You know that moment when you're holding your baby with one arm, reaching for a wipe with the other—and it tears in half?
Not a big deal, right?

Except it is. Because it’s not just about the wipe.

It’s about how that tiny inconvenience hits you like a tidal wave after days (weeks?) of broken sleep, sore nipples, overstimulation, and managing a million invisible decisions. It’s the last straw in a pile of unspoken expectations and unmet needs.
If you've been there—or you’re on your way there—you’re not alone. And this post is for you.

Let’s talk about what’s really going on in those early days postpartum: the stuff nobody puts on the registry.

Postpartum Isn’t Just Diapers and Snuggles

You’ve probably heard the phrase “it takes a village.” But what nobody says out loud is that most people are showing up with opinions instead of practical help.

You might be recovering from birth, trying to feed a baby, and figuring out how to be a parent—all while wondering why nobody seems to notice that you haven’t eaten anything but a granola bar and cold coffee since 7am.

Here’s the truth:
Postpartum is a major physical, emotional, and sensory transition—and it deserves more than polite check-ins and “let me know if you need anything.”

What Does a Postpartum Doula Actually Do?

If you're wondering whether you need a postpartum doula, let me make it real for you.

We’re not just there to hold the baby. (Although, yes, sometimes we do that too—so you can shower, sleep, or eat with both hands.)

As a postpartum doula, I help you:

Create calm out of chaos. I fold the laundry, organize the feeding station, make you tea. Little things that make a big difference.
Navigate the emotional stuff. Rage, tears, guilt, fear? You can talk to me without judgment.
Figure out feeding—without pressure. Whether you're chestfeeding, combo feeding, or formula feeding, I support your choices and help you troubleshoot.
Set boundaries and advocate for your needs. Need help finding the words to tell your mom not to kiss the baby? We can practice that together.

Postpartum support is part logistics, part emotional care, part education—and all about you.

Sensory Overload Is Real—And You’re Not Overreacting

The volume of the sound machine. The cling of the baby carrier. The smell of spit-up. The endless beep of the bottle warmer.
If it’s starting to feel like your skin is buzzing and your brain is full of static, it’s not just you being “sensitive.”

It’s sensory overload—and it’s especially common for neurodivergent parents (and sleep-deprived humans in general).

The fix?

Create micro-moments of regulation. We might adjust lighting, lower background noise, or swap out scratchy clothes.
Build a sensory-friendly setup. That could be a dim lamp at your feeding station, noise-canceling headphones, or a predictable bedtime routine.
Have a doula who gets it. If you say “I need less touch right now,” I say: “Got it. Let’s make a plan.”

Setting Boundaries with Grandparents (and Everyone Else)

Your body is healing. Your hormones are in freefall. And someone wants to stop by unannounced “just to help.”

Let’s be honest:
Sometimes the hardest part of postpartum isn’t the baby—it’s managing everyone else.

Setting boundaries can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re exhausted and don’t want to hurt feelings. But here’s the truth:
Boundaries aren’t mean. They’re protective.

Whether it's:

“Please wash your hands before holding the baby.”
“We’re not doing visits this week.”
“No, we’re not open to feeding advice right now.”

You deserve to feel safe and respected in your space.
A doula can help you script those conversations, hold the line, and even run interference if needed.

You Don’t Need to Just Push Through

One of the hardest things to unlearn is the belief that you have to be the one holding it all together.
Even when you’re the one falling apart.

You might be thinking:

“It’s not that bad. I should be able to handle this.”
“Other people have it worse.”
“I’m just tired. It’ll pass.”

But support isn’t just for emergencies. It’s for creating a soft landing when life is hard and full and a little bit wobbly.

Here’s What I Want You to Know

If you’re in the thick of it:

You’re not doing it wrong.
You’re not too much.
You’re allowed to need help.

And if you're nodding along to this blog post, that’s your sign.

You Deserve Support That’s Actually Supportive

Not just casseroles and well-meaning advice—but care that centers you.

If you’re navigating postpartum and want to feel seen, supported, and less alone, I’d love to work with you.

🧡 Book a 1:1 Postpartum Support Call with me today. Whether you need practical help, emotional validation, or someone to say “Yes, this is hard—and you’re doing beautifully,” I’m here.

Let’s make this season gentler, together.

When the Wipe Breaks You: What Postpartum Actually Feels Like—and What Real Support Looks Like