Hi! My name is Coco and I'm a mom. My journey to motherhood has been filled with happiness, love, excitement, and many challenges. From Trying to Conceive to Postpartum and now caring for my 2-year-old son, I’ve been seeking support to make my transition to motherhood easier. Here on Owemama, I share real stories, maternity-related tips and honest reviews. Let's navigate this journey together!
Pregnancy is an exciting journey filled with unknowns, especially if it's your first time. From figuring out your birth plan to navigating the early postpartum days, there’s no shortage of questions. Having gone through this journey, I remember wishing I had more support. That’s why professional services—like doulas, lactation consultants, and postpartum therapists—can make all the difference.
Whether you're seeking support during pregnancy or trying to recover after childbirth, having the right professionals by your side provides emotional, physical, and even mental relief. In this guide, we’ll explore the top professional services available to moms and how they can help you feel supported at every step.
Who’s Who? Meet the Experts Who Support You During Pregnancy and Postpartum
When you’re preparing for your baby's arrival, it’s essential to know the experts who can guide you through this life-changing experience. Each professional brings something unique, ensuring you get the help you need when needed.
Typical professional services: From helping you stay calm during labour to guiding you through breastfeeding challenges, traditional professionals like doulas, midwives, and OB/GYNs offer invaluable expertise. These experts have been pillars of support for generations, each offering specialized care to ensure you and your baby are healthy and supported throughout your journey.
- Doulas: Doulas offer emotional and physical support before, during, and after childbirth. They can be the calming presence you didn’t know you needed in the delivery room while reminding you to breathe through every contraction.
- Lactation Consultants: Breastfeeding often looks easy, but many moms struggle with it at first. Lactation consultants are trained professionals who can help with latching, milk supply, and even those painful moments discouraging you from continuing.
- Midwives: Offering a more holistic and personalized approach, midwives guide you through pregnancy and childbirth, focusing on natural birth. If you want minimal medical intervention, a midwife could be your best advocate for a birth that aligns with your values.
- Pelvic Floor Therapists: Your body needs time and care to recover after childbirth. Pelvic floor therapists help moms regain strength, reduce discomfort, and heal faster through specific exercises and treatments tailored to postpartum recovery.
- Postpartum Therapists/Counselors: Postpartum can be emotionally challenging. A postpartum therapist or counselor provides support, helping you manage postpartum depression, anxiety, or just the stress of adjusting to life with a newborn.
Atypical Professional Services: A variety of less common yet treasured services can support your pregnancy and postpartum journey in unique ways. However, it’s important to note that before considering any of these services, you should always consult your physician to ensure they align with your health needs. Additionally, be sure to do thorough research on providers—read reviews, check qualifications, and ensure the service is well-regarded within the community.
- Postpartum Sleep Consultants: Sleep deprivation is one of the most challenging aspects of new motherhood. Postpartum sleep consultants work with families to create routines and plans that help parents and babies get the rest they need. Their support can reduce nighttime wakings and help establish healthy sleep habits.
- Hypnobirthing Coaches: Hypnobirthing is a method that uses relaxation, visualization, and breathing techniques to help mothers manage pain and reduce anxiety during childbirth. Hypnobirthing coaches guide moms through these techniques, helping them stay calm and focused throughout labour.
- Postpartum Ayurvedic Doulas: Combining ancient Ayurvedic practices with modern postpartum care, Ayurvedic doulas offer support through diet, herbs, and body treatments designed to help mothers heal after childbirth. They focus on bringing balance to the body and mind through natural remedies and practices.
- Perinatal Fitness Coaches: Staying fit during pregnancy and postpartum can make a big difference in how you feel. Perinatal fitness coaches design customized workout plans to help moms stay strong during pregnancy and safely recover after childbirth, focusing on core and pelvic floor recovery.
- Craniosacral Therapists: Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on technique that helps relieve tension in the body, particularly around the skull and spine. It’s used to support babies who have had difficult births and mothers who may be experiencing physical tension or discomfort after delivery.
How to Choose the Right Expert for You and When to Seek Their Help
Now that you know who these professionals are, the next step is understanding when to contact them. Timing is crucial and can significantly impact your pregnancy and postpartum experience.
- When to Hire a Doula: The second or third trimester is ideal. It gives you time to establish trust, create a birth plan, and feel confident going into labour with their support.
- When to See a Lactation Consultant: Whether you meet with one before your baby arrives or in the first week postpartum, having a lactation consultant on speed dial can help you address issues early on.
- When to Work with a Midwife: Midwives typically begin providing care in the first trimester. If you’re aiming for a natural birth or home birth, establishing a relationship with a midwife early on is critical.
- When to Consult an OB/GYN: From the moment you see that positive pregnancy test, an OB/GYN can provide essential prenatal care, monitor the baby's development, and guide you through labour if needed.
- When to Begin Pelvic Floor Therapy: After delivery, particularly around six weeks postpartum, is an ideal time to begin pelvic floor therapy to support your recovery and prevent long-term issues.
- When to Seek Postpartum Counseling: If you’re feeling emotionally overwhelmed within the first few weeks of postpartum—or even before delivery—reaching out to a postpartum therapist can provide the mental health support you need to thrive as a new mom.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Professional Services
If you're new to working with these professionals, having questions is normal. Let’s address a few common ones:
- Do I need a doula or lactation consultant?
- What is the cost of these services, and does insurance cover them?
- Can I access these professionals online?
It depends on your personal needs. Many moms find these services invaluable for the emotional and practical support they offer, especially during challenging moments. In the upcoming weeks, we’ll be interviewing a
Costs vary widely, but some services, like lactation consultants, may be covered by insurance. It’s always worth checking with your insurance provider to clarify your benefits.
Virtual consultations are becoming increasingly common, so moms can now get expert advice without leaving home. This is perfect for busy schedules or early postpartum days. Owemama’s mission is to address this gap and make access to expert resources as easy as scheduling your next Yoga session.
Empower Yourself with the Right Support
Navigating pregnancy and postpartum can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. From the early days of pregnancy to those challenging postpartum weeks, having the right professionals in your corner can make all the difference. Remember, seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s an act of strength and love for both you and your baby.
Coco