Barefoot hippies? Hollywood divas?
Yes, and millions of everyday, hardworking people around the
world who have decided either through their cultural heritage or personal
research that for them, a natural childbirth and postpartum care with the support
of a midwife, doula, and other services makes for the healthiest, safest, and
happiest ways to give birth to and care for the new spirit in their lives.
Natural childbirth in a hospital, home birth, and postpartum
care have become so uncommon in the US (and increasingly in other countries)
that they are now considered by many to be too difficult, unnecessary, or even frivolous.
But, just a glance at the number of women in the US who fail
to have a natural childbirth (when that’s what they intended), fail to breastfeed
(even when they wanted to and tried), and who suffer from
mild to severe postpartum depression offers a clear indication that the now standard, mechanical template of childbirth and postpartum care is gravely inadequate.
mild to severe postpartum depression offers a clear indication that the now standard, mechanical template of childbirth and postpartum care is gravely inadequate.
Fortunately, the pendulum is swinging back.
Many new mothers are discovering the mind, body and spirit benefits
of hiring various servants/services (the word “doula” comes from the Greek and
means “female servant or slave”) to help them on their journey.
There are many (and increasing numbers of) people who serve
new mothers in pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum, and I wrote about several of them—doulas,
midwives, postpartum doulas, maids, cooks, and nannies—in my book New Mother. Since publication, and through interaction
with my readers, I’ve discovered even more services.
For example, a service called Best Fed Babies offers breastfeeding support with a certified
lactation consultant 24/7 via phone or Skype to mothers anywhere in the world. I would have loved to call them when I woke
one morning at 3:00 AM with a plugged duct—and how many of us have similar
questions or issues in the early days and wee hours of nursing!
Mother’s Concierge services are another wonderful and
flexible source of help. One company called
Pampered Mommas in Baltimore, Maryland
offers in-home pre/post natal massage; nap Nannie; in-home
baby proofing consultations and much more.
A company in Los Angeles, CA called MotherBees doesn’t just deliver any ole regular meal to postpartum
mothers, but combines traditional postpartum foods with locally sourced
seasonal ingredients. Replenishing and restorative foods—at your door!
So many new mothers don’t have the first idea of what
they’ll need or what is available to support them. Just knowing the names and types of the various
services will help moms-to-be in
researching and finding exactly what they need.
Ora
na azu nwa, or It takes a village to raise a child, is a Nigerian Igbo proverb
made popular by Hillary Rodham Clinton’s book published in 1996. Birthing and
raising healthy happy children does require support, but we don’t live in
villages. However, we can create our
village—hopefully with the support of nuclear and extended family members and
long-time friends, and also with the help of people trained, experienced, and
specializing in mother and baby care.
Choosing parenthood means we’re choosing the most glorious
role of servant—to care for and serve our families for a lifetime—and to do
that well, parents need support, too. With so many different services
available, everyone can find the perfect fit for their needs, budget and
desire.
May you be surrounded by loving support, and may you
experience abundant peace and joy on your blessed journey of motherhood!
Her articles have appeared in:
• The Well Being Journal
• The Holistic Networker
• The Birthing Site
• Natural Mother Magazine
• MidwiferyToday
Her published titles are: New Mother, Free Love & Go, Jane!
Website: www.alliechee.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/AllieChee
NEW MOTHER on Amazon
*No affiliation or compensation associated with the services mentioned in this post.
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