Who Is a Postpartum Coach and Why Do New Moms Need One?

Motherhood is not always easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. Dr. Kristal Lau offers caring, expert support to help you thrive through your postpartum phase.

It is exciting to become a new mom. There are new routines, and a whole new baby to care for. It’s a beautiful yet challenging phase that every new mom experiences differently. But sometimes, new moms need more support than what’s available from family or friends. And it's understandable that clinicians can't always spend a longer time with new moms. That’s where a postpartum coach comes in.

A postpartum coach is someone who guides new moms through the postpartum period. They support and coach mothers as they adjust to life after childbirth.

Why Do New Moms Need Postpartum Coaches?

Having one or more babies is life-changing. Some moms feel lost or overwhelmed as they try to manage postpartum experience and mom life. They have to balance new mom life, breastfeeding, lack of sleep, and caring for their baby. Some have other children to look after or also have an adult dependent to care for - such as elderly parents or other relatives. Postpartum coaches are there to help new moms identify their challenges and guide them towards problem-solving with new tools and strategies.

Postpartum coaches have the experience and skill to guide new mothers during the postpartum period. They focus on offering emotional and physical support, providing information, helping mothers identify "who's who" in the health landscape who can help with specific problems, and sharing tips that make a big difference during this vulnerable time.

How Postpartum Coaches Help New Moms Thrive

A postpartum coach gives new moms the tools and guidance they need to thrive through motherhood. They are like a co-pilot or team mate who helps you figure things out, like breastfeeding, infant sleep, and even ways to take care of yourself. Here are a few specific ways they do that:

1. Emotional Support

Postpartum recovery is not merely about the body—it’s about the mind too. After giving birth, many women feel a mix of emotions. Some may feel isolated, others may struggle with the pressure of new motherhood. A postpartum coach listens to such feelings and offers support and validation where needed. 

2. Physical Recovery Tips

After childbirth, the body needs time to heal. A postpartum coach guides toward physical healing by providing tips on rest, gentle exercises, and self-care routines that fit into a busy mom’s life. They make sure that the mother’s well-being is not overlooked. Coaches with a health background can usually take this one level up and help mothers create a practical health and wellness plan - along with SMART health goals to build towards a long-term well-being goal.

3. Breastfeeding and Baby Care Guidance

A postpartum coach provides breastfeeding tips and offers solutions to any issues that may come up. They also guide new parents on how to care for their baby properly, from diaper changes to feeding schedules.

4. Practical Assistance with Schedules and Routines

Having a new baby often means that everything feels out of order. A postpartum coach can help establish a sense of routine where there is none — setting a sleep schedule for the baby, figuring out how to manage the house while taking care of the baby, and so much more.

5. Teaching Moms to Trust Their Instincts

Many moms doubt their instincts, especially when they’re new to motherhood. They worry about feeling overwhelmed, about making mistakes or not doing things “the right way.” And many times, mothers already know what to do. But the reality of a hectic and isolating modern life means that mothers need guidance on how to thrive in this environment. A postpartum coach teaches moms to trust instincts and feel confident in their ability to care for their baby.

What Are the Benefits of Postpartum Coaching?

Postpartum coaching offers several important benefits.

1. Better Emotional Health

Many new mothers experience feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress. Having someone to talk to—someone who understands such feelings—will make a big difference.

2. Enhanced Physical Recovery

A postpartum coach focuses her clients on both emotional and physical healing - recovery after childbirth requires a holistic approach. Coaches give tips on nutrition, gentle exercises, and self-care to help moms have a better physical recovery experience.

3. Confidence in New Mom Life

Many new moms feel unsure or scared as they enter that phase of life. A postpartum coach builds confidence in them by providing the right tools and advice. That supports new moms to feel better prepared for new mom life.

How Postpartum Coaches Support the Entire Family

For new parents, life after childbirth feels like a whirlwind. There’s so much to learn, and everything happens fast. While many parents look forward to that new chapter, they also face new challenges. A postpartum coach provides tools, guidance, and strategies to make the transition smoother.

1. Guidance for Both Mom and Dad

Both moms and dads are adjusting to new roles. A postpartum coach teaches a new parent or both of them how to work together, support each other, and communicate better during that busy time. They offer tips on how to share responsibilities, so moms and dads don’t feel like they have to do everything alone.

2. Creating Routines That Work

Babies don’t come with a schedule, and many new families struggle to find a rhythm. In fact, it's normal for babies to have changing sleep patterns as they grow. A postpartum coach works with both parents to develop routines that fit their lifestyle and provide education to adjust expectations of this whirlwind time. With these in place, the whole family can feel less stressed and less pressured to always "do the right thing".

When Should You Hire a Postpartum Coach?

Before or after the child is born. Many moms choose to hire one during pregnancy, to prepare them for the postpartum period. Others wait until after giving birth to seek support. Some hire one 6 months to a year into their motherhood journey a.k.a Matrescence. Either way, having a postpartum coach is a valuable tool for any mom who wants additional support and guidance.

Postpartum Coaches vs. Postpartum Doulas: What’s the Difference?

While both postpartum coaches and postpartum doulas offer support during the postpartum period, each role is slightly different.

• Postpartum doulas usually provide hands-on care. They might assist with housework, baby care, and physical tasks. They are focused on helping moms with the day-to-day challenges of new motherhood.

• Postpartum coaches, on the other hand, focus more on emotional and mental health support via education and coaching towards goals. Think of how athletes have a coach to guide them to perform their best and to push forward. Postpartum coaches guide moms through the emotional ups and downs of new mom life and guide them toward personal growth and recovery.

Both are beneficial, and some moms may choose to have both, while other moms may only need one. Some postpartum doulas also offer postpartum coaching and vice versa.

Postpartum Coaching Is a Lifeline for New Moms

Remember, the motherhood journey is hard, but with the right support, it could also be beautiful. New moms, don’t be afraid to ask for the support you need. A postpartum coach is there to guide you through the incredible and sometimes challenging time.

How Dr. Kristal Lau Brings It All Together

Dr. Kristal Lau understands the unique needs of new moms and offers a compassionate, well-rounded approach to postpartum coaching. With her experience as both a mom and a trained healthcare professional, Dr. Lau blends the emotional support of a postpartum coach with the practical insights moms need. She’s there to guide you through the emotional rollercoaster of new motherhood, while also offering holistic advice on physical recovery and daily routines.

Her approach is gentle yet effective. Whether you're a parent dealing with sleepless nights, emotional overwhelm, or the simple challenges of adjusting to life with a newborn, Dr. Lau is there to walk alongside you. She supports you and provides the tools to embrace your new life as a mother.