The Ultimate Timeline for Hiring Pre and Postpartum Service Providers

Welcoming a new baby is a joyous and transformative experience, but it also comes with its challenges. To ensure a healthy and positive birth and postpartum journey, it’s essential to engage with a variety of service providers who can offer support, guidance, and care. Here’s a comprehensive timeline of the types of pre and postpartum service providers moms should consider hiring during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Pre-Pregnancy (Planning Phase)

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1. Primary Care Physician (PCP):

• Role: Conducts overall health assessment and provides preconception counseling.
• When to Hire: Before planning to conceive.

2. Gynecologist/Obstetrician (OB/GYN):

• Role: Discusses reproductive health, performs initial fertility assessments, and provides preconception care.
• When to Hire: Before planning to conceive or as soon as pregnancy is suspected.

3. Nutritionist/Dietitian:

• Role: Offers advice on a preconception diet to optimize fertility and overall health.
• When to Hire: Before planning to conceive.

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First Trimester (0-13 Weeks)

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1. Obstetrician/Midwife:

• Role: Confirms pregnancy, establishes prenatal care, and schedules regular prenatal visits.
• When to Hire: As soon as pregnancy is confirmed.

2. Prenatal Fitness Instructor:

• Role: Provides guidance on safe exercise routines during pregnancy.
• When to Hire: Early in the first trimester.

3. Prenatal Yoga Instructor:

• Role: Offers classes designed to support pregnancy wellness and reduce stress.
• When to Hire: Early in the first trimester.

4. Mental Health Counselor/Therapist:

• Role: Provides emotional support and counseling to address anxiety or stress related to pregnancy.
• When to Hire: Anytime during pregnancy if needed

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Second Trimester (14-26 Weeks)

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1. Obstetrician/Midwife:

• Role: Continues regular prenatal visits and conducts detailed anatomy scans.
• When to Hire: Continuation from the first trimester.

2. Lactation Consultant:

• Role: Offers prenatal breastfeeding classes to prepare for successful breastfeeding.
• When to Hire: Mid to late second trimester.

3. Childbirth Educator:

• Role: Provides childbirth education classes to prepare for labor and delivery.
• When to Hire: Mid to late second trimester.

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Third Trimester (27-40 Weeks)

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1. Obstetrician/Midwife:

• Role: Increases frequency of prenatal visits, monitors baby’s position, and discusses birth plans.
• When to Hire: Continuation from earlier trimesters.

2. Birth Doula:

• Role: Provides emotional and physical support during the final weeks of pregnancy and labor, helps create a birth plan.
• When to Hire: Early to mid-third trimester.

3. Pelvic Floor Therapist:

• Role: Provides guidance on exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor in preparation for childbirth.
• When to Hire: Late second trimester to early third trimester.

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Labor and Delivery

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1. Obstetrician/Midwife:

• Role: Manages the labor and delivery process.
• When to Hire: Continuation from prenatal care.

2. Birth Doula:

• Role: Offers continuous emotional and physical support during labor, assists with comfort measures and advocacy.
• When to Hire: Continuation from the third trimester.

3. Anesthesiologist (if opting for pain relief):

• Role: Administers epidural or other pain relief methods as requested.
• When to Hire: During labor, if pain relief is chosen.

4. New Parent Educator:

• Role: Prepare you for parenthood.
• When to Hire: Third trimester

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Immediate Postpartum (First 6 Weeks)

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1. Postpartum Doula or Newborn Care Specialist:

• Role: Assists with newborn care, breastfeeding support, and household tasks; provides emotional support.
• When to Hire: Immediately after childbirth.

2. Lactation Consultant:

• Role: Offers hands-on breastfeeding support and troubleshooting.
• When to Hire: Immediately after childbirth.

3. Pediatrician:

• Role: Conducts newborn checkups to monitor growth and health, provides vaccinations.
• When to Hire: Shortly after birth.

4. Obstetrician/Midwife:

• Role: Conducts postpartum checkup to assess physical recovery and emotional well-being.
• When to Hire: Around 6 weeks postpartum

4. Postpartum Food Delivery:

• Role: Special foods cooked for helping new moms recover and replenish.
• When to Hire: Immediately after childbirth.

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Extended Postpartum (6 Weeks to 1 Year)

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1. Pediatrician:

• Role: Continues regular well-baby visits to monitor development and health.
• When to Hire: Continuation from newborn period.

2. Mental Health Counselor/Therapist:

• Role: Offers support for postpartum depression or anxiety, provides counseling for adjusting to new parenthood.
• When to Hire: As needed, anytime postpartum.

3. Pelvic Floor Therapist:

• Role: Assists with recovery from childbirth-related pelvic floor issues, provides exercises to restore pelvic health.
• When to Hire: As needed, starting from a few weeks postpartum.

4. Parenting Coach or Support Group:

• Role: Offers support and education on parenting skills and child development, connects with other parents.
• When to Hire: Anytime during the first year.

5. Career Coach:

• Role: Provides practical guidance on how to go back to work and grow in your career.
• When to Hire: Anytime during the first year.

6. Pediatric Sleep Consultant:

• Role: Offer strategies to help infants establish good sleep patterns.
• When to Hire: Anytime during the first year.

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Engaging with a variety of service providers throughout the pre and postpartum period ensures comprehensive support for a healthy pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery. Regular healthcare visits, professional guidance, and emotional support are key to a positive experience for both the mother and the baby.

By planning and utilizing these services, new mothers can feel more prepared, supported, and confident as they navigate the incredible journey of parenthood.

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At Newmom.me, we’re here to transform the motherhood narrative and make this process of finding support so much easier on you. We have a carefully curated, easy-to-use, and customizable platform where you can search by the type of service you need, location, and availability. You can easily sign up to review profiles of Lactation Consultants, Doulas, Mother’s helpers, and other services. Let us help you embrace motherhood with a full heart.

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Disclaimer: This blog's content is provided for informational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute financial advice, legal advice, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in the area for your particular needs and circumstances prior to making any professional, legal, medical and financial or tax-related decisions.