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Post pardum doulas

penelopemariapenelopemaria member
edited January 2014 in Babies: 0 - 3 Months
Has anyone used one? My LO is almost a week old and I am completely overwhelmed. My DH is wonderful but he is busy at work. 

He doesn't latch so I have been EP my milk and I rarely sleep, yet feel I accomplish nothing during the day. I skip meals and just feel like I'm running around like a crazy person. I love my baby but I desperately miss my old life :(  

I've been reading up on post pardum doulas but have no experience with them. The ones in my area will come to your home once or twice and help with the baby and their needs. 

I'm wondering if it's a good option for me or of I should try and find a long term solution to my feelings.

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DS #1 born 12.3.13
BFP #2 09.21.14 EDD: 06.06.15

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Re: Post pardum doulas

  • cagoldicagoldi member
    No experience with a postpartum doula but if you can afford one and think it would be helpful I don't see why not.

    Do you have family or friends that can come by to assist you? I know it's hard to ask for help but if anyone is kind enough to offer, you should accept it.

    The first 4 or 5 weeks are brutal but it does get better. EP makes it challenging but you'll find a routine that will work for you.

    What kind of hours does your DH work? If he's home at a reasonable hour hand off the baby and get yourself to bed early. If the baby is still up when your husband is ready to sleep he can get you up but at least you've had some rest by then. It's hard to get used to not spending as much time with your H but if you do this even a couple times a week it helps immensely.

    Let the housework go as much as possible. Focus on what absolutely needs to get done that day and don't worry about the rest. If you don't want to put DH on baby duty when he gets home, give him a chore so you aren't feeling overwhelmed by the daily tasks you couldn't manage earlier.

    It's really rough at first. Your only concern right now is taking care of you and your new baby. Good luck.
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  • CDMay2006CDMay2006 member
    edited January 2014
    Don't try to accomplish anything. Your goal each day should be to feed baby and you and rest when you can. anything else I'd bonus. When dh gets home from work, shower (maybe) and go to sleep.
    If you haven't already, I'd also recommend working with a lactation consultant so you don't have to spend so much time pumping (and cleaning pump parts and bottles). We started off that way and it was rough. Then uou can pump enough for dh to feed so you can sleep though a feeding occasionally, bit it takes the pressure off.
    And remember, it will get easier! You ate in the midst of the hardest weeks!
    Boy 10.6.13
    Labored at freestanding birth center using hypnobirthing techniques
    Delivered via csection
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