Ep. 34 Navigating the Fourth Trimester: Newborn Care Specialists and Postpartum Support

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The first months after a baby is born, often called the “fourth trimester,” are special but can be challenging. Newborn care specialists and postpartum doulas are here to help, but their roles are a little different. In this post, I’ll explain what each one does and how they can help new parents feel supported. You can listen to the podcast to hear a deeper dive into the nuances.

Newborn Care Specialists vs. Postpartum Doulas: What’s the Difference?

It’s important to notice that there is a lot of overlap between the training a postpartum doula and newborn care specialists receive and training varies a lot between various organizations. However the general difference in the roles is that postpartum doulas tend to focus on the physical and emotional support for parents so that they can care for their baby and themselves. Here are some of the main ways a postpartum doula can help:

Teaching parents about newborn care and soothing methods
Supporting breastfeeding and bottle feeding
Giving parents a break from newborn care so they can rest
Helping with meal prep and sometimes errands
Providing support for siblings
Doing light housework like dishes and laundry
Offering referrals to other helpful resources, like counseling for postpartum mental health or pelvic floor therapy

On the other hand, the main roles of a Newborn Care Specialist are to provide hands-on care for the newborn and help the family get into a routine that works. Some of the ways they help include:

Direct newborn care, like feeding, changing diapers, and bathing
Teaching parents skills like swaddling and calming techniques
Getting the baby onto a gentle sleep routine
Organizing the nursery
Washing and sanitizing bottles and pump parts
Helping with light housework, too

Each caregiver is unique, of course, but in general, a postpartum doula is slightly more focused on supporting the parents, while a Newborn Care Specialist is more focused on the direct care of the newborn. Sometimes you might be lucky to have support that offers a combination of both.

Recognizing Your Baby’s Cues

Babies have special ways of showing what they need. Some cues, like sleepy eyes or moving their mouths when they’re hungry, can be small but very important. Learning these signals helps parents know what their baby needs. Postpartum support can help you navigate this to help you communicate more effectively with your baby.

Building Sleep and Feeding Routines

Getting your baby into a gentle sleep and feeding routine can make a big difference. Simple routines help babies settle down and give parents a sense of calm and predictability. Newborn care specialists and Postpartum doulas have ways to help you meet your family goals. When everyone in the family can sleep and rest, life becomes a little easier.

Hiring postpartum support in the fourth trimester

When hiring a postpartum doula or newborn care specialist, it’s essential to ask questions that help you understand their experience, approach, and whether they’re a good fit for your family’s unique needs. Here are some helpful questions to consider:

Asking these questions will help you feel confident that the person you hire can provide the support, care, and education you need during this special time.

As a sleep coach, I know firsthand how essential rest is, not just for parents but for the whole family’s well being. The insights shared in this episode remind us that understanding a newborn’s needs, from feeding cues to sleep signals, forms the foundation for healthy sleep habits. When babies get the right support, families can enjoy peaceful nights and parents feel more capable of facing the joys and challenges of each day.

Key Loving Lessons Learned in this episode:

🟣 Understanding Newborn Cues: Recognize signs like sleepy gazes or hunger signals to better respond to your baby's needs.

🟣 Establishing Gentle Routines: Setting up feeding and sleep routines can improve the entire family's well-being.

🟣 Knowing the Roles: Postpartum doulas focus on the whole family, while newborn care specialists center on baby-specific care.

🟣 Planning Support Early: Booking a newborn care specialist early helps ensure the availability of needed support.

🟣 Embracing Help: It’s okay to seek help from professionals or family to thrive in this new stage of life.

Resources mentioned to help you keep learning & growing:

⭐ Learn more about Kelly Settapani with KelSet Newborn Care

⭐ Butterfly Swaddle -Use the coupon code: Sleep10