Gentle truths, practical wisdom, and the insights doulas wish every parent had before stepping into the fourth trimester.
No matter how prepared you feel, becoming a parent always comes with surprises. There is so much you simply cannot learn from Google or by scrolling through social media at 2 AM. After supporting thousands of families in Toronto, Markham, Vaughan and across the GTA, our doulas have gathered the wisdom they wish every new parent had ahead of time. These lessons don’t remove the challenges, but they make everything feel far more doable, grounded, and connected.
Here are our top three insights for this month’s Meet the Team session.
1. Breastfeeding can have a learning curve, but preparation makes all the difference.
This is one of the biggest surprises for new parents. Breastfeeding is natural, but it is not always intuitive. It’s a skill that both you and your baby learn together, and having realistic expectations makes the journey so much smoother.
What doulas wish every parent knew:
• Taking a prenatal breastfeeding class builds confidence long before baby arrives.
• Understanding what “normal” looks like in the early days helps reduce stress.
• Knowing the signs of common challenges means you can act early rather than panic.
• Having a trusted circle of support makes the biggest difference of all.
Your support circle may include:
• A postpartum doula who can guide latch, positioning, and feeding rhythm
• A lactation consultant for more complex challenges
• Community resources you can lean on in real time
We always encourage parents to prepare for a challenge and hope for ease. With the right knowledge and support, breastfeeding can become a deeply bonding experience rather than an overwhelming one.
2. Knowing how to settle a newborn is a game changer.
Your baby just moved from the warm, loud, snug environment of the womb into a world filled with space, light, and unpredictability. This can be unsettling, and feeling familiarity in their new world can help settle your baby. When you learn to mimic that womb-like feeling, everything gets easier.
Many parents don’t realize how powerful these tools are until they try them.
This is why we love referencing Dr. Harvey Karp’s 5 S approach, and adding our own doula-tested twists.
Soothing strategies every parent should know:
• Swaddling: snug, contained, familiar.
• Side-lying or upright positions: instantly calming for many babies.
• Shushing or white noise: which is where the blow dryer becomes the ultimate secret weapon.
• Swinging, rocking, gentle jiggles: rhythmic motion that feels like the womb.
• Sucking: using a feed, finger, or pacifier for comfort.
The blow dryer truly deserves its own spotlight. Its warm air and steady whooshing sound mimic what your baby heard for nine months. Used safely on a low setting and at a distance, it can transform fussiness into calm within seconds. The same tool can elevate bath time, help dry skin folds, support diaper rash care, and even make tummy time more enjoyable.
Once parents learn these techniques, settling a newborn doesn’t feel like guessing. It feels like responding.
3. Less is usually more when it comes to baby gear.
The baby industry is loud. Your newborn’s needs are not.
Most families are shocked to discover how little they actually use in the early weeks. The basics go a very long way.
What you truly need before baby arrives:
• Diapers and wipes
• A safe sleep space
• A car seat installed correctly
• A doula who can guide you through everything else
Everything beyond that is optional.
One of the most valuable parts of working with a doula is having someone who helps you avoid unnecessary purchases. We teach you how to use what you already have, how to create a simple rhythm at home, and how to focus on what actually makes life easier, not more cluttered.
We even offer sessions on baby registry planning and household setup so you can walk into birth feeling organized, confident, and calm. And remember, if you realize you’re missing something, you have Amazon, Instacart, same day delivery and local stores at your fingertips. You don’t have to buy everything before your baby arrives. You simply need a foundation, and a doula to help you build the rest with intention.
Learn Even More at Our Next Meet the Team Session
Our Meet the Team session is your chance to hear these lessons live, ask questions, and meet the doulas who may be supporting you when your baby arrives. Every session is unique because it comes directly from our team’s lived experience and the hundreds of families we support each year. Join us to learn practical, heartfelt guidance you won’t find anywhere else.
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