61 - The Missing Village: Why Parenthood Feels Harder Than It Should

Doula Talk: Postpartum, Babies and the Battle for Sleep

Doula Talk: Postpartum, Babies and the Battle for Sleep
61 - The Missing Village: Why Parenthood Feels Harder Than It Should
Jul 14, 2026 Season 2 Episode 61
Doula Deb

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Becoming a parent isn’t supposed to be a solo journey, but for many families today, that’s exactly what it feels like.

In this episode, I’m talking about the “missing village” and why so many new parents feel overwhelmed, isolated, and like they’re somehow failing when, in reality, they’re simply trying to do one of life’s biggest jobs without the support humans were designed to have.

We’ll explore why postpartum can feel so much harder than expected, how social media and information overload often add to the stress, and why asking for help is one of the strongest things you can do, not a sign of failure.

I also share real stories from recent client consultations, including one family who went from multiple false starts and frequent night wakings to a dramatically better night with just a few realistic adjustments. It’s a reminder that progress doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.

In this episode, we talk about:

  • Why modern parents are missing the village they were meant to have
  • The hidden mental load of postpartum
  • Why information overload often increases anxiety instead of confidence
  • The difference between seeking perfection and making progress
  • How compassionate, individualized support can help you feel confident again
  • Practical ways to start building your own village

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why does this feel so much harder than I thought it would?” this episode is for you.

Resources Mentioned

🤍 Learn more about my postpartum, sleep, and first-year support: https://www.douladeb.com

🤍 Book a free discovery call: https://www.douladeb.com/contact

🤍 Join my free monthly Baby Lounge for expecting parents and families with babies: https://www.douladeb.com/events

If this episode encouraged you, I’d love for you to share it with another tired parent who could use the reminder that they’re not failing. They’re simply parenting without the village they deserve. Your shares, ratings, and reviews help more families find the support they’re looking for!

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Thank you for listening! Tune in next time for more insights and support on your parenting journey.

Contact Information:
Doula Deb: www.DoulaDeb.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula.deb/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/debdoula
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doula.deb
Twitter: https://twitter.com/doula_deb

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.

Episode Artwork 61 - The Missing Village: Why Parenthood Feels Harder Than It Should 12:31 Episode Artwork 60 - The Overloaded Brain: Why Parenthood Feels Like Decision Fatigue on Steroids 13:39 Episode Artwork 59 - Beyond the 6-Week Checkup: Rethinking Postpartum Healthcare (Guest: Dr. Estelle Giraud, CEO of Trellis Health App) 56:09 Episode Artwork 58 - The RAINBOW Method: How to Make Intuitive Decisions in Postpartum (When Everything Feels Uncertain) 26:40 Episode Artwork 57 - Ten Tips for Partners to Keep Calm, Keep the Peace, and Keep Your Sanity (Especially When Everyone Is Exhausted and Someone Has to Go to Work Tomorrow) 15:33 Episode Artwork 56 - Hot Mess, Big Heart, No Sleep: Why Self-Care Isn’t Optional 9:08 Episode Artwork 55 - The Taboo Conversation: Cannabis, Women’s Health, and Making Informed Choices (Dr. Amanda Reiman, Founder Personal Plants) 1:01:40 Episode Artwork 54 - What Actually Helps When Feeding Is Hard (And What Quietly Makes It Worse) 9:42 Episode Artwork 53 - When Feeding Feels Hard: Why It’s Not Just About the Bottle 8:52 Episode Artwork 52 - Navigating the Fourth Trimester: Adjusting to Life with a Newborn 16:46 Episode Artwork 51 - When Patterns Shift: Growth Spurts, Illness, and Big Changes in the Newborn Phase 8:00 Episode Artwork 50 - Finding the Rhythm: Sleep, Feeding, and Wake Windows in the First Weeks 8:12 Episode Artwork 49 - Before the Release: What Parents Need to Know Before Saying Yes (Carissa Guiley) 37:52 Episode Artwork 48 - Is This Just Normal… or Is It Time to Get Sleep Support? 7:17 Episode Artwork 47 - Real Emergency or Newborn Glitch? How to Know When to Head to the ER (and When to Breathe Instead) with Dr. Kailey Buller 36:44 Episode Artwork 46 - From Maiden to Mother: The Identity Shift No One Prepares You For (Guest: Anna Lundqvist) 36:05 Episode Artwork Welcome to Season 2: Stability Over Perfection — A Gentle Reset for Parents 5:45 Episode Artwork 45 - Why You Can’t Relax After Birth (and What Your Nervous System Has to Do With It) with Dr. Avery Champagne 48:13 Episode Artwork 44 - The Realities of Traveling with a Baby 37:00 Episode Artwork 43 - Navigating the Holidays as a New Family: Finding Joy, Setting Boundaries & Ditching the Guilt 10:17 Episode Artwork 42 - Beyond the Latch: How Tongue Ties Shape Airway, Sleep, and Development (Guest: Brittany Hageman) 54:36 Episode Artwork 41 - When Worry Won’t Stop: Postpartum Anxiety & OCD Explained (Guests: Dr. Angie Maxwell, PT, DPT, WCS & Laura Meader, LICSW) 1:04:32 Episode Artwork 40 - Back to Work: Easing the Transition After Maternity Leave 12:48 Episode Artwork 39 - Lactation Support Without the Shame: A Conversation with Emily Ager LM, IBCLC 1:14:14 Episode Artwork 38 - Postpartum Must-Haves: What to Buy for You (Not Just the Baby) After Birth 14:55