Questions I Hear Most Often from New Parents (and Why They Matter)
When I walk into a home in those tender days after a baby is born, I know I’m entering a season of transformation. The air is thick with newness— squeaks and wails from the bassinet, the smell of fresh laundry intermingled with spit up and diapers, the shuffle of tired feet. There’s often joy, yes, but also exhaustion, uncertainty, and a quiet hope that maybe, just maybe, you’re doing this “right.”
As a postpartum doula, I get to sit right in the middle of that swirl. My role is part guide, part cheerleader, part extra set of hands—and always, a safe space for every question, big or small. Over the years, I’ve noticed that many parents ask the same things, though never in exactly the same way. These questions aren’t just about sleep and feeding—they’re about confidence, connection, and finding a way through the fog.
Here are some of the most common questions I hear—and why they’re so important.
1. “Is my baby getting enough to eat?”
Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, pumping, or doing a mix, this question comes up constantly. It’s rooted in love and worry—because feeding isn’t just nutrition; it’s your baby’s first bond with you. I help parents look for signs that a baby is eating well: swallows you can hear, steady weight gain, content moments after feeds. And I remind you that this is a skill for both of you—you’re learning each other’s language.
2. “Why won’t my baby sleep unless I’m holding them?”
This one is a classic, and the answer is so human: your baby just spent nine months being held constantly. They’re not spoiled; they’re adapting to the wide-open world. I help parents understand what’s normal for newborn sleep, and we troubleshoot safe ways to rest—whether that’s setting up a cozy safe sleep space or working out shifts so everyone gets a stretch of uninterrupted shut-eye.
3. “Am I normal for feeling this way?”
Some days you might feel like you’re floating, others like you’re barely keeping your head above water. Tears might come easily—or not at all. I check in with parents often, because your mental and emotional health matters just as much as the baby’s growth chart. You’re not alone in these feelings, and support exists for every part of your postpartum experience.
4. “How do I know if I’m doing it right?”
Here’s the truth: there is no “right.” There’s your way, built from the blend of your baby’s needs, your instincts, and what works in your family’s real life. I’m here to offer evidence-based information when you want it, and reassurance when you need it, so you can build that trust in yourself.
5. “When will things feel easier?”
It’s different for everyone—but most parents notice turning points: the first time your baby smiles at you, the first longer stretch of sleep, the first moment you realize you just changed a diaper in the dark without even thinking about it. I can’t fast-forward you to those moments, but I can walk with you until you get there.
Why these questions matter
When families ask me these things, they’re not just looking for information—they’re looking for confidence, understanding, and a hand to hold. Postpartum life is full of unknowns, but it’s also rich with moments you’ll carry forever. My role is to help you navigate the unknowns so you can see the beauty in the in-between.
If you’re reading this and thinking, I have these questions too, know that you’re in good company. And know that asking for clarity and help isn’t weakness—it’s how we were meant to do this.
We were never meant to parent alone.
