So Where is the Manual?

One of the hardest things about welcoming a new bundle of joy into your life is that BABIES DON’T COME WITH MANUALS.

If you’re like me, you wouldn’t even assemble a bookshelf from Target without reading the instructions and following them meticulously… and in the right order. Even if you take a more…ahem… relaxed approach to things (like my husband), most of us like to know that we are doing a task correctly, and even well.

So, what is the “right” way to take care of your newborn? To change her diaper? To soothe him? To bathe her? To get him to sleep? To feed her? And the list goes on.

Fortunately, we live in an age when ALL the information is literally at our fingertips. Don’t remember what the doc said about caring for the umbilical stump? Google it. Looking for the perfect baby chair? Read the reviews. Wondering how and when to introduce solid foods? Toss the question on Facebook. These resources are amazing, and I can hardly imagine parenting without the informational and emotional support that is available through the internet.

Unfortunately, the world wide web presents a few new challenges.

First, nothing about raising a baby is black and white. Totally unfair, but true. Given the wealth of information we have, it is tempting to think that if we just find the right information and the right answers to our questions, then we will know we are doing a good job, every one will be happy, and our kid will turn out awesome… Right? Right. So, imagine my dismay as a new parent when I realized that three different experts gave me three different answers on pretty much any major baby topic! Eventually, I learned that the right way to do things depends a lot on the baby, a lot on the parents, and a lot what works best for everyone at any given time.

Next, it is easy for information to overshadow our intuition as parents. Many aspects of nurturing and parenting are learned, not necessarily instinctual, but it can’t hurt to stop and listen once in a while to your gut. What feels good to you as the Mom or Dad? After all, you are the expert on this confusing little creature that is your baby.

As doulas, we help you navigate the first crazy months of parenting and discover what is best for you, your baby, and your family.  Babies don’t come with manuals, but we are there to guide you as you make your own!

One thought on “So Where is the Manual?

Comments are closed.

It was amazing to have a support system totally dedicated to me, especially during a long and difficult labor and delivery.Molly C. - Family Nurse Practitioner
The services that you provide are invaluable to new moms (and dads). I feel that your classes are as beneficial to my health as staying active and hydrated.Katie B.
Being a first time mom is the most elating and terrifying journey in the world. Having a guide who is educated and understanding like Paula definitely made a difference, especially during those first few weeks!Selina, Mother, Wife, and Teacher
Paula was amazing supporting me, my husband and our midwife. After our baby was born, Paula would check in at clutch times and ease our uncertainty.Sarah P. Operations Manager
Paula helped my partner to have the confidence to make informed decisions and be the best support he could be.Sarah M. Business Owner
Paula not only provided essential postpartum support, She was always available to answer questions or troubleshoot any concerns at any time.Sam W. Montessori Teacher
Paula's consistent support allowed me to breastfeed, recover, and spend time with my older child.Jenny B. SAHM
I wasn't sure how I would make it through those first few weeks with my son in the NICU. With Paula's help I was able to meet my needs and his, and eventually meet our goal of exclusively breastfeeding.Jill J. Special Education Teacher
"I'm so glad I hired a doula for my husband!"Regan S.
It's hard to imagine our journey without her knowledge and optimism reassuring us each step of the way.Chelsea M
it was clear our doula knew how to integrate seamlessly with the hospital birth team. My OB specifically mentioned how much she liked my doula during a follow up appointment.Tracy K.