Learn how to build your birth and postpartum support team to create an empowering journey through pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood.
A strong support team can significantly impact your overall experience and well-being, from physical and emotional support to guidance through the complexities of childbirth and early parenthood.
Let’s delve into the importance of creating a solid team for birth and postpartum with insights from Kristen Revere, an elite birth and postpartum doula.
Kristen shares her expertise on assembling a dream team of professionals, the benefits of having a doula, and practical tips for finding and affording the support you need.
Join us as we explore the various types of birth support team members, the value of postpartum care, and the strategies to make these essential services accessible.
Whether you’re an expectant parent or a birth professional, you’ll gain valuable information to help you navigate this transformative journey.
Benefits of Hiring a Doula
When it comes to birth support, the first thing that often comes to mind is a doula, so let’s begin there.
A doula provides continuous physical, emotional, and educational support, reducing the need for interventions and increasing overall satisfaction, even if the birth plan changes.
Doulas are familiar with hospital policies and can help navigate decisions by providing information on the risks, benefits, and alternatives to non-emergent interventions.
The evidence is clear: doula support leads to better outcomes and higher satisfaction rates.
Finding the Right Doula
When interviewing doulas, consider their experience, personality, and budget.
Look for doulas with specific training or certification in areas that are important to you, such as a size-friendly doula who has completed size-inclusivity training.
A good fit between you and your doula is crucial!
Postpartum Doula Support
Postpartum doulas offer invaluable support to the entire family, not just the newborn.
They assist with household tasks, accompany clients to appointments, provide sibling care, and offer emotional support for the family.
This holistic approach helps ensure the family feels supported and cared for during the critical postpartum period.
Creating Your Support Team
Building a birth and postpartum support team goes well beyond hiring a doula.
Kristen emphasizes identifying your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum goals if you’re wondering where to start.
Whether it’s trying to avoid induction or seeking Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC), having a clear understanding of your goals helps in assembling the right team.
It’s essential to have open conversations with your care provider early on to ensure they are on board with your preferences.
Types of Birth Support Team Members
In addition to doulas, there are several key professionals and support team members you might consider for your birth and postpartum journey:
- Midwives: Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) and home birth midwives can provide personalized care throughout pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
- Lactation Consultants: International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) offer specialized lactation support.
- Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists: These specialists help with recovery and strengthening post-birth, addressing issues such as incontinence and pelvic pain.
- Chiropractors: Chiropractors can help with prenatal adjustments to align your body for an optimal birth.
- Acupuncturists: Prenatal acupuncture can support overall wellness, reduce stress, and prepare your body for labor.
- Mental Health Therapists: Therapists specializing in perinatal mood disorders can provide crucial support for mental health during and after pregnancy.
- Sleep Consultants: Postpartum sleep consultants assist in establishing healthy sleep patterns for your baby, which can significantly impact the entire family’s well-being.
- Childbirth Educators: Classes on childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care can prepare you for the journey ahead, providing valuable knowledge and confidence.
Supporting the Cost of Your Birth and Postpartum Team
Here are several strategies for making these essential services more accessible:
- Insurance Coverage: Check if your insurance covers services like physical therapy, lactation consulting, and chiropractic care. Some states now include doulas in their Medicaid programs.
- Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Use these pre-tax accounts to pay for eligible services, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.
- Employer Benefits: Some companies offer maternity benefits that include coverage for doulas and other support services.
- Community Resources: Look for nonprofit organizations and hospital programs that offer doula services and other support on a sliding scale or for free.
- Registries and Gift Funds: Instead of traditional baby gifts, set up a registry for support services through platforms where friends and family can contribute.
- Personal Budgeting: Prioritize your spending based on your birth and postpartum goals. Consider reallocating funds from non-essential items to invest in support services that will benefit your family’s well-being.
Whether through a doula, community resources, or personal support networks, having the right team in place can make a significant difference in your experience.
Learn even more during episode 215 of the Plus Mommy Podcast. During this episode, we explore how to build your birth and postpartum support team with expert insights from Kristen Revere. Discover the benefits of having a doula, the importance of postpartum support, and practical tips for finding and affording essential support services. You’ll also learn about Kristen’s book, “Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby.”
Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 215
Transcript happily provided upon request.
Resources Mentioned On The Show
- Connect with Kristin via her Gold Coast Doulas website and Instagram.
- Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby
- Ask the Doulas Podcast
- How Research is Revealing Fat Shaming in Maternity Care
Kristin Revere owns Gold Coast Doulas and co-hosts the Ask the Doulas podcast. She is an elite certified birth and postpartum doula. Kristin is also a newborn care specialist. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with her two children and husband. She has a step daughter who is in college.