Becoming a grandparent is a milestone filled with excitement and pride. You’ve raised your own children, and now you get to watch them step into parenthood. At the same time, it’s normal to feel a little unsure about what your role will look like. After all, a lot has changed in the world of pregnancy, birth, and newborn care over the past few decades.
Here’s what you need to know as you prepare to welcome a new grandbaby in Orange County.
The Role of Birth and Postpartum Doulas
One of the biggest shifts in recent years is how families are supported during the childbearing year. More and more parents are turning to birth and postpartum doulas.
A birth doula provides continuous support during labor. They help educate expectant parents in pregnancy and support them in labor to help them feel calm, informed, and cared for. A postpartum doula steps in after the baby arrives, offering guidance on feeding, newborn care, recovery, and helping parents get much-needed rest.
For grandparents, doulas can be a relief. You don’t have to carry the weight of being the only source of help. Instead, you can focus on bonding with your grandchild, offering love and encouragement, and being present in ways that only a grandparent can.
What might have Changed Since You Had Babies
Guidelines and best practices for newborn care are constantly evolving as research grows. What was considered safe or standard thirty years ago may not be recommended today. Here are a few of the most significant updates:
Sleep safety. Babies are now placed on their backs to sleep, on a firm mattress with no pillows, blankets, or bumpers. This is a big change from the days when tummy sleeping was the norm. Additionally, parents are encouraged to have the baby in their room for the first 6 months of life before moving them to a nursery.
Car seat safety. Infant car seats are rear-facing only, and children often remain rear-facing until age 2 or even longer, depending on state laws and safety recommendations.
Feeding. Exclusive breastfeeding is encouraged for the first six months when possible, but families today may use a combination of breastfeeding, donor milk, pumping, and formula. For some breastfeeding may be a challenge, which is why Lactation Consultants are highly recommended. A Lactation Consultant can do home visits to provide clinical and informational support on breastfeeding and help ensure success.
Postpartum mental health. We now know postpartum mood and anxiety disorders are far more common than once believed, affecting as many as 1 in 8 new mothers. Parents are encouraged to seek support early, and having a doula can make a big difference in noticing the signs and connecting families with resources.
Visitors and boundaries. New parents are encouraged to protect their rest, recovery, and bonding time. This sometimes means delaying visits, limiting how long people stay, avoiding visits when feeling ill, or asking visitors to help with chores instead of expecting to just hold the baby.
These changes are not about replacing the wisdom you bring as a grandparent, but instead place the focus on integrating new evidence with the love and experience you already have.
Your Role Matters
The role of grandparents today look may look a little different, but it is no less important. You are the bridge between generations, the steady presence your children can lean on, and a source of wisdom, patience, and unconditional love. By staying open to new practices and respecting the choices your children are making, you help create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
Welcoming a new grandbaby in Orange County is a beautiful opportunity to learn, grow, and celebrate alongside your family. When birth and postpartum doulas are part of the picture, you gain even more reassurance that your loved ones are supported. Together, you can focus on what matters most: cherishing these first precious moments with your newest family member.