Welcoming a baby into this world is no easy feat. Not to mention the fact that it still seems taboo to discuss what happens post-baby: things like bleeding, depression, anxiety and isolation.
The fourth trimester can be incredibly overwhelming and all-encompassing. As a new mother myself, I’m well aware of the strange mix of absolute baby bliss and pure new-parent anxiety. You’re traversing parenthood while simultaneously learning how to navigate an ever-changing body, new experiences and healing.
It’s a lot. But you don’t have to do it on your own. These postpartum services are here for you to access when you need some extra support and knowledge. Whether you’re looking for breastfeeding resources or would love to get some sleep thanks to the assistance of a postpartum doula, these postpartum services are here to help you make the fourth trimester a little less stressful.
Breastfeeding Services
Breastfeeding seems like it should be something that comes naturally, but it is likely one of the hardest things you will ever have to learn. Luckily, there are many ways to get support on your breastfeeding journey.
Indiana Breastfeeding Coalition
Consider the Indiana Breastfeeding Coalition your one-stop shop for learning about breastfeeding. Discover helpful organizations, access online resources, and learn how to advocate for the normalization of breastfeeding.
Indy Lactation Care
Receive lactation help right within the comfort of your home with Indy Lactation Care. A registered nurse who is also certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, Inc. (IBLCE) will help you with any and all of your breastfeeding concerns, questions, and issues with compassion and understanding.
La Leche League of Indiana
Have you ever wished you could find open, honest and non-judgmental support for your breastfeeding journey? La Leche League of Indiana offers multiple breastfeeding support groups around the state for moms and moms-to-be.
MelaMama MATERNAL WELLNESS
Whether you’re looking for breastfeeding support within your home, over a screen, or in an office setting, Melamama Maternal Wellness can help. From lactation consulting to building a return to work plan, Sierra Woods is a Registered Nurse, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and Child Passenger Safety Technician who is on a mission to normalize breastfeeding for all mothers.
Your Hospital of Choice
Most local hospitals offer breastfeeding support groups, and many now offer the option of virtual or in-person classes. A great benefit of these groups is they also generally offer a private Facebook group where you can connect with other new moms about your breastfeeding challenges and successes.
Postpartum Healing
Getting only a few hours of sleep per night and bleeding for six straight weeks (oftentimes more) makes it pretty difficult to heal after birth. Take some time to focus on your recovery by seeking the services of these healthcare providers who specialize in postpartum care.
Postpartum Care of Indiana
Postpartum Care of Indiana (PPCI) provides mothers with the education, coaching and support they need going into the fourth trimester. Their educational offerings focus on preparation, sleep and rest, nutrition and labs, companionship, and 1:1 and group coaching.
Sacred Roots Midwifery
If you’re interested in having a nurse-midwife support you in your prenatal, birth and postpartum care, Sacred Roots Midwifery is a great option. They provide highly personalized, time-intensive and evidence-based care that minimizes intervention in central Indiana’s only free-standing birth center.
Mama and Baby Care
It’s not just the baby who needs love, care and support during the fourth trimester. Mama needs it just as much! The businesses below all offer care and comfort to mama and baby to ensure all needs are met.
Circle City Birth Services
Get personalized in-home care for yourself and baby by hiring Tamrha Richardson, owner of Circle City Birth Services. The postpartum doula can help you with postpartum healing, nutrition and body care, as well as take care of baby to allow you to rest and relax. Tamrha specializes in overnight postpartum doula services, which gives families the opportunity to catch up on some much-needed sleep.
Gracious Hands Doula
Receive evidence-based and non-judgmental care by hiring Leah Garner of Gracious Hands Doula as your postpartum doula. Leah will work alongside you to create a care plan that works for you and can also provide baby care tips and help with small chores like laundry and light housekeeping.
Indiana Birth and Parenting
Find non-biased, judgment-free support and care by hiring a postpartum doula through Indiana Birth and Parenting. These educated professionals take care of you and your baby, from discussing postpartum health and offering a listening ear to teaching baby skills like swaddling. They’ll also care for your baby overnight so you can take a break.
A lot happens during the fourth trimester—you don’t have to handle the journey alone. All the postpartum services above offer new moms the support, education and healthcare needed to make postpartum just a bit easier. You got this, momma!
Lindsay McGuire is the mother of a rambunctious two-year-old boy and is passionate about advocating for better access to postpartum support and care. You can connect with her on LinkedIn.
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