Transitions: Doula & Life Services is honored to share the sacred birth stories of those willing to share.
In this “In Your Words”, Kayla shares her amazing experience of giving birth in the comfort of her own home, supported by her partner Mike, doula Kelsie, and the midwives at Flourish Wellness & Birth Co.
Enjoy!
Read MorePrepare Your Firstborn: One of the keys to a successful transition is involving your older child in the preparations. Talk to them about their upcoming role as a big brother or sister, read books about sibling relationships, and let them feel the baby's movements. Encourage their curiosity and address any concerns they may have, ensuring they feel included and excited about their new sibling.
Establish Routines: Maintaining predictable routines can provide stability during times of change. Prepare your firstborn for the new baby's arrival by establishing consistent daily routines well in advance. This will help them adjust more easily once the baby comes home. Additionally, involving them in simple caregiving tasks, such as fetching diapers or helping with gentle playtime, can foster their sense of responsibility and connection with the baby.
Create Special Bonding Time: While caring for a newborn demands attention, it's crucial to carve out quality one-on-one time with your older child. Schedule special activities, like reading their favorite book or going on outings together, to reassure them of their significance and to strengthen your bond. These moments will make them feel valued and cherished, even amidst the demands of a newborn.
Accept Help and Delegate: Don't hesitate to accept help from friends, family, or hired professionals during the early postpartum period. Whether it's assistance with household chores, meal preparation, or babysitting, this support will alleviate some of the pressures and give you more time to focus on bonding with your new baby and tending to your older child's needs. Check out our postpartum doula packages HERE.
Foster Sibling Bonding: Encourage a positive and loving relationship between your children by facilitating interactions and shared experiences. Involve your older child in caring for the baby, such as fetching diapers or singing lullabies together. Organize family activities that promote bonding, like family movie nights or outings that include everyone. These moments will help create lifelong connections between siblings.
Practice Self-Care: Amidst the demands of caring for two little ones, it's vital to prioritize self-care. Take time for yourself, even if it's just a few minutes each day, to engage in activities that bring you joy and rejuvenate your spirit. Whether it's a bubble bath, a walk in nature, or practicing mindfulness, self-care ensures you have the energy and emotional well-being to meet the needs of your growing family.
Welcoming a second baby is a beautiful journey filled with love, challenges, and countless precious moments. Remember, every family is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Trust your instincts, be flexible, and most importantly, cherish the journey as you witness the beautiful bond between your children blossom. Enjoy this remarkable time as your family grows in love and connection.
Renee is co-owner of Transitions: Doula & Life Services in Sioux Falls, SD. Renee’s goal is that every person has their very best birth and postpartum. Renee helps birthing persons and their partners accomplish this goal by connecting them with Transitions Doulas who provide loving physical and emotional support throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond. In addition to running the agency, Renee also provides postpartum doula support, lactation support, and childbirth education.
The absolutely, positively, number one hesitation I hear about hiring a doula is that the partner is going to feel replaced. If you or your partner has this concern, this is for you.
Did you know…
Research shows: Rather than reducing a partner’s participation in the birth process, a doula’s support complements and reinforces their role
A doula offers a visual on how to support the laboring person, and partners feel more confident and relaxed.
Partners who used doulas report high levels of satisfaction after birth, and the birthing persons report feeling more satisfied with their partner’s role.
Of course you’re wondering, “So how DO you support the birth partner?”
Continuous reassurance… It’s amazing how the energy changes when everyone feels safe and informed.
Suggest ways to help the birthing person through labor and birth. Our role is to make you look good!
Assist you with advocating for your birth plan. When decisions have to be made, and the birthing person is in the middle of transition, your doula can give you a sounding board, balanced information, and make sure your voice is heard.
You don’t have to worry about leaving your birthing partner alone to get ice, water, nourishment, or even use the restroom. Your doula will be right there.
Let’s discuss how a Transitions doula can help YOU support your partner!
Renee is co-owner of Transitions: Doula & Life Services in Sioux Falls, SD. Renee’s goal is that every person has their very best birth. Renee helps birthing persons and their partners accomplish this goal by connecting them with Transitions Doulas who provide loving physical and emotional support throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond. In addition to running the agency, Renee also provides postpartum doula support, lactation support, and childbirth education.
Transitions: Doula and Life Services is owned and operated by native South Dakotan, Kelsie Thomas. This birth doula service is offered to the greater Sioux Falls area. Kelsie has completed training through DONA International due to her belief that nurturing women through childbirth works to support the family, and ultimately the community.
Powered by Squarespace.
