Bonsie Skin to Skin Babywear had the privilege of chatting with Paula Norcott, IBCLC, doula, and owner of Maine Mother + Company. Paula's empowering community is near and dear to our hearts because it’s located right in our own town of Brunswick, Maine. Maine Mother + Company believes that happy, healthy moms will heal the planet, and so do we!
About Paula and Maine Mother + Company
I'm Paula, and my journey as a mother of five has been a whirlwind of experiences, ranging from sheer chaos to heartwarming moments. My five boys are ages 9-29, and no two have needed the same parenting. With a background that started 25 years ago as a peer counselor for WIC, I've traversed through various roles, including that of a labor doula and now an IBCLC.
Maine Mother + Company, nestled in the heart of Brunswick, Maine, serves as a beacon of support for new families in Southern Maine.
Our comprehensive care center offers everything from prenatal education to postpartum support groups and individual therapies, such as pelvic floor physical therapy, talk therapy and lactation support, ensuring families feel nurtured and empowered every step of the way. We work together to help parents find where the parent they thought they would be, meets the parent their child actually needs.
My personal journey into maternal support stemmed from a place of profound need and vulnerability. When faced with postpartum anxiety (which wasn’t even a thing in 1998) after the birth of my second child, I found solace in the nurturing environment of a lactation support group.
The camaraderie and shared experiences within that space ignited a passion within me to extend that same support to others.
Thus began my mission to provide a judgment-free sanctuary for new parents, where they can navigate the highs and lows of parenthood with empathy and understanding.
Postpartum experiences
Reflecting on my own postpartum experiences, I've come to appreciate the unpredictable nature of parenthood. While my first child exuded an air of calmness, my second challenged me with colic-induced sleepless nights. It was during this tumultuous period that I discovered the profound impact of community support. Simply hearing that another parent had a similar experience to mine made it all so much easier. Through my own journey, I've learned that each parent's experience is unique, and it's okay to seek help and lean on others during challenging times.
Creating your own "village" in today's world
In today's fast-paced society, the concept of the traditional "village" has evolved, but its importance remains steadfast. Building a support network is not only beneficial, but essential for new parents navigating the complexities of modern-day parenthood. From organizing food trains to delegating household chores, there are numerous, practical ways to cultivate a supportive community. Additionally, open communication between partners and the willingness to invest in professional support services can greatly enhance the postpartum experience.
I believe that by sharing our insights and experiences, we can empower others to create their own villages and foster a culture of support and understanding.
Paula’s best tips for families
✔️ Find a local support group postpartum, even better, take an out-of-hospital childbirth education class with an organization that also offers postpartum support, then you can meet other families even before your baby arrives.
✔️ Set up a meal train and place a cooler on the porch for friends to place food without the expectation that they will be visiting. You can even text them a photo of your baby after drop off.
✔️ Put a list of everyday chores on your fridge. Visitors often ask if there is anything they can help with, and you can point them to your list. They can pick the chore they prefer, you get something done without having to think, and they get to feel helpful. Win win!
A second list I encourage parents to make is a "Care List." Each partner picks three (fairly easy to accomplish) things that make them feel like themselves. The goal here is for partners to encourage the other to do that thing that day. For example, I love a quiet cup of coffee, in the sun, alone, uninterrupted. My husband’s goal is to point out that it's been a while since I have had that time to myself, then he works to make it happen the next day. This prevents us from having to ask for these things, and instead take great care of our partners.
From there, there is always room for investing in postpartum support for those who are able. A postpartum doula is priceless. The judgment free, practical hands on help, coupled with emotional support…chef’s kiss! Magical!
Final thoughts
What if we spent the same money on our 4th trimester that we did our wedding, honeymoon or vacations? I dare say this is a far more pivotal event, deserving of investment.
A doula, overnight newborn care, a house cleaner, meal prep service, dog walkers, etc. What could you offload for more baby snuggles?
Learn more about Maine Mother + Company on their website and Instagram.
