I See You | An Open Letter to Parents | Northwest PA Doulas

I see you

Watching your kids at the playground. Guarding them from making a choice that is deemed "too risky". You came hoping to make a connection, maybe with another parent. You're too shy to actually approach anyone. You long for that strong support system, the village that everyone talks about, that very few have. 

I see you

Struggling to feed your baby at 3am, covered in milk, unsure if you're breastfeeding the right way. Completely confused by flanged lips, pumping membranes, the best nipple cream and calming your baby. 

I see you 

Working through your birth plan. You wish you knew how this was going to go. You want to do things "right". You know the research. You know what you definitely don't want. Labor feels uncertain and scary. Even if you've done it before. 

I see you 

Frantically searching through google results trying to find some tip, some way to get your baby to sleep. You don't even care if its through the night. You're just desperate for a few uninterrupted hours. 

I see you 

Loving on your kids. Showering them with love and affection that only you can provide. They love you for you. Even with your flaws. You are their world. 

I see you 

Trying to find childcare. Seeking someone who will love your child like you do. Who will discipline them in the same way. Someone who will do things you can't while you work to provide for your family. Your child sees your sacrifice. They see what you're doing for them. They love you. 

I see you 

Picking out the right toys and shoes and clothes and car seats. You want to foster independence (but not too quickly of course), to keep them safe, to keep them warm. 

I see you 

Yelling at your kids. You don't want to yell. You feel like you've lost control. You don't want to damage them but this situation is frustrating. 

I see you 

Struggling to send in those Kindergarten registration papers. Or the preschool ones. Its hard to let go of your baby. 

I see you 

Wondering if you're doing this right. 

Let me tell you one thing: 

YOU ARE. 

Your kids have the best parent for them:

and it's YOU.

Through each stage of pregnancy, birth and postpartum, Northwest PA Doulas provides unique care to each family as they navigate through very real, very challenging situations like the ones above. For more information, contact us!