Postpartum is more than 12 weeks

When we hear the word “postpartum”, we often think of those first few days and weeks after a baby is born. If you’ve experienced it before, you might think about the whirlwind of tiny toes, mesh panties and leaking breasts. But truthfully, anyone who has had a baby is always postpartum.

For me, the most difficult part of postpartum happened after that fourth trimester period. For those who don't know, the fourth trimester is the first 3 months after you have a baby, when your little one is considered a "newborn." And that time is definitely hard! Getting to know this little person and getting into a rhythm while also running on zero sleep is arguably one of the hardest human experiences ever. 

That time, for me, was physically hard. The hormone changes and sleeplessness and keeping everyone alive was so hard! But it was after that, when everyone stopped checking in on me as often and my husband went back to being normal, that my mental and emotional health started to tank. 

The grind of meeting tiny needs and breastfeeding and trying to keep my head above water really began to weigh on me during that time. The realization that this was going to be my life, every day, for years made me want to run screaming in the street. It's not that I didn't love my kids or that I wasn't grateful for them- quite the opposite, actually. I adore my children. I just didn't realize how exhausting and hard it would be to be the mom of littles. 

The reason I became a postpartum doula was to help other moms in that season of life. I was so lonely and lost during those years, and it robbed me of so much joy. I truly believe every mother deserves individual, focused support. But postpartum doulas only offer that support for so long- usually ending right at 12 weeks. 

There's absolutely a need for support during the fourth trimester and I love, love, LOVE offering it. However, I saw the need for support that extended beyond that, and more than that, that need wasn't being filled. There's very little practical resources for moms of littles who are struggling like I did. 

And this is where my All Inclusive package, my Facebook groups and Young Living comes in. 

I offer an All Inclusive Package as part of my doula services, which includes a curated postpartum essential oils kit and 200 hours of postpartum care for the first 12 months. My Facebook groups, both my free one and my $10 subscription one, offer safe, affordable and accessible support for parents of all stages. Young Living has brought thousands of parents physical, emotional and mental healing through affordable, natural means, and can be shipped almost anywhere in the world. 

If you are a young parent and are struggling, whether that's with physical exhaustion or your mental health, there's support here for you. I strive to offer affordable, easy accessible options for every stage of parenthood that meets you where YOU are. 

This coming month, on April 15, I am taking part in a challenge to heal my brain fog and kickstart my energy through taking 2 of Young Living's best supplements. I'd love to have you join me- you can join my free group here to participate, track your progress, be entered to win giveaways and qualify for a free hour of postpartum care. 

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20semi%20crunchy%20doula%20with%20rachel%20francis%20(free%20group%20)

If you want to check out my All Inclusive Package, you can visit the website page here: 

https://www.joyfulparenthooddoulaservices.com/copy-2-of-services

If you just need a listening ear and someone who understands where you're coming from, you are always welcome to email me at joyfulparenthooddoulaservices@gmail.com. No one should have to go through all of this alone!



P.S. After this month, I will be updating this blog twice a month, instead of every week. I'll see you all on April 14!