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Free Resource: Worksheet Download - Professionals to Support You Postpartum

Let’s get real—pregnancy and postpartum can be wild. There’s a lot of excitement, a lot of emotion, and if we’re being honest, a lot of stuff that no one prepares you for. Between the constant advice, the endless to-do lists, and the holy crap, what am I getting into moments, it can feel like you’re running on fumes before you even meet your little one. That’s why one of the best things you can do for yourself is to build your dream team—and I’m not talking about a Pinterest-worthy nursery or the cutest baby clothes. I’m talking about the support network that’s going to have your back during this crazy, life-changing time.

In this blog post, we’re going to take a deep dive into the insights shared by Kristin Revere, co-founder of Gold Coast Doulas, from a recent episode of the Doula Talk Podcast. If you’re pregnant and craving more support—whether it’s during pregnancy, birth, or postpartum—then grab a comfy seat, because this is the guide you didn’t know you needed. Ready to feel empowered, informed, and totally ready for what’s coming? Let’s do it.

Why Building Your Dream Team is Non-Negotiable

Let me be blunt: pregnancy and birth can feel like a rollercoaster, and let’s face it—no one has time to go it alone. Your dream team is the group of people who will be there for you every step of the way. This isn’t just about picking the right OB or midwife, though that’s important. It’s about gathering a circle of professionals who get you and are there to support you through the ups and downs of this journey.

Kristin Revere’s journey into becoming a doula started after she felt overwhelmed and unsupported during her pregnancies. If you’ve ever felt like you were just “figuring it out as you went along,” you’ll feel seen. Kristin’s passion now is all about helping parents navigate the madness with a team of people who truly have your back.

She talks about the importance of being an “informed consumer”—aka, don’t just go along with what people tell you. You need to know your options, and trust me, there are a lot of them. From doulas to lactation consultants, from childbirth classes to postpartum support, there are people who will help you make decisions that truly work for you—no matter what your birth plan looks like. It’s about having a support squad that gets it and isn’t trying to push their agenda on you. You deserve that.

Prep for Birth Like a Boss

You wouldn’t run a marathon without training, so why would you go into birth without being as prepared as possible? Kristin hits the nail on the head when she talks about the importance of preparing for birth—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Birth isn’t exactly predictable, but you can control how informed and ready you are to face whatever comes your way.

Kristin’s suggestion? Take some solid childbirth education classes. And I’m not just talking about the ones where you’ll memorize breathing techniques. I mean comprehensive classes like Hypnobirthing, Lamaze, or even something like Spinning Babies, which can help you prepare for labor in a way that supports optimal positioning for delivery. Reading books, watching birth videos, or listening to podcasts (hello, Birth and Baby Podcast) are also great ways to build your confidence. The more you know, the more control you’ll feel—because let’s be honest, you can’t control everything in labor, but you can know what to expect.

And, of course, don’t sleep on the power of hiring a doula. Whether you’re hiring a birth doula or a postpartum doula (yes, you need both), these professionals are there to help you feel empowered and supported. They’re not going to do the work for you, but they are going to help you navigate it all with confidence and, let’s face it, style.

The Postpartum Phase: Don’t Just Wing It

Now let’s talk about postpartum. I get it—everyone’s so focused on the birth and the baby that postpartum support often gets pushed to the back burner. But listen up: this is where you need to focus a lot of your energy. You’re going to need more than cute onesies and a fancy stroller—trust me. The postpartum phase is often romanticized as this magical bonding time, but we all know the truth: it can be exhausting, challenging, and, well, messy.

Kristin lays it out: start planning for postpartum as early as possible. This is when you’re going to need a solid team that can help you with more than just baby care. Sure, you need someone to support you during the birth, but postpartum care is where the magic (or should I say real work) happens.

Here’s what I’m talking about:

• Postpartum doulas: These are your go-to for emotional support, light housework, and getting you through the first weeks with a newborn. They’re trained to help with all things newborn care, so you can get some rest, ask questions, and truly begin your recovery.

• Meal services: I don’t know about you, but the last thing I wanted to do after giving birth was cook. Meal delivery services focused on postpartum nutrition can be a game-changer. You can also ask friends and family to help by bringing meals that are actually nourishing—none of that store-bought casserole stuff.

• Childcare: If you’re like most parents, you’re going to need extra help. Whether it’s hiring a nanny or getting help from family members, figuring out your childcare situation early will save you so much stress down the line.

Kristin also emphasizes the need to be realistic about the costs of postpartum support. Look into your benefits (yes, doulas might be covered!) and consider using a health savings account. Don’t let finances stop you from getting the help you need. You’ll thank yourself later.

Setting Boundaries Like a Pro

Postpartum is also the time when boundaries become your best friend. Family and friends mean well, but you’re going to need some space to recover and focus on bonding with your baby. Kristin talks about the pressure new parents often feel to entertain visitors or keep the house spotless, but the truth is, you need to prioritize yourself and your recovery.

When someone offers to help, make it easy for them. If they want to visit, let them know the real deal—if they’re not doing the dishes, they’re not staying. And if you’re the kind of person who feels guilty telling people to leave, try Kristin’s trick: don’t provide seating for visitors. If they want to see the baby, they’ll figure out when it’s time to go. You’ve got this!

Self-Care, But Not the Instagram Kind

Self-care is a buzzword right now, but let’s be honest—it’s a lot more than a bubble bath and a face mask. Kristin talks about self-care as finding what actually works for you—whether that’s stepping outside for five minutes of fresh air, chatting with a friend, or reading a book. It’s about reconnecting with the person you were before baby, and not getting lost in the chaos of motherhood.

So no, self-care doesn’t mean pampering yourself with a 3-hour spa day. It’s the little things that allow you to feel like you again. And trust me, you need that.

Advocate for Yourself—You Deserve It

Kristin’s final piece of advice? Advocate for yourself. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. This is your body, your baby, and your journey. Whether it’s choosing the right healthcare provider, setting boundaries with family, or getting the right postpartum support, you are in charge of your experience. Don’t let anyone make you feel like you don’t deserve the care and support you need.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone & Listen to the Podcast with Kristin

Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum don’t have to be done alone. With the right support system in place, you can navigate the highs and lows with more confidence, less stress, and more joy. Kristin’s advice about building a solid dream team isn’t just about filling your calendar with appointments—it’s about surrounding yourself with people who understand, who support, and who empower you every step of the way.

So start planning your dream team today, and get ready for a smoother, more supported experience through pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

Kristin Revere is the CEO and Founder of Gold Coast Doulas birth and postpartum doula agency in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is an elite certified birth doula, a newborn care specialist, childbirth educator, and an elite certified postpartum doula. She cohosts the Ask the Doulas podcast and co-created the Becoming A Mother course. Kristin co-authored the book, "Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby".

Free Resource: Worksheet Download - Professionals to Support You Postpartum