Dear New Mom
A Letter From Your Postpartum Doula
Dear New Mom,
Welcome to motherhood—raw, real, beautiful, and, yes, overwhelming. Whether you’re holding your baby for the first time or already pacing the floor during a 3 a.m. feed, this letter is for you.
I’m writing to you as your postpartum doula—or perhaps the one you didn’t know you needed. My role isn’t to instruct or correct, but to nurture, support, and stand beside you in this tender season. I’m here to remind you: you are not alone.
In a culture that too often asks mothers to “bounce back” or “do it all,” I offer something gentler. A pause. A breath. A moment of care—for you.
What Is a Postpartum Doula?
A postpartum doula is someone trained to care for families in the weeks and months following the birth of a baby. While doctors and nurses focus on medical care, and loved ones may focus on the baby, doulas care for the mother.
We support your physical healing, emotional wellness, and confidence as you care for your newborn. Whether it’s helping with newborn care, light household tasks, breastfeeding support, or simply sitting with you as you process your birth experience, our role is rooted in compassion.
And above all, we offer non-judgmental support—because there is no one right way to parent. There is only your way, and we are here to help you find and trust it.
The Letter: Words Every New Mom Needs to Hear
You Are Doing Enough
No matter how tired, uncertain, or behind you may feel—you are doing enough. The dishes can wait. The laundry can pile up. What matters most is that your baby feels your love, and that you are giving yourself grace.
Let go of the myth of the “perfect mom.” She doesn’t exist. The real version of motherhood is messy and magical, exhausting and extraordinary. You are already everything your baby needs, just as you are.
It’s Okay to Ask for Help
You don’t have to carry this alone. Asking for help is not weakness—it’s wisdom. It takes courage to say, “I need support,” and even more strength to accept it. We weren’t meant to do this alone. Let the people who care for you show up. Let them bring meals, hold the baby, fold the laundry, listen without fixing. Help isn’t a luxury; it’s a lifeline.
Trust Your Instincts
You may feel like you don’t know what you’re doing—but your instincts are already powerful. You know your baby better than anyone else. You are learning each other, moment by moment.
Yes, you’ll make mistakes. That’s how we all learn. Trust yourself. You’re doing better than you think.
Take Care of Yourself Too
You matter. Your health, your rest, your nourishment—they’re not extras, they’re essentials. A thriving baby starts with a supported mom. Drink water. Take a nap. Step outside for five minutes of sunlight, go for a walk, or do some yoga.
Caring for yourself is not selfish. It’s one of the most loving things you can do for your baby.
You Are Not Alone
This journey can feel isolating at times, especially in the quiet hours when the world is sleeping and you are not. But you are not alone—not now, not ever.
There are other moms who feel what you feel. There are communities ready to welcome you. And there are people—like doulas—who have dedicated their hearts to walking beside you.
Why This Letter Matters
So many new moms suffer in silence, wondering if they’re the only one who feels this way. This letter is here to break that silence, to speak truth into the noise of unrealistic expectations.
Emotional validation is a powerful part of postpartum healing. Knowing you are seen, heard, and believed can make all the difference. If this letter reaches you at a moment when you’re questioning everything, I hope it helps you take one deep breath—and then another.
It’s okay to feel joy and grief in the same day. It’s okay to love your baby and still mourn your old self. You’re doing something extraordinary. Don’t forget to be kind to yourself.
Resources for New Moms
You deserve support—not just in words, but in action. Here are a few places to start:
Find a Postpartum Doula: Reach out to Sanctuary Doulas and Family Care to learn more about the doula services we offer.
Support Groups: Look for in-person or virtual gatherings through hospitals, birth centers, or community centers. We have one every Wednesday from 10:30-12p in Boulder - more info here.
Mental Health Support: Postpartum depression and anxiety can be common, but we are here to help.
Lactation Consultants: If feeding is hard, you're not alone. IBCLCs (International Board Certified Lactation Consultants) can make a world of difference. Learn more here.
New Parent Education: Many communities offer free or low-cost parenting classes and newborn care resources.
Conclusion
You are brave. You are strong. You are enough.
Motherhood is not a test to pass. It’s a path to walk—imperfectly, beautifully, and with love. I hope you carry this letter in your heart as a reminder that you are seen, you are supported, and you are not alone.
With all my heart,
Your Postpartum Doula
