The vital need for postpartum support & care
The Vital Need for Postpartum Support & Care
I’m incredibly honored to have been interviewed for The Keene Sentinel’s Parent Express in their recent article, “The Vital Need for Postpartum Support & Care.” This thoughtful piece highlights something we in the perinatal world witness daily—new parents are navigating life-altering changes without the care, guidance, or emotional support they truly need.
In the article, I shared something close to my heart:
🗣 “We always say that it takes a community to raise a child, and there are times when that community is not there. We hold the mother and then the baby. We come up with realistic postpartum strategies.”
This is the core of postpartum doula care—we show up when the village isn’t there. We support, we hold space, and we bring compassion into homes that are learning how to function in an entirely new way. the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Why Postpartum Support Matters
The postpartum period—often called the “fourth trimester”—is a time of enormous physical, emotional, and psychological change. While most attention is focused on the baby, it’s the birthing parent who needs to be held first. Without adequate support, parents are more vulnerable to burnout, anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation.
✨ Postpartum doulas provide evidence-based care, emotional validation, and practical help when it’s needed most.
✨ We’re here to support feeding goals (breast, bottle, or combo), promote rest, prepare nourishing meals, and reduce overwhelm.
✨ Our presence helps normalize the struggles, celebrate the wins, and remind parents: you are not alone.
The Link to Maternal Mental Health
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), including postpartum depression and anxiety, affect 1 in 5 new mothers—but often go undiagnosed or untreated. Consistent postpartum support has been shown to lower the risk and severity of PMADs by offering a stabilizing presence, referrals to professional resources, and regular emotional check-ins that go beyond the standard medical model.
When a mother is supported, the whole family thrives. That’s not just a philosophy—it’s backed by research and lived experience.
In our Monadnock Region and beyond, we must continue building awareness and access to postpartum care that uplifts families and protects maternal mental health. This isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Let’s Shift the Culture Together
Thank you to The Keene Sentinel and Parent Express for shining a light on this vital topic. And thank you to every family, doula, and provider working to change how we care for new parents.
If you’re preparing for birth or in the thick of postpartum, know this:
You don’t have to do it alone. I’m here to help. Let’s build your support system—together.
– Ashley Norris, IBCLC & Postpartum Doula
📩 Ready to feel more supported? Book a free postpartum consultation today.
