As newborn photographers, we love capturing those dreamy newborn moments with perfectly swaddled, sleeping babies and parents gazing adoringly at their little one. But let’s be real… that’s not the whole picture. Behind every serene photo is a parent running on little to no sleep or a baby who was crying two minutes ago.
That’s where Southern RI Doula Stacey Bodziony, PCD (DONA), comes in. As a postpartum doula, she helps new parents navigate the messy yet magical fourth trimester. Think of her as part baby whisperer, part emotional support system, and 100% the person you wish came home with you from the hospital.
We sat down with Stacey to talk about life with a newborn. From common misconceptions to the importance of accepting help, she shared invaluable insights for new parents. Let’s dive in!
1. Can you explain what postpartum care is and how it can benefit new parents in those early weeks?
SB: Absolutely! Postpartum care is all about supporting parents during those first weeks after birth. It’s a mix of physical recovery support for the birthing parent, newborn care guidance, and emotional reassurance as the whole family adjusts.
A postpartum doula helps with things like establishing feeding routines (whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding), newborn soothing techniques, and making sure parents are getting enough rest. We also offer practical help—light meal prep, a little tidying up, or looking after the baby so parents can shower or take a much-needed nap.
The biggest benefit? Reducing stress and boosting confidence. Those early weeks are a huge adjustment, and having a knowledgeable, calm presence can make all the difference in helping parents feel capable and supported as they settle into their new roles.
2. What does working with you actually look like? Can you walk us through a typical visit or the kind of support you provide?
SB: Of course! Working with me is all about easing the transition into parenthood, so every visit is tailored to what the family needs that day. My postpartum shifts are typically 4 to 6 hours long, and can be 2 to 3 days a week and support lasts anywhere from 4 weeks to 3 months.
When I arrive, I wash my hands and change into house shoes. Then I check in with the parents to see how the night was, how they’re feeling and how the baby is doing. If the mother needs rest, I might take over baby care so she can nap, shower, or just have a moment to herself. If feeding has been a challenge, we troubleshoot together, whether that’s adjusting breastfeeding positions, prepping bottles, or offering reassurance that everything is on track. Then I usually tackle cleaning bottles and pump parts, catching up on baby laundry, and nursery organization. Some parents even like for me to meal prep. I always make sure to have an opportunity to check in with the mother to see how her healing is going, how she’s feeling mental health wise and if there’s been anything on her mind that I can help ease.
3. What are some of the biggest misconceptions about life with a newborn that you wish more parents knew?
SB: One of the biggest misconceptions about life with a newborn is that babies should be sleeping long stretches early on. In reality, frequent waking is biologically normal and even protective in those first few months.
Newborns have tiny stomachs and need to wake often to feed, not just for nutrition but also to help establish milk supply if breastfeeding. Their sleep cycles are much shorter than adults’, and they spend more time in lighter sleep, which is a built-in safety mechanism to help prevent things like low oxygen levels.With the right strategies, like maximizing daytime sleep, contact naps and partners taking turns, we can make those wake-ups more manageable.
Another misconception is that you can spoil a newborn by holding them too much. But really, you can’t spoil a newborn! Babies are born expecting near-constant contact because that’s what makes them feel safe and regulated. Responding to their needs actually helps them develop secure attachment and confidence over time. Babies feel safest when they’re being held. This doesn’t mean they’ll never sleep independently, just that they need extra support in those early weeks. Babywearing can be a lifesaver for parents who need free hands.
I try to remind parents that a lot of what we expect from newborns is shaped by modern convenience, not biological norms. Once we shift our perspective, everything starts to feel a lot more manageable.
4. Our newborn photos show sweet, sleeping babies, but we know the reality isn’t always so peaceful! What are your best tips for helping babies (and parents!) get better sleep?
SB: We love your dreamy newborn photos but they don’t capture the 2 a.m. cluster feeding or the baby who refuses to sleep unless they’re being held. But there are ways to help both babies and parents get more rest while working with normal newborn sleep patterns.
One of my favorite (and often overlooked) tips is sunshine! A little morning sunlight—just 10 minutes before 10 a.m.—helps regulate a baby’s internal clock and builds sleep pressure for later in the day.
I also recommend keeping daytime naps in a typical daytime environment—lights on, with the usual household sounds—while reserving nighttime sleep for a dark, quiet space. This helps babies start to differentiate between day and night.
And finally, as cliché as it sounds, sleep when the baby sleeps. Those first few weeks are a time for healing and recovery, and sneaking in a nap or two during the day can make a huge difference in how rested parents feel. Prioritizing rest is just as important as anything else in the newborn stage!
5. What advice do you have for parents who feel overwhelmed by the pressure to have it all together in those first few weeks?
SB: Oh my gosh – no one has it all together in those first few weeks! Social media and well-meaning advice can make it seem like they should be effortlessly juggling feedings, sleep, and a perfectly clean house, but newborn life is messy, unpredictable, and a huge adjustment for everyone.
My best advice? Lower the bar and focus on the essentials. The only real job in those first couple of weeks is to rest and recover and feed and change the baby. Everything else—laundry, dishes, texts from relatives—can wait or be handled by someone else. This is why creating a support system to lean on is so helpful. Whether that’s a partner, family, friends, or a postpartum doula (like me!). Accept help when it’s offered, and don’t be afraid to ask for it when you need it.
Most importantly, new parents need to give themselves grace. The long nights and constant feedings won’t last forever, and they’re doing an amazing job – whether it feels like it or not.
6. What are some small but game-changing things new parents can do to make life easier in the fourth trimester?
SB: Great question! The fourth trimester is all about survival, recovery, and bonding, so even small adjustments can make a huge difference. Here are a 3 things new parents can do to make life easier:
- Meal Prep: In those early weeks, cooking is the last thing on your mind. Prepping a few freezer-friendly meals before baby arrives, setting up a meal train, or even just stocking up on easy, one-handed snacks (like protein bars, yogurt, and pre-cut fruit) can be a total lifesaver when you’re running on little sleep.
- Create a Baby Care & Feeding Station: Set up a diaper-changing station in your main living area, stocked with diapers, wipes, burp cloths, and extra baby clothes (because outfit changes will happen!). That way, you’re not trekking up the stairs every time baby needs a change. A feeding station is also a game-changer—keep a small basket nearby with snacks, extra water, and a phone charger so you have everything you need within reach during those long feeding sessions.
- Accept Help: Friends and family want to help—so let them! When they ask what they can do, have a “help needed” list in a central spot (like the fridge or entryway table) with small tasks that would make a difference—whether it’s folding laundry, picking up groceries, or entertaining an older sibling. Most visitors will be relieved to have a way to pitch in, and you’ll get the support you actually need without feeling awkward about asking.
A little planning and a whole lot of accepting help can make those early weeks feel so much more manageable!
7. Can you share any success stories or testimonials from families you have worked with?
SB: All of my clients’ success stories are theirs—I’m just there to guide them, offer reassurance, and remind them that they’re already doing an amazing job! But if you’d like to hear directly from the families I’ve supported, I keep a rolling list of testimonials on my website. You can check them out here: www.southernridoula.com
8. What do you hope every family takes away from their time working with you?
SB: Confidence! That’s really why I got into this career in the first place. I want new parents to feel empowered, to listen to their gut and to know that they know what’s best for their baby. Sometimes, they just need someone else to tell them that they are doing great!
We hope this post has left you feeling supported, encouraged, and maybe even a little more prepared for this wild and wonderful journey into motherhood. Those early days with a newborn can feel like a blur, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Whether it’s accepting help, leaning on your village, or bringing in a postpartum doula like Stacey, know that you are not meant to do this all by yourself. So take a deep breath, mama—you’re doing an amazing job, and you’ve got this!
CLICK HERE TO CONNECT WITH STACEY BODZIONY, PCD (DONA), SOUTHERN RI DOULA