A Doula's Take on Preparing For Delivery and Postpartum with Lindsey Bliss
Lindsey Bliss is a founding member of Carriage House Birth, a seasoned birth doula, and mother of seven.
She is considered to be a multiples expert after giving birth and breastfeeding two consecutive sets of twins.
Lindsey lends her unique expert insight to the education wing of Carriage House Birth.
She also offers her expertise as a contributing writer for numerous publications including The Glow, Mind Body Green, and The Bump and is a newly published author of the book, “The Doula’s Guide to Empowering Your Birth.”
The Unspoken Topic
- When people are newly postpartum and embarking on their parenting journey, they are not prepared for how difficult it is and people struggle through it. The problem is that they feel embarrassed or shame for not feeling elation and joy all the time.
What We Cover
- The range of emotions we experience in the postpartum process.
- How it’s OK to have regrets about the motherhood journey, but still love your child.
- Why having unfiltered conversations is key to feeling better about your experience.
- How to best prepare for the postpartum period.
Take a Listen >>
Key Takeaways
- People spend so much time getting ready for the birth, when they should really be preparing for postpartum because that’s where the real struggle can be.
- You have this expectation of what your birth is going to be like- mostly blissful and having that “golden hour” with your new babe, so we don’t give ourselves the space for the negative feelings that come along with the experience.
- Not filtering what you share helps you not feel alone in what you’re experiencing because you’ll discover that others share in those uncomfortable feelings you were nervous to talk about.
- Crowdsourcing for understanding is helpful for commonality and understanding from other people.
- Stand in your power and speak your truth. You are not alone.
- Doulas help from prenatal to postpartum and everything in between. They are unique to each family and will help you with all the things.
- There is a mourning period for what you are letting go of when you birth a child and that’s OK. Things are moving forward, there is never going back, even with our bodies.
- It’s OK to have regretful feelings about your motherhood experience. You are allowed to have those feelings and still love your child. They are not mutually exclusive.
Actionable Solutions
How to Get Ready for Postpartum
- It starts with understanding your options for labor and delivery so are you able to have an informed birthing experience. Many times postpartum issues arise because of the lack of control or expectations we had from the birthing experience.
- Think about what support is going to look like for you.
- Put together a postpartum plan. Spend a lot of time on this part because postpartum is forever!
- When it comes to parenting, embrace the chaos. Learn to surrender a little and set boundaries.
- Have realistic expectations and set weekly goals rather than long term. For example: say you will breastfeed this week and at the end of the week, you will re-evaluate to see if you want to continue. Rather than saying you are going to breastfeed for 6 months.
Hardest Decision To Make as a Mom
- Deciding to have children.
A-Ha Moment About Parenting
- When she was able to forgive herself for having a really hard day and knowing she had tomorrow to try again, it shifted how she parented. She left the guilt and shame aside and was able to better show up for her kids.
Most Excited About
- The doula trainings she is doing and being around birth workers that want to facilitate change. Her husband is also opening up some new restaurants in NYC that she is excited about.
Lindsey’s Gift
It’s giveaway time! Lindsey is giving away two amazing tote bags! To enter, type in your email address and you’ll receive instant access! You’ll also be opting into both of our email lists so you can receive even more goodies! Winners will be announced July 30, 2019.
Mama Has a Minute
- Favorite form of self-care: Epsom Salt Bath.
- Best parenting advice ever received: Embrace chaos.
- Share your favorite parenting hack: None! She needs one.
- Recommend one product your children cannot live without: Dr. Bronner Soap.
- Share your favorite book and why: The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin because it’s good to have your partner read it so they can know how to support your birthing experience. Also, Lindsey’s book: Guide to Childbirth, it’s a quick read to give the ins and outs of the birthing experience.
- What motherhood means to you: Wearing your heart on the outside of your body.
Freebies From Us
- Join our Facebook Community
- Download our FREE Worried Mama’s Guide to Baby Milestones
- FREE Masterclass on getting rid of mom guilt when it comes to your finances.
- Learn to become an even more mindful mama without having to go to a yoga class or spend 30 minutes meditating with this free guide.
Action Steps For *You*
- Have a question or topic you’d like to cover? Let us know!
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