EP 36: Normalizing 4th Trimester and Support with Postpartum Doula Connie Castanzo
Since this conversation, I have reflected a lot on my own postpartum experience. Connie is creating an emotionally safe and supportive space during an incredibly vulnerable time and I think it’s really beautiful.
Defining the 4th Trimester, stepping into parenthood, and grounding techniques. Discover ways to set healthy expectations and establish daily routines for a smooth transition into the 4th trimester.
Postpartum Doula Connie Castanzo has always had a fascination and love for pregnancy and babies. Her passion for the postpartum space deepened while helping support her friends navigate the transition into parents and adjust to their new lifestyle. When everything shut down during COVID, Connie advantage of the time and became a certified postpartum Doula.
Connie describes the huge changes that families go through during the 4th Trimester. She notes that this can often feel like an isolating time. There is a common misconception to “not bother” new parents and to give them time on their own to adjust when many new parents are hungry for their community to engage with them.
There are many ways that Connie steps in to assist and create clarity for families. Before her clients give birth they will often meet to talk about goals, self-care plans, and discuss dietary preferences. Once they give birth Connie brings food, provides comfort and support, and will help around the house if needed. She describes herself as a knowledgeable professional that helps present options to parents based on their own individual circumstances and goals.
“Where do you feel like you’re winning today? Where do you feel like you’re struggling? Let’s talk about that.”
She regularly checks in with her clients and provides resources when needed. If she notices signs of anxiety or depression, she has recourses to direct them to. It’s easy as a new parent to set aside your needs and to only focus on the needs of your baby. When that happens Connie is there to encourage taking a moment to prioritize health and self-care.
Connie also has lactation training and is there to help navigate the ups and downs of breast and chestfeeding. She talks the family through latching, the stages of milk the body produces, and prioritizes making sure that the process is comfortable for the person feeding.
“This is a very natural thing that our bodies do, but it doesn’t come super naturally. It’s not like you just automatically know how to breastfeed your child.”
The potential struggle of breastfeeding is just one of many pregnancy and parenting topics Connie believes should be normalized. She beautifully lists off a variety of topics that she believes would be helpful to normalize including range of emotions that can come up postpartum, the fears, and isolation of parenthood.
Connie creates a safe place for her clients to feel seen and validated. She encourages them to trust their instincts and to advocate what’s right for them. It’s easy to hear how gifted she is at this work.
“It’s easy to prioritize the baby once the baby is here. It’s my job to prioritize the root of the source.”
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