Postpartum & Recovery

Hypertensive disorders now show up in a growing share of pregnancies, and the risk isn't shared equally. A look at the numbers behind gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and eclampsia, plus what's driving the rise.

Newborn sleep rarely matches what new parents expect, and that gap is often where postpartum struggle starts. Here's what's actually typical for newborn sleep, why protecting even one consolidated stretch matters for mental health, and how lactation support and whole-family planning fit into the picture.

What the postpartum doula job actually looks like, how it differs from a nanny or babysitter, what families need, and how birth workers build a sustainable practice through boundaries and community.

A primer for birth workers and the clients you support If you're new to birth work, you've probably already spent time thinking about the perineum, that word that comes up in every birth story, every tearing conversation, every discussion about what recovery looks like. Even if you haven't attended a birth yet, you likely know it matters. But how often do you think about the pelvic floor itself, not just the perineum, but the whole living system underneath, and what it's been

The hour after birth may be the most physiologically significant hour of a person's life. It's also one of the most routinely interrupted. Here's what birth workers need to know before walking into that room.

A trauma-informed, non-judgmental look at why this happens, what it means, and what actually helps. What You're Not Seeing in That Neighborhood Drive through certain parts of coastal New England and the picture looks prosperous. Large houses set back from the water, restaurants full on summer weekends, the kind of scenery that reads as comfortable and established. What that picture doesn't show is what happens in October. When the seasonal restaurants close, the summer rental

A plain-language breakdown of the current guidance — and why the real answer is more complicated than "just don't do it." The Standard Message — and Why It Falls Short If you've had a baby recently, you've heard it. Back to sleep. Firm, flat surface. Nothing in the crib. Baby in your room but never in your bed. End of conversation. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated its safe sleep guidelines in 2022 and their position on bedsharing is unambiguous: they don't rec

What nobody tells you is how much feeding your baby benefits you. Pick up almost any resource on breastfeeding or chestfeeding and you'll find the same list: immune protection, brain development, bonding. All for the baby. Which, great — but that's only half the story. The benefits to the parent who lactates are real, well-researched, and honestly pretty remarkable. And yet they almost never come up in prenatal appointments or hospital discharge packets. So let's talk about t

The placenta is so much more than an organ — it’s a life-giving connection, the bridge that nourishes and protects throughout pregnancy. For many families, honoring the placenta after birth becomes a beautiful part of the healing and recovery process. At Namaste Birth, we offer safe, evidence-informed placenta services that celebrate this connection while supporting postpartum wellness. Every placenta is prepared with care and respect, whether your choice is encapsulation, ti

When people hear the word doula, they often picture someone who supports the birthing person through labor — offering comfort, information, and calm. That’s absolutely true — but it’s only part of the story. A doula’s role extends to the entire family, and one of the most transformative parts of our work is helping the non-birthing partner feel confident, connected, and supported throughout the journey. 💞 Supporting the Supporter Birth can feel both miraculous and overwhelmi

Postpartum doulas help families find their rhythm — easing the challenges of recovery and supporting parents as they bond with their new baby. Bringing a new baby home is one of life’s most beautiful experiences — and also one of the most challenging. The first weeks after birth, often called the “fourth trimester,” can feel overwhelming as families adjust to new routines, sleepless nights, and the physical and emotional recovery that comes with childbirth. A postpartum doula

Every parent knows the sound of newborn cries — and the rising stress that comes when nothing seems to work. Babies fuss for all kinds of reasons, and while crying is normal, it can leave new parents feeling overwhelmed or inadequate. That’s where postpartum doulas come in. Beyond providing rest, meals, and emotional support, doulas share practical soothing strategies that help families feel calm and capable in the early weeks. Why Babies Cry Crying is a baby’s first language

Babywearing offers parents comfort, connection, and hands-free support — skills postpartum doulas often teach in the early weeks. Bringing a new baby home is joyful — and sometimes overwhelming. Parents often find themselves wishing they had an extra set of hands, especially in those early weeks. That’s where babywearing can make a world of difference. As a postpartum doula, you’re not just supporting recovery and household flow — you’re teaching parents the everyday skills t

Becoming a parent is one of life’s most transformative experiences. Yet in today’s world, many families are navigating the postpartum period with little support. Between short maternity leaves, limited extended family nearby, and rising mental health challenges, the early weeks after birth can feel overwhelming. This is where postpartum doulas step in—and why the need for them has never been greater. What Does a Postpartum Doula Do? A postpartum doula provides non-medical, ho