Preparing for the Postpartum Journey: What Every Family Should Know

When it comes to birth, most parents spend months preparing—reading books, attending classes, and getting mentally ready for the big day. But what about after the baby arrives? The postpartum stage is just as important, yet it often slips under the radar. Many families assume everything will naturally fall into place, only to discover that recovery and adjusting to life with a newborn requires a thoughtful plan and plenty of support.

That’s why during prenatal visits, we encourage families to create a postpartum plan. Think of it as your roadmap for those early weeks at home—a guide to help you and your loved ones navigate boundaries, expectations, and support needs. A good plan can include:

• Who will visit in the hospital or birthing space?

• When (and how long) will visitors be welcome once you’re home?

• What roles will family and friends play in supporting your recovery?

• How will you set boundaries so your new family can bond in peace?

Pro tip: Don’t assume people know how to help—ask! Many loved ones want to support you but just aren’t sure how.

Once baby arrives, the spotlight shifts to recovery. Moms need time, rest, and nurturing care—but let’s not forget dads and partners. Their active participation in the first two weeks can make a huge difference, helping with bonding, setting routines, and giving mom the space she needs to heal. For dads who feel unsure, a Daddy Boot Camp can be a game-changer—teaching simple caregiving skills and boosting confidence.

Across cultures, postpartum looks very different. Some communities emphasize rest, food, and family care before moms even think about returning to “normal.” Indigenous and communal practices remind us that caring for new families isn’t a solo act—it’s a community effort. In the U.S., where independence is often valued over collective care, there’s so much we can learn by reflecting on these traditions and building more supportive postpartum experiences.

Here are a few practical questions to discuss when shaping your own plan:

1. Who’s in charge of cleaning the home?

2. Who’s cooking meals? (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

3. Who will handle grocery shopping?

4. Who can run errands if needed?

5. If mom isn’t feeling well, who helps with feedings?

6. Who is welcome in the home, and for how long?

7. Aside from family, who will play an important role in recovery?

At the end of the day, remember this: postpartum is a season for healing, bonding, and adjusting as a family. Create space to rest, connect, and truly soak in these early days. With the right support and boundaries in place, you can move through this transition with more peace, balance, and joy.

Doula Dad?

DOULA DAD? 

Can it be  such a thing? 

I am asked pretty often by Expecting fathers "Why do we need a doula"? I have to remind them there is more to being a doula than standing in the room. Having a doula present is invaluable. The misunderstanding is they believe the Nurse, Physician or Midwife will be able to help them in all situations. You have to understand if your not the only patient in labor their time is divided between all patients. The staff are really clinicians. Their goal is to make sure you and baby are healthy not to make sure your baby isn't sunnyside up, in a funky position that is stalling labor or your anxious about something.  As Your Doula we offer so much to the birth not just telling a mom to breath. Consider this for me. We offer comfort measures, affirming, we also assist mom during labor. We can pick up on if labor has changed course. We fight for a little time to allow your body to respond to changes made. Dad, this doesn't take away from your love and affection. We as doulas acknowledge it, value it and we tap into it when is necessary.

Dad, when you have a doula you have a team member. You know your wife better than anyone. The Doula will rely on this knowledge. We Doulas are their to support, encourage, advocate and create an environment that is best for you and your family as you welcome your little bundle of joy. You will not be left out; this will allow you to experience the birth instead of working during the birth. It can be hard work trying to remember did I give her water? Did she change positions? does baby like this position? What to do to offer her comfort?Why do they want to break her water? There is a lot more to being a doula than people know. We know how things are going while your beautiful wife is laboring. We know when to suggest she should get in to the shower etc.

Doulas do more than rub your feet and back. We don't just sit at your wife bed side. I make sure every Family has what is best. If your wife isn't comfortable with having an IV, If its not medically necessary I will  provide you all with the information to make sure she doesn't have the IV. You don't want to do your vaccine at hospital you would like your family physician to handle this, I am there to remind the staff of this plan. You want a delayed cord clamp. I am not caught in the moment I am their repeating "delayed cord clamp" until they acknowledge what I have said.  I am there to make sure you are able to benefit from ever right and joy in birth.

You should never have to be concern about anything. The Doula will make sure you are updated and informed when it is necessary. Why worry? Why not enjoy the best day of your life. Birth is an experience for you and your family enjoy it and allow the doula to support you.

Peaceful Birthing Doula is a company that Educate, Encourage, Serve and Support families in Labor, Birth and Postpartum recovery. Do not be concerned about a Doula taking a moment from you. Allow her to support you both. Enjoy and experience that you can never take back you Childs Birth.


Please do not hesitate to call or email me for any questions.

Tunisia Macklin,

Peaceful Birthing Doula

Educate, Encourage, Empower and Serving Women

http://www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com

(630)481-6079

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula

www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

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Rejoice a Child is Born

Today I am fresh off of a very special birth. I love every birth experience. This Momma I supported I have known her for 10 years she started out as my massage client. I remember meeting her for the first time. She wanted a massage but was nervous about undressing. It took a while and finally I gained her trust. We began to grow a friendship and now here we are September 23, 2018 at 9:39am I supported and witnessed my friend and client at her strongest time of her life. She would speak to me about her ideas of having a different birth from her first. She desired to be more confident, more in control and more aware of what was happening.

After speaking to me and asking questions to educate herself she decided she would like me to be apart of her 2nd birth. I was so honored. I know this was a huge decision for her and her Husband. I was ready to take on the task of supporting my friend as she persued Birthing her way. I assured her that she was fit and her days at curves workout center would be very helpful to her.

I spoke with them Friday about the plans as to how they wanted to labor. We discussed what room will be more comfortable, what was her vision of the labor and birth. Both her and her Husband were confident about one thing not experience birth the same as her first birth.  We discussed being patient, relaxing and communicating with me as labor progress.

I received a call about possible leaking amnio fluid. I wasn't convinced and believed it was urine. We laughed about the urine. I hear stories of the acupuncture session. I then receive a message at 11:30pm giving me a heads up on contractions and mucus plug coming out. After a shower and some rest our morning started at 7am. This Momma was up and laboring strong. I hear concern in her Husband voice and receive a message as I arrive to their house of leaving to go to hospital. I get in there and I see a momma who is laboring strong. I also notice this momma is pushing I learned from a midwife friend to check birth line and I could really see in the lighting so I start hip squeezes. I get her to calm down and a HUGE contraction that changed the course of her labor. I call for her Husband start the car we need to go. As her father comes in and her Princess is hanging around to see if her Momma was ok. They assured her everything was okay and she was ready to hear if she had a Little Brother or Sister.

We arrived at Hinsdale Hospital at 8:52am. I park their vehicle and head in to the room.I walk in the room and find Mom hands and knees and groaning in labor. the Midwife has her change position and we start the pushing 40 minutes of strong pushing and determination Baby Jordan was born 9/23 yes 23 like Michael Jordan. There was a room full of Joy and peace as Dad announced the sex and cute the cord. Observing him hug Momma and reassure her that she was beautiful, strong and he was so proud of her.

Baby Jordan was eager to start feeding. He had a strong suck and made Momma proud. though you really can not plan a births outcome you can do everything possible to ensure few to no issues. This family stayed positive and confident during the entire experience.

I Loved supporting this family and look forward to watching this family grow.

Peaceful Birthing Doula

Educate, Encourage, Empower and Serving Women

http://www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com

(630)481-6079

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula

www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

www.instagram.com/peacefulbdoula

   

Honor- Protect-Encourage in Life, Labor, Birth and Postpartum recovery

Honor- Protect- Encourage in Life, Labor, Birth and Postpartum recover 

I have had the pleasures to support many families from different cultures, religions and economical backgrounds. I learned that everyone believe that birth is only about vaginal, C-section birth and on your back. You have many options. Women do not realize you can birth your way. It has been my honored to encourage women to birth their way and to make sure they have peace in the efforts they made to birth their little bundle of joy.

You will hear many stories of birth from many different women. Why is it they are always willing to share the worst of their experience? Why do women think it is helpful to speak frightening things and expect a great out come from the person you shared with prior to their birth?

The moment I meet a family I mention to them "never have conversation about birth with anyone other than the person you can have a similar birth to and that will be your Mother or Grand Mother". If your Mother isn't with you or your not speaking with her then you can possibly get great information from your Sister, but please go no further. 

I have seen women experience birth standing, squatting, sidelining and hands and knees. Everyone of these women experienced birth their way and made sure they were able to have a strong support team that will support and encourage them along the way. Every effort you make to improve your birthing options the more you are likely to manifest your birth. Your mindset is during the time of your pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum recovery will make a huge difference. I believe you should not have any expectation on your experience. You should have an idea of what you would like for your experience to be so you can keep a positive outlook and develop your village around that idea. Whether you experience that birth exactly is not in your control this is why you are particular about your village they will help you with the outcome of your birthing experience.

Women have been giving birth before we could even keep track. Mary birthed Jesus and she didn't have a hospital. Please do not misunderstand what I am saying there is a time and place to utilize hospitals. Every birth doesn't have to take place in a hospital. I have witnessed births in homes, birthing centers and hospitals and each family had their reason for the decision to give birth in those settings. I loved every single birth and believe the majority of those births took place in the perfect place for the family, however some families made decisions out of fear due to miss information and later felt they missed out on a different experience. I do not allow families to regret their experiences. No matter what you think the outcomes is still beautiful and you learn from the experience. This is a learning experience.

Birth and Breastfeeding is one of the most discussed topics amongst women. I have experienced some of the most dis hearting conversations lately. Some women have experienced little support from family members. Many of the things I have heard mentioned were " Why are you breastfeeding that is to much". "Breastfeeding isn't enough you need to feed that baby", That is so disgusting you need to cover up or go somewhere else with that". "How long are you going to breastfeed"? Just image how a woman will feel when she is trying and not receiving any support. I have even witnessed fathers who come from families who do not understand actually not support the mother.

We have to not just educate each other we also have to educate and encourage the support of others around them. I remember breastfeeding my daughter, My husband was so supportive in the simple things. He would make sure I had plenty of water, oatmeal and I always had a place to breastfeed that was quite and clean for me and our daughter. It made for a beautiful experience. Though we had a few hiccups on him understanding when it was okay to toss out milk or monitor the time milk was out of the fridge. We eventually got it under control. Boy did it take a while to get him to understand liquid gold. Lol!!

We have to speak as women to one another about physicians, midwifes and hospital experiences. It doesn't mean for you to tell horror stories. We as women should share our story with grace. Please don't frighten anyone with your story and them wonder why they choose not to attempt a natural birth. We have to share. We especially should share with out children. My Mother not shared with we I was able to observe her in labor and because of that I went into my birthing ad breastfeeding experience open minded and so full of love and courage. My experience was definitely a challenge with a sunny side up baby, long back labor but I absolutely enjoyed it because I was laboring not like my Mother but like my mother if you understand.

I had a Mother I supported who had her baby at 23 weeks. As we were speaking after the birth she mentioned her Mother shared with her after she gave birth to her baby that she was a 23 week birth. Now there is nothing she could have done to prevent the birth, however she could have known there is a possibility she may give birth early and mention it to physician. This Mother was shocked and hurt about finding out so late. This is exactly why we need to speak. I am sadden that especially in the community of Women of Color we do not talk. Please share your story. Please Honor one another story, Encourage one another in life, labor, birth and postpartum recovery.

Tips on when to share:
1. Never be afraid to share your story it is very healing.
2. If you do not want to verbally share your story journaling is also a great way to share until you are ready to speak.
3.Most importantly please do not over exaggerate your story if it wasn't an experience you were anticipating.
4.If you have experienced a traumatic birth please inform the person before hand that who is asking about your birth story before sharing.

Remember we are a village, we are here to assist in each others growth as individuals in life experiences.

Peaceful Birthing Doula

Educate, Encourage, Empower and Serving Women

http://www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com

(630)481-6079

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula

www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

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Groans of the laboring Woman

The Groans of the Laboring Woman

 

This couple was very focused and determined to have their Birth as natural as possible.  I thought they were so cute together. They reminded me of a couple you would see on TV. Dad was attentive to  Mom and her needs as well as being very concerned about how does this all work, preparing for Birth that is. We discuss what they may experience and some of things that may help. He was still curious so I showed Dad a video of a Birth. Dad looked, rubbed his face and shook his head in shock. I asked are you going to be ok? It was clear he was ready because he had to be. As Mom completed her birth team it was clear there was no question she is more than capable.

On this rainy day I received the call that I am having contractions." When should you come out"? I respond when you can not manage and your Husband can not keep you comfortable any more or you just want me there,  it is up to you. She says" okay, I am fine for now and I will call you when its time to come out". I didn't expect to hear from her anytime soon. The pattern as of lately has been the Mom's would call me when they are heading to the hospital. I was hoping I will have the pleasure of working with this family at home before heading out the hospital.

I wake up to a call the  next day. She saying "I think it is time for you to come out". I enter the house and was greeted by a sleepy and excited husband ready to meet his baby girl. He sent me to the bedroom where the Momma is laboring quietly.  We greet with a hug and get to work. I ask How do you feel? Where do you feel the contractions ? What has made you comfortable? We knew this day would come for this family.  It came 41.5 weeks later. It was so nice to know how we were starting.   

We start with something that was near and dear to this Momma. We quoted one of her scriptures Romans 8v18, I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Philippians 4v13, I can do this through him who gives me strength. Every contraction that washed over her caused her to groan. As we work on breathing she continue to groan and it took me to a scripture that was just below her original scripture. Romans 8v22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Romans 8v26 In the same way, the spirit helps us in our weakness. we do not know what we ought to pray for, but the spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. This helped calm her and to refocus. As I remind her labor is work. What are we doing this for? Reminding her this for her to meet her Baby Girl Z.

Mom appeared to be pretty fatigued. She mentioned that she hadn't had much rest since she had been labor some overnight. I advised her and Dad to nap. It was really clear Dad needed a nap as well. She became comfortable and laid down to rest and Dad looks at me and mentioned "I usually need to sleep in the other room when she snoring especially now she is laboring. I will not be able to sleep with her like this. I tell him just for a little while if it gets to bad go to the other room. I just think it will help her get comfortable if you are near. This Dad gave it a great effort. As I was in the next room I could her laboring attempting to do it quietly. Soon after I see the door open with Dad, his pillow and blanket heading to the next room. Ha!! I say go ahead you need your rest. Eventually, she wakes up after about an hour and we start moving around. Our little storm chaser was giving Mommy some back pain. We do hand and knees a few time and get her comfortable for as long as possible till Mom finally says I am ready to go to hospital. Looking at her face it look like she was up to something. Lol! I ask is it because you feel like its time or your just trying to go so you can be their for help (Epidural). This Mom looked at me like I just read her mind. No ma'am I been there it comes from experience. We continue to work on comfort. Eventually it is clear that we were going in soon. It was becoming more difficult to keep her comfortable. Baby was becoming eager to meet her Mom and Dad.  I called the Midwife and woke up Dad to start loading up the car. We will be heading out soon...

We started to go over affirming what she needed to hear. We prayed and claimed the things we wanted. No tearing, water will break on its own, minimal to no pushing and Baby will be healthy.

We get comfortable at the hospital, I get room atmosphere set with music of waterfalls, birds and beautiful music with some essential oils to calm her body. This Momma was relaxed until transition time. We head to the shower and focus on her low back. I could see the peace on her face knowing it was helping her back calm down. Baby Girl Z was making her way down to meet her family.  A little toilet time, hands and knees, squatting and side lying help make the journey for Baby Girl Z more of a reality. The Midwife comes in and we discuss how things are going and we realize things has progressed and we are about to meet baby Girl Z sooner than we thought. As the room transitions and Mom mentally prepare for the next task of helping her baby come out. Though there was much excitement there was still such a calm and peace in the space.

Mom uses the squat bar to push a little while I hold pictures of blooming flowers and playing relaxing music to keep her in a good mental space. Mom  then switches to hands and knees and assisting her baby girl come out we notice baby is crowning after just one push. I have Mom touch baby head and Dad was instructed to come around and catch his baby. The shock and surprise on his face was priceless. To see this first time dad gingerly hold his baby girl and hand her to her Mom like the most delicate and rare flower made tears form in my eyes. It was the most beautiful moment.

As Mom and Dad were coming down off the high I mention to Mom how her affirmation and prayer list manifested. Do you realize your water broke on its own, You did not tear and you only pushed 4 or 5 times and Baby made it in your arms safely and healthy? 

This was a perfect example of putting it in the atmosphere and not allowing someone else story to become yours. Who ever your source is ours is God... Know that your source is your strength and he will not leave your nor forsake you. This Mom was an example of the Sources being her strength.


Peaceful Birthing Doula
Educate, Encourage, Empower and Serving Women
http://www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com
peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com
(630)481-6079

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula

www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

www.instagram.com/peacefulbdoula