfeeding challenges, such as latching difficulties or milk supply issues.
Therapists/Counselors: Mental health professionals who offer therapy and counseling for postpartum depression, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.
Support Groups: Local or online groups where individuals can connect with others going through similar postpartum experiences, fostering a sense of community.
Mother-Baby Yoga Classes: Yoga classes tailored to new mothers and their babies, focusing on gentle exercises and relaxation techniques.
Parenting Classes: Workshops or classes that provide education on various aspects of parenting, from infant care to developmental milestones.
Online Resources: Websites, blogs, and forums dedicated to providing ACCURATE AND RELIABLE information, advice, and support to new parents.
Meal Delivery Services: Services that provide nutritious meals to new parents, helping to alleviate the stress of cooking during the postpartum period.
Home Cleaning Services: Professional cleaning services that can assist with household chores and cleaning tasks.
Massage Therapists: Licensed massage therapists who offer postpartum massages to help alleviate muscle tension and promote relaxation.
Breast Pump Rental and Sales: Services that offer breast pump rentals or sales, along with information on proper usage and maintenance.
Birth Trauma Counseling: Specialized counseling for individuals who experienced a traumatic birth, helping them process their emotions and heal.
Nutritionists: Professionals who can provide guidance on maintaining a healthy diet during the postpartum period, particularly if breastfeeding.
Infant CPR and First Aid Classes: Courses that teach parents essential skills to handle emergencies involving infants.
Online Therapy Platforms: Platforms that offer virtual therapy sessions for postpartum individuals who prefer online counseling.
Art and Creative Therapy: Classes or workshops that use art, writing, or other creative mediums as therapeutic outlets for processing emotions.
Physical Therapists: Experts who specialize in postpartum recovery and can provide exercises and guidance to regain strength and flexibility.
Family and Friends Support Network: Enlisting the help of close family members and friends to provide emotional support and assistance with tasks.
Postpartum Fitness Classes: Exercise classes designed for postpartum individuals, focusing on regaining fitness and strength in a safe manner.
Remember that each person's situation is unique, so it's important to tailor your approach to your individual needs and circumstances. Consulting with healthcare providers, seeking guidance from experienced parents, and researching reputable resources can help you make informed decisions for a healthy and positive pregnancy, postpartum and family experience.
Are you looking for support with solving your child's sleep struggles?
The first step to see if I can help you achieve beautiful, blissful sleep is to schedule a 60 minute ZOOM sleep strategy session. Go to this link and complete the contact me form and I will be in touch within 24 hours with directions on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.
Sleep is Bliss, Let's Get you more!