Postpartum: From Surviving to Thriving

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This post is part of a sponsored partnership with Tender Beginnings Birth & Parenting Services. We are pleased to partner with them to offer the best doula and postpartum information.


Babies are beautiful, life-changing little creatures that come into your life and flip it upside down with one teeny tiny adorable little foot. And that is a wonderful thing.

Isn’t it?

Tender Beginnings postpartum support

Let’s analyze it all for a moment, shall we? Pregnancy is hard. Giving birth is hard. (Can I get an amen?) Breastfeeding is hard. Sleep deprivation is hard. You know what that all adds up to? A huge amount of work for new moms – physically, mentally and emotionally. (DMB Note: Yes, we know dads do lots of work, too, and many are right up in there for every moment, but we’re kinda focusing on moms right now.) So, what are you left with when the baby showers are done, the nursery is all set up, the baby has arrived safely (Whew!) and you’re finally at home?

Well, that depends.

The issue we need to examine is this: What kind of postpartum support is available for moms? Are we getting adequate care for our minds, hearts and yes, our bodies, once we’ve done one of the hardest things a woman could possibly do?

Postpartum Support: Are we getting what we need?

We asked our contributors to tell us a bit about what kind of care they received after giving birth – professional care, help from families and breastfeeding support – and were dismayed to learn that true postpartum support for moms is, in many cases, sorely lacking. Sometimes, it’s missing entirely.

Some of our contributors say the only check-up they received was the 6-week postpartum at their doctor’s office. Others had in-home visits from a nurse, but in most cases, the nurse checked on the baby, not mom. Some of our military moms report feeling extra alone because they were away from family, their partner was deployed and they lacked the ability to hire help, whether for financial or base security reasons.

Tender Beginnings postpartum support

Contributor Sasha voices thoughts that so many of us have had.

“I would have loved help with housecleaning… we thought about a maid service but what I needed was help with clutter and putting things away… not scrubbing or deep cleaning. I’d have loved to have been properly screened for postpartum depression/anxiety. In hindsight. I think I had really bad postpartum anxiety, but couldn’t see it at the time. I’d have also loved if there was a service that I could send my ‘dumb’ new mom questions to and get reassured. “Is it normal for him to pee ten times?” “Is it normal for him to sleep 3+ hours?” “Is it ok if I nurse 15 times in one day?” “Is it normal to feel like at any moment I might totally mess something up and accidentally kill my kid??” 

Sometimes, our own moms are around and we can ask them all of the questions. Or, a squad of our friends drops by to hold our babies and allow us to rest while they do our laundry and make dinner. But for those times when we don’t have family or friends available, there is help. And hope.

We turned to our friends at Tender Beginnings Birth & Parenting Services for help. Their trained postpartum and infant care doulas complement you and your baby’s medical team, meeting all of the other needs that come along with growing your family.

Tender Beginnings postpartum support
Tender Beginnings postpartum support
Tender Beginnings postpartum support

What Services are Available at Tender Beginnings?

Tender Beginnings is made up of a team of certified, professional doulas. They network with a larger team of professionals to bring you all the support you need as you plan your baby’s birth. But they don’t stop there. The women at Tender Beginnings are there to provide support all the way through your birth journey. They offer a wide range of postpartum support services.

Tender Beginnings owner Emily Swegert says, “Imagine the effect on postpartum mood disorders, managing special formula, and treating illness. Having someone there who’s trained and knowledgeable can reduce the rates of PPD, anxiety, and can increase breastfeeding rates.”

Tender Beginnings postpartum supportYES! You can hire a professional doula to come to your house and help you through the really tough stuff that comes with birthing a baby. Sleep issues? Covered! Emotional support? (DMB Note: I’m not postpartum, but can they come over once a week or so just for this?!) Covered! Light housekeeping? (DMB Note: Where have they been all my life?!) Covered!

Another DMB contributor told us, “I was expecting fanfare and excitement when we brought my first home, as she was the first grandchild on one side and the first in 20 years on the other. Absolutely no help from either side. I grew up so much doing it on my own with my husband, but it would have meant so much to have even a little bit of help with meals, sibling help or housekeeping. Baby blues are incredibly isolating anyway, it would have been wonderful to have support like this.”

Mamas, you’re not alone. You deserve the help and support. 

Now, we know what you’re thinking…

How Do I Pay for Tender Beginnings’ Postpartum Support?

OK, we all know how wonderful it would be to have someone swoop in and take care of all the things that we’re far too exhausted to do after giving birth. The reality is, however, in many cases, it comes down to money. Can we afford these services?

In the case of postpartum support, the phrase “If Mama isn’t happy, no one is happy” is incredibly accurate. Not only does your new baby sense your stress and exhaustion, but if you are suffering from postpartum depression or anxiety, you’re robbed of the joy found in this precious time. Having a professional come into your home to take care of you – and all the mundane things for which you just don’t have time – can be absolutely key to finding your postpartum groove. And it doesn’t have to break the bank.


Tender Beginnings Registry
Mamas, your prayers are answered. Tender Beginnings offers a registry! It’s available right on their website and it’s free to sign up. You register, choose the services you would like and will receive a link to share with family and friends. This is a GREAT option to allow family and friends to support you even if they aren’t local or don’t have the means to be physically present. 

Tender Beginnings postpartum support

Gift Certificates
Maybe you aren’t sure what you need yet, or you don’t think you’ll require a complete registry. Family and friends can purchase gift certificates from Tender Beginnings, too.

Military Discounts and Support
Especially in the Dayton area, we’re aware that many families are members of the military and are away from their own support networks. Contact Tender Beginnings for more information on organizations that help provide discounted doula services to military families. 

Payment Plans
Tender Beginnings will work with your family to make paying for their services doable. Contact them to set up a payment plan.

Keep in mind: postpartum support care with Tender Beginnings doesn’t have to break the bank. Their rates are very reasonable and are all posted on their website so you can do your research and choose what options work for you and your family.

Mamas, the bottom line is this. Yes, we’re all superwomen, but we can’t do it all. Especially in the vulnerable days and weeks after having a baby, we need to be open and willing to asking for help. And remember, you’re not alone.

Vitally important note: If you are having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of hurting your baby, please call your doctor or an emergency line immediately. Postpartum Support International lists two crisis lines you can call to talk to someone right away.

For more information on postpartum support or the other services available at Tender Beginnings, visit their website or call 513-680-0270.

Tender Beginnings Postpartum Support