Welcoming a new baby into the family is a big deal! Hey there! Have you heard about sibling doulas? They’re outstanding perinatal support professionals who focus on helping older children navigate the exciting journey of welcoming a new brother or sister into the family! Let's learn about this unique type of perinatal support.   Think of a sibling doula as more than just a babysitter. They are here to support your big kids during this significant life change, allowing you and your partner to focus on the birth, postpartum recovery, bonding, and caring for your newborn. With their expertise in childhood development and training as birth and postpartum doulas, they really understand what this transition means for everyone in the family. They know all about the birth process, how a new baby can feel for an older sibling, and how to answer all those curious questions kids tend to ask.   While there’s no official certification required to be a sibling doula, the fantastic team at Sweet Peas brings their backgrounds in early childhood development to help prepare your child for their new role as a big sibling. They can guide you in addressing common questions in a way that your child can easily understand. They recognize that adding a family member brings out a lot of feelings for everyone, so they’ll meet with you and your family before the baby arrives, helping all members prepare emotionally for the changes to come. With their comforting presence, your child will have someone supportive right there with them during this big moment in your lives.   Here’s what you can expect when you add a sibling doula onto your perinatal support team:   Excellent Resources: Your sibling doula is a fantastic resource for your child and family. They know a lot about parenting and can connect you with resources and a network of professionals who can assist you as you navigate this exciting new chapter together.   Making Kids Feel Included: Doulas are experts at making every family member feel special, and that includes your older kids! They’ll find fun ways to involve them in age-appropriate tasks that make them feel helpful and included, like getting a drink for you, taking care of the dog, tossing out diapers, or even drawing a cheerful family picture.   One-on-One Attention: It’s such a relief to know your sibling doula is there just for your older child. Through hugs, storytelling, games, and good conversation, they give your big kid some special one-on-one time, so you can focus on your newborn without worrying that your big kid feels left out.   Connecting the Family: A sibling doula is great at helping the family come together smoothly as you welcome your new little one. They’ll notice dynamics you might not see when you’re in the moment, offering helpful suggestions to make things less stressful. They really care about family connections and will support you in growing those bonds. Whether it’s providing appropriate resources or helping facilitate fun family activities, they’ll make it easier for you to celebrate your family’s love and strength.   Why Hire a Sibling Doula?   Bringing a sibling doula into your home can make the transition from one child to two (or from two to three! Or more!!) feel less overwhelming and much more joyful. Knowing there’s someone dedicated to your older child means you can relax a bit and enjoy the experience of welcoming your new baby. With an extra pair of hands and a warm smile, your older kids will feel loved and valued during this critical time. Plus, since doulas are trained to support families through all aspects of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, they know exactly what everyone might experience during this exciting stage. With their exceptional knowledge of childhood development, they can give your big kid all the guidance they need to make this transition smooth and full of love.   At Sweet Peas, we provide customized hours packages, allowing you to create a sibling support plan that suits your family’s needs and budget. Additionally, we have partnered with Be Her Village , a unique registry that helps you obtain the funds you need for the support you deserve when welcoming a new baby into your family! Reach out to us today and explore how a sibling doula can make a difference in your family's journey! Let's find out if it's the perfect fit for you! I hope to hear from you! Warmly,

Autumn Bessire Tattenham, founder of Sweet Peas Hey there! Welcome! I'm Autumn Bessire Tattenham , the proud founder of Sweet Peas Baby, Perinatal Support and Education. I just moved from sunny San Diego to the charming town of Pacific Grove, California . I couldn't be more thrilled to join forces here with my daughter, Ella , to offer our services to new and expecting families in beautiful Monterey County!   Sweet Peas provides comprehensive support for new and expecting families. Ella and I are a mother-daughter team offering expert birth and postpartum doula services, lactation counseling, newborn care, and sibling support tailored to your needs. Additionally, I teach Evidence Based Birth® classes for parents and provide continuing educational opportunities for birth professionals. You can trust Sweet Peas to be your reliable partners, whether you are a parent or a care provider!   Our mission is to support parents by providing trustworthy information, caring guidance, and advocacy as they navigate the adventures of family-building. We aim to create bridges and strive to foster a calm, warm, and welcoming atmosphere that alleviates worries and builds connections during the arrival of a new little sweet pea! We are dedicated to nurturing the joy, safety, and well-being of everyone involved in the perinatal space.   Our heartfelt vision is to create a world where every parent experiences the safety, confidence, and happiness they deserve when welcoming their babies. We understand that this journey is both beautiful and challenging. That's why we strive to create a community where every parent feels truly heard, supported, and connected, and where they can find comfort in knowing that their unique path to building a family is valued and respected. Together, we can foster an environment where every parent feels secure and embraced in their journey.   If you are a new or expecting parent, check out our " Parents " page to discover all our excellent services. Ella and I are both here and ready to help, and I'm excited to offer free 15-minute consultations to chat about the support you might need!   I'm teaching an Evidence Based Birth® childbirth class starting on August 9th, and I'd be thrilled if you joined us! You can sign up by clicking this link: EBB Class   For my fellow birth professionals in Monterey County, let's connect! I'm hosting a professional workshop on August 15th in Salinas, where you can earn continuing education hours. I would love for you to participate in it, so be sure to sign up here: Savvy Birth Pro Workshop   I'm so glad to be here with you! Stay tuned for more info as we get established in our new hometown!   Warmly,