As a new parent, you enter a completely different world. In one moment, you may be trying to figure our how to build a crib. In the next you will have this little human in your arms who is depending on you to do everything. Your secret weapon for the hectic world of new parenthood is a postpartum doula – Fully Healed Mama.

Imagine having someone beside you who knows how to guide and advise with the wisdom and knowledge of a wise man, without giving out cryptic instructions. Postpartum Doulas act as that one friend, who is always there to help you when your mind is blown. They provide emotional support as well as practical help around your home.

Let’s talk now about packages. You may be wondering why you would need to hire more than one pair of hands. This isn’t just any pair of hands. These are trained, experienced professionals who know the best ways to help new families thrive and not just survive.

Take this example: It is 3 AM and your baby is crying as if it were the end of the world. You have tried rocking, feeding, changing the diaper, and everything else short of doing a “rain dance” in your living room. Postpartum doulas are calm and provide solutions that may have escaped your mind or just reassurance to parents.

Many of these packages include overnight help because sleep loss is a very real thing. Even having someone take over for a few hours feels like winning the lotto. Doulas are also available to offer breastfeeding tips, if that is part of your plan.

Do you remember those days where it seemed like everything was upside down. It could be that laundry piles faster than you can say, “baby onesie,” and meal preparation is more daunting than climbing Everest. Some doulas offer packages that include some light housekeeping, or even meal preparation. Let’s be honest: eating cereal for breakfast three times a days isn’t sustainable.

But wait! There’s more! During this rollercoaster of emotions, emotional support is essential. Sometimes, the emotions of new parents range from overwhelming joy to sheer anxiety within a few minutes. Doulas listen empathetically without judging; they are like a friend who is also a therapist.

Here’s a short tale: My cousin Lucy swears that her postpartum-doula experience was amazing after she had twins (yes, not just one but TWO babies!) last year. She claims her doula is nothing less than magic, teaching her tricks and being a calming influence in the chaos.

You don’t have to feel awkward about asking questions. It’s part of their job. You can ask any question you want about your little bundle of joy.

Some hesitate to pay because they are worried about the cost, but it’s better to spend that money on a service than on a gadget which will be unused after 1-2 months (looking at all you fancy bottlewarmers). Many are at peace with the knowledge that professional help will be available during those first critical weeks following childbirth, where each day can seem endless and yet fast-paced.

You might want to explore what options are available in your area, whether you’re pregnant or a parent who is already knee deep in diaper duty. After all, superheroes often wear aprons and not capes. They save parents from losing their marbles.