When I found out I was pregnant with my fourth child at 38, I was in shock.
I thought my motherhood journey was behind me—my three older children were growing up, and I had finally settled into a routine. But then life had other plans, and I found myself expecting again. I thought I had everything figured out. This time, I researched, I hired a doula, and I was determined to do everything “right.”
Despite all my preparation, my birth ended in a c-section, and I was left feeling a bit defeated. But what followed that disappointment was a sense of purpose that would shape the next chapter of my life.
After experiencing preeclampsia during my pregnancy, I was put on bed rest, which left me frustrated and without control over my own body. But what it also did was open my eyes to the importance of having the right support during this time. With my doula’s encouragement and the support of my family, I channeled my frustrations into pursuing something I had always been curious about: becoming a postpartum doula.
I had always thought I would wait until my kids were older to pursue this career, maybe five years down the road. But my doula, seeing my passion, smiled and said, “I don’t think you’ll wait that long.” She was right. Less than three years later, I had completed my postpartum doula certification and launched my business, Diedre the Doula, LLC. Now, I’m excited to bring this much-needed service and support to my local community.
As a mother with four children, I’ve experienced the full range of emotions during the postpartum period, including returning to work after maternity leave. With my first child, I went back to work after just eight weeks, and for the other three, I had twelve weeks off. Despite taking full advantage of my maternity leave, I always felt lost when it came time to return to work. The emotional tug of missing my baby, trying to balance a pumping schedule, and struggling to find a bottle that my picky babies would accept made the transition difficult every time. Even with a strong support system, it was still hard to leave my baby in someone else’s care and manage the demands of work.
I remember the feeling of trying to juggle pumping breaks during the workday while feeling torn between my professional responsibilities and my desire to be home with my baby.
The pressure to maintain a supply of milk while navigating a hectic work schedule left me feeling exhausted. And even though I had a supportive village helping me at home, there was still the ever-present struggle of figuring out what would make my baby happy and comfortable—whether it was a specific bottle or a certain way of feeding.
As I look back on these experiences, I see how valuable postpartum support truly is. For many mothers, the postpartum period can feel isolating, even with a strong village around them. There is so much to navigate—physical recovery, emotional shifts, and the pressure of returning to work. I had all the support I needed at home, but I still felt overwhelmed at times. That’s when I realized just how much more support mothers need during this time.
My experiences—struggling to find the right balance between being a working mom and a mom at home, managing my physical and emotional recovery, and navigating the challenges of breastfeeding and pumping—helped me understand just how critical postpartum care is.
I wanted to be the kind of support system that helped new mothers navigate this difficult transition. I wanted to be the person who reassured them that they weren’t alone, that their feelings were valid, and that they deserved support not just for their baby, but for themselves as well.
That’s when I decided to become a postpartum doula. I wanted to provide that crucial support to mothers in the postpartum period, helping them recover physically and emotionally while also offering guidance and practical help. Whether it’s breastfeeding assistance, offering emotional support, or helping moms find their way through the maze of new motherhood, I felt called to be there for them.
Launching Diedre the Doula, LLC has been a dream come true, and I’m proud to be part of a growing community of postpartum doulas who are offering services that help mothers feel empowered and cared for. In my work as a postpartum doula, I provide mothers with the support I know is so important—helping them balance their needs with those of their babies and providing a listening ear for the struggles that often come with this life-changing experience.
If you are navigating the postpartum period, feeling torn between work and motherhood, or simply trying to find your way through the early stages of parenting, I encourage you to reach out for support. Whether it’s through hiring a postpartum doula, talking to a counselor, or leaning on your village, you don’t have to do this alone. My goal is to provide the support and resources you need to thrive as a new mom, no matter what your journey looks like.
Becoming a postpartum doula has been the most rewarding decision I’ve made, and I am passionate about providing the kind of care I wish I had during my own postpartum experiences. If you’re interested in learning more about how I can help, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Together, we can ensure that every mother feels supported, heard, and empowered during the postpartum journey.
Leave a Reply