The birth of your baby may signal the end of your pregnancy, but it’s only the beginning of so much more to come. As you begin your postpartum journey, it is normal to feel like you need a little extra emotional support and care. Your postpartum period is a time of tremendous change, responsibility, and healing. The care you receive after giving birth is just as important as your prenatal care.
We celebrate pregnancy and focus so much on the arrival of the new baby, but what about after the baby is here? We need to start taking care of new moms the way we take care of newborns because these babies don’t come with an instruction manual.
You may feel that you are stretched thin after your birth, not just physically but emotionally as well. It can be a challenge to think about self-care, let alone make time for it. Whether it’s your first child or your fifth, a “village” of support can offer the resources you need.
The Owner/Founder of Golden Gate Doula Associates, Jennifer Darwin started The Village Postnatal Retreat Center after she saw the need for more support in the Postpartum Period. Many of the clients at Golden Gate Doulas would tell her that they just didn't feel ready to go home the day after they gave birth at the hospital. She created the Retreat Center as a way to offer these new families a more enjoyable postpartum period.
Those first few weeks with your baby should be a time you look back on with joyful memories. Getting the support you need for your family is key to creating that positive experience.
Bringing home a new baby can be overwhelming, but we want to help!
It’s because you have to take care of yourself before you can care for others.
When flight attendants give their pre-flight safety instructions, one of the things they tell you is, be sure to place the oxygen mask over your own face first before assisting anyone else, even your own children.
Why is that?
- Miriam and Nick
First Time Parents
"This retreat was awesome! It was so helpful to have some extra sleep and know my baby was well taken care of. Everyone was so warm and helpful to us when my husband and I were basically zombies, learning to be new parents. I highly recommend this service to any and all who are able to use it."
- Anne and Jacob
First Time Parents
Our stay here was amazing! We came with our five week old daughter. Our room had an amazing view of the city & all the luxury you'd expect from the Fairmont. The staff were incredible and so knowledgeable. 5 weeks out was the perfect time for a visit in my opinion. We had experienced enough of parenthood to know what we didn't know, so could ask all of our follow up questions. And after five weeks of caring for a newborn, it was amazing to have rest & rejuvenation. My husband and I had our little girl stay with the kind doulas in the nursery several times during our stay so we could grab a drink together at the Fairmont bar, have some down time, or just enjoy having someone else change diapers :) We even met some other families and got to bond over the experience.
Definitely recommending this to all my pregnant friends!
- Sara S.
"Every interaction, Jen was calm, nonjudgmental, empathetic, caring, and incredibly generous and honest in sharing her knowledge, and educating me on what to expect and potential risks. I always had a thousand questions for her, and she answered them patiently and thoroughly. I trusted her fully, which is saying a lot for me! With her in my corner, I felt a sense of strength, reassurance, flexibility, and preparation."
- Kate and Parker
Second Time Parents
"I stayed at the Village Postnatal Retreat Center after I had my second baby. It was nice to be able to relax and bond with my new baby without all the distractions of being at home. The staff took such good care of us while I recovered and got some much needed rest. They even washed and sanitized all my bottles and pump equipment for me. I didn't have to lift a finger and could just focus on bonding with the baby. I am definitely coming back when I have baby #3!!"
- Alice and Matt
First Time Parents
"Such an amazing stay after a difficult birth and challenging first couple of weeks! It was great to just relax and enjoy the amenities at the Fairmont while knowing my baby was well taken care of."
- Pam and Ryan
First Time Parents
“My husband and I are so grateful that the universe led us to work with Jen. From the very beginning to the absolute end, she was 100% responsive, involved, and supportive. She exudes a warmth, humbleness, and professionalism”
What they're saying
