Get to know Poppy advocate Brooke
RN BSN who has worked in labor and delivery, postpartum, and nursery care.
Following the birth of her first baby, she found herself struggling with lactation in a way that she says was “completely unexpected with my knowledge and experience, and it was then I decided to become a lactation counselor in order to be able to provide better care for my patients.” Following the birth of her second, she decided to also become a CAPPA certified childbirth educator.
What does a day in the life look like?
She is currently at home with her three children (Charlie, 5; Ted, 3; and Cecilia, 1) as her husband travels for work. According to Brooke, “Poppy Seed Health came into my life at the perfect time to be able to offer continued support for clients while also being able to primarily focus on my role as a stay-at-home mom.”
A fun fact about Brooke: while in nursing school, she received a minor in dance with a primary focus in ballet, while also training in the aerial arts. Today, her family is very arts-heavy (Brooke’s husband is a professional musician and her parents run a concert venue in New Hampshire).
Her favorite thing about Poppy is that it is exactly what she needed while postpartum with her oldest child.
She weighed in with this: “This platform is exactly what I had hoped for while I was postpartum with my oldest. There is such an unbelievable gap in women’s healthcare. Oftentimes our medical system can leave women with more questions than answers, and with the feeling that they are unprepared, unheard, and essentially just a number. I am so grateful to be [at] the forefront of a company that is making support to birthing people from conception through birth, postpartum, and loss accessible and equitable. Proud doesn’t even describe it.”
Birth workers are often privy to experiences that are not talked about day-to-day. After supporting members through year 3 of this pandemic, Brooke shares what she is noticing right now: “A common thread I have noticed among the members is a sense of anxiety in their desire to connect. Oftentimes, it is late at night when other methods of support are difficult or impossible to come by. The ability to be there for them during those moments is not only important for them to find that connection, but is also beyond fulfilling as a birth worker.”
Brookes #1 tips for…
New parents / Fourth Trimester
The early days are such a blur... they are the sweetest, most amazing days, but can also be the most overwhelming and emotional. Know that everyone has these feelings and try your best to stay in the moment and be aware of how quickly that sweet time passes.
Ask for help. Lots of help. Don’t spend your energy and time on things that can be reprioritized or delegated to someone else. Focus your time and energy on your bond with your new baby while also taking every opportunity to rest, allowing your body to heal and recover. Your baby is changing so quickly... try to avoid the urge to “rush to normal” when it comes to housework and social activities. Your baby and your recovery are your top priorities.
Communicate clearly and carefully with your partner. The first few weeks with a newborn require a lot of adapting and shifting of roles. Ask for what you need specifically in a way that is clear, concise, but also gracious. Your partner wants to help and clearly defining roles will make the transition to parenthood more seamless.
Sleep when the baby sleeps. Actually do this. Even if you’re just snuggling in bed with your eyes closed, these are great opportunities to give your body the rest it needs to heal. Also, brush your teeth every day and shower every day. Even when you feel like you couldn’t be more exhausted, this makes all the difference in the world for your body and mindset.
In the weeks leading up to delivery, try your best to prepare for what is to come in your postpartum recovery. Frozen meals, snacks, padsicles, bathroom “goody” boxes with all of your postpartum care needs, and well-researched hospital and diaper bags will give your brain and body something to do in the days leading up to delivery. Plus, it will make life infinitely easier during your recovery.
Build a support system. Mom, friends who are moms, lactation support groups, girls from your prenatal yoga class... anyone who can lend support during these early days and beyond. Motherhood can be incredibly isolating and the early days where you tend to hit more speed bumps can feel so overwhelming. Try to have those that you can text and call to ask questions, or even just cry to. Have those that will come and rock the baby while you shower... or sleep... or even just brush your teeth. Don’t be shy about this. People want to help. Instagram can also be a very positive, encouraging space when you find accounts that resonate with you. While leaning into this system, be sure to also remember that you are your baby’s mom and your decisions and feelings on topics are ultimately what is best for the baby and yourself.
Be patient with yourself. There is a lot to learn in a very short period of time, but try to not let the stress and anxiety of this transition overshadow the sweet first moments with your baby. You are exactly what your baby needs and wants at any moment. While it may take time to distinguish what the requests are specifically, know that you are the single most important person in your baby’s life and have everything they need.
Be forgiving of yourself. Society and well-meaning friends and family can place a lot of pressure on this very special time. Very specific and loud opinions about your pregnancy, labor, delivery, and newborn care may be voiced without having been asked. You may also be someone who feels very confident and well researched going into this, only to run into unforeseen speed bumps and challenges that require a change in tactic or heart. Don’t allow these adjustments—or other’s comments—to discourage you. This is the start of a lot of pivoting with grace, and a time where giving yourself forgiveness and love when you need to make shifts in your plans will go a long way.
The most important thing to remember is that you are exactly what your baby needs. They love you more than anything in this world. Actually, to them, you ARE the entire world. Embrace these early messy days and know that you and your baby will grow to be exactly where you are supposed to be. (And again... ask for help... we all need it).
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is advertised (and is often expected to be) one of the most magical times in your life. That being said, there are normal feelings of hesitancy, confusion, and isolation which come hand-in-hand with the monumental life change you are experiencing. Lean into those feelings, recognizing that they are normal and are working to help you grow into the parent you are destined to be. Ask for help, advice, and comfort when you need it, not shying away from difficult conversations. Oftentimes, your support system has experienced these feelings themselves. And, if you’re looking to speak with more anonymity, we here at Poppy Seed Health are always here to lend support.