Interview with a Bay City Doulas Client

We are lucky enough to work with many amazing families in the Bay Area and beyond. Seeing the direct impact that the support our team provides has on families brings us both pride and joy. Every postpartum journey is different, and today we are here to talk with a Bay City Doulas client, Ericka, to hear about her postpartum experience. We hope you enjoy this week’s blog, an interview with a Bay City Doulas client.

Thank you for joining us, Ericka! You recently welcomed your first baby. Can you tell us a little bit about parenthood this far?

Parenthood this far is a journey that I didn’t even know I was missing; I never even thought I wanted to have kids, but now that I am a mom, I don’t know how I would have lived without being a mom. I love being a mom. It was a journey I never knew I needed to take. It has been challenging and rewarding. It is magical for me to raise our daughter and share this experience with my partner and family.

What are three things that are different from what you had expected?

1.) Breastfeeding – you don’t know what to expect until you’re in it. I always thought of it as a fork in the road. Left exclusively breastfeeding with a freezer full of milk, and right as using formula because your milk supply didn’t come in, your baby didn’t latch, etc., but it’s like chutes and ladders. You can breastfeed and use formula. There are bottles, different nipples, and supplemental feeding systems. You have to pump, but not too much. You don’t need a freezer full of milk (stop following those influencers).

2.) My marriage – I knew it would be hard to transposition into parenthood. But it unexpectedly made us so much stronger and happier. We feel our marriage is even stronger now. Watching my husband care for our daughter is even better than I had ever imagined. Learning to step back and let him learn is a huge lesson. I have a motto, “don’t parent the parent”… I sometimes fail and offer my two cents. But I really do try and give him the grace he deserves to do it his way and bond with our daughter.

3.) Time: holy cow, time flies. There isn’t enough Time in the day, yet you haven’t felt like you have done much of anything.

What support did you set up for yourself before birth?

Support and community are both very important to me, and I knew that they would be even more critical with a new baby. While pregnant, I took a birthing class with friends who were also expecting. We are all very close now and have supported each other at every phase. I also knew I wanted help from the experts, so we utilized Bay City Doulas for postpartum care. While pregnant, I also ensured that I continued to foster my friendships. This one is important! Friendship is a two-way street. And yes, you are PP, but you need to show up for people when you can. If that’s before the baby arrives, please try and make it a priority so those people can pour back into you later.

What do you feel the best support system for you has been?

My husband

A fantastic friend who comes by daily

Bay City Doulas

Lactation consultant support

Is there anything that you wish you had planned for differently?

Bills and paperwork. I’m not sure how to plan differently but try and understand them before you go out on your leave. I had to make so many calls the first few weeks, and it felt really hard. Try to have an understanding of pediatrics and the appointments you will need to schedule. Also, there are many phone calls and decisions to make in the first month. Know your options and do what feels right for your family. Interview pediatricians ahead of Time.

How have you prioritized your own needs postpartum?

Communication with my husband. We have made sure that we have Time to talk about the shifts and the changes impacting us. We walk every day together, and it’s our Time to discuss both our needs and an open place for me to express the help or support I need that day(s). And continuing to communicate when those needs have changed.

What were your favorite baby products?

Snoo – our baby sleeps amazing in the SNOO

Ollie – Just buy one or register for one, and put it in your hospital bag.

Pee pads -Okay, hear me out. Less laundry. And my little one had terrible diaper rash, so we often need her to be naked and “air out.”

Coterie diapers – yep, they are just better

Every day is different and a little bit the same. If you’re lucky enough to have a healthy baby take a deep breath and slow down. Try and take a few moments to reflect on the joy each day and ask for help when you need it and how you want it. So much social media told me that people coming over to hold the baby was “annoying” or “not needed.” But for me, that’s exactly what I needed. I love having friends hold the baby so that I can switch the laundry or sweep. That’s what helps my family. Also, Find a way where you can connect with someone other than the baby and slow the day down. Snuggle that baby! They really do grow and change every week. Love them hard!

Thank you for reading this weeks blog, An Interview with a Bay City Doulas client.'” For more tips and tricks on all things pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood, visit our weekly blog.