Navigating the Postpartum Journey: A Privilege That Shouldn’t Be

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As a seasoned mom of two and a lactation consultant, my top piece of advice for expectant parents is to ensure they have robust postpartum support lined up. The stark reality is that the postpartum phase can be significantly tougher than many mothers anticipate. Yet, countless parents focus more on crafting the perfect birth plan or assembling a dream nursery, neglecting the critical planning needed for the postpartum phase.

I strongly encourage new moms to consider hiring a postpartum doula or baby nurse, if possible, or at the very least, enlist a reliable family member to lend a hand during this demanding time. Securing as much maternity leave as possible is crucial, and pushing for paternity leave for partners is equally important. If breastfeeding is on the agenda, having a good lactation consultant’s contact information handy can make a world of difference, as most new mothers find they need some guidance or reassurance in this area.

This isn’t mere friendly advice; there’s substantial evidence showing that these steps can dramatically enhance a mother’s postpartum experience. For instance, taking maternity leave that extends beyond a few weeks not only increases the likelihood of successful breastfeeding but also reduces the risk of postpartum depression. Moreover, when dads take paternity leave, it not only aids mothers with immediate baby care and household tasks, but studies have shown it encourages dads to keep contributing to chores in the long run.

It may seem obvious, but data confirms that having a lactation consultant available boosts the chances of a successful breastfeeding start and prolongs breastfeeding duration. Most importantly, having a network of trusted family and friends nearby can significantly aid recovery—both physically and emotionally—post-birth, while also lowering the risk of postpartum mood disorders.

However, and this is a significant caveat, not all mothers have the luxury to implement this advice, no matter how logical it may appear or how many studies back it up. For some, life circumstances simply don’t allow for these options.

Many women can’t take maternity leave at all, and for those who do, it’s often insufficient. Pay during leave? That’s a gamble—mothers might receive their full salary, a fraction of it, or nothing at all. Paternity leave paints an even bleaker picture—it’s common for dads to get a mere few days off, if that.

Postpartum doulas and baby nurses—while invaluable—come with a hefty price tag. This is also true for lactation consultants. While many mothers may have family who can pitch in, not all are so fortunate.

The sad reality is that while every mother deserves a nurturing postpartum experience filled with support, love, and hot meals, not all have access to this. The ability to enjoy a well-supported postpartum period is a privilege that few can afford.

And that’s simply not right. It’s not that these mothers aren’t trying hard enough or reaching out for help; it’s that our system fails to support new mothers adequately. A positive postpartum experience should not be a luxury for the fortunate few who have decent maternity leave and the means to hire help like doulas and lactation consultants.

If you’re feeling frustrated about this, you should be. The isolation, depression, and lack of support that many new mothers face in this country are appalling. In many European nations, services such as postpartum assistance with household chores, counseling, and breastfeeding support are provided to mothers, often at no cost.

In contrast, in America, the services that would help mothers transition into parenthood are not guaranteed. If a mother can only secure a week or two of maternity leave? Tough luck. If she’s recovering from a C-section and could use help with meals or caring for a toddler? If family isn’t around or hiring help isn’t financially feasible, she’s left to struggle.

We can and must do better, America. Access to these essential resources should not be limited to a privileged few. Every woman deserves the support and resources necessary to ensure their health and happiness, as well as that of their babies. All women deserve a gentle transition into motherhood, surrounded by a community of support and love.

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In summary, the postpartum experience should not be a privilege but a right for all mothers. It’s time for systemic change to ensure every new mother has access to the support they need.