39 - Breaking the Barriers of Postpartum Care with Postpartum Doula Sarah Watkins

In this episode, Jen and Sarah discuss postpartum and newborn care. They explore the difference between a postpartum doula and a birth doula, and the importance of having support during the postpartum period. Sarah shares her journey into this line of work and the need for personalized care. They also discuss the lack of education and resources for postpartum care and the barriers to accessing it. They provide tips for planning for the postpartum period, including setting boundaries with visitors and prioritizing self-care. They also emphasize the importance of lactation support and mental wellness during this time.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Overview
03:06 The Role of a Postpartum Doula
07:48 Lack of Education and Resources for Postpartum Care
14:08 Planning Ahead for the Postpartum Period
24:32 Setting Boundaries and Supportive Visitors
28:28 Educating Yourself on the Postpartum Period
35:41 Importance of Lactation Support
43:14 Mental Wellness in the Postpartum Period
48:14 Barriers to Accessing Postpartum Care

RESOURCES
BOOK - The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson
Quote from the Book - “The fourth trimester is not about getting back to normal; it’s about creating a new normal that honors the profound changes you’ve undergone.”