How is a Postpartum Doula different than a Birth Doula? What do you do?
A postpartum doula may or may not attend client's birth as a birth doula, but their specialization comes in to play after the birth, when the family is getting settled in their home.
My services might include:
answering questions about postpartum recovery
assisting the parents with learning newborn care skills
breastfeeding information and support
infant care (like diaper/clothing changes, holding while mother is napping/showering, etc.)
nighttime infant care with supported feedings
postpartum massage for mother
infant massage or instruction
referrals to local resources (like new mothers groups, lactation consultants, etc.)
helping with siblings
preparation of light meals or snacks (with the exception of preparing meat, poultry, or fish)
light housework (such as wash dishes, do laundry, pick up toys, etc.)
running small errands
Do you come to our home right after the baby is born? How often and for how long will you continue to come?
This depends on the needs of each family. This is something to think about before the baby (or babies!) is born, and can change after the birth as your needs change. Some families want some time to settle in and bond for a few days before a new person comes in to help; some feel the need for support right away. Some families will only need help for a week or two, some for longer periods of time. Some want help for several hours every day, some only a few days a week. This is something you will decide as your relationship with your baby strengthens with time. It is the doula's job to support you and build your confidence so that she is gradually losing her job!
My Postpartum Doula Services Include:
~One prenatal meeting, in-home service beginning when you request, on-call support for the first two weeks, and referrals as needed. My specific work will depend on the needs and priorities of each family.~
A client's baby girl, born April 2005.
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Daytime Postpartum Doula Services
Contact me for rates. Minimum of three hours per visit.
Nighttime Postpartum Doula Services
Contact me for fees. Minimum of eight hours per visit.
~There is a 10% discount available on postpartum services for those who also purchase my birth doula services.~
My experience as a doula began in late 2000, and I have since completed the DONA training workshops for both birth and postpartum doulas. I have attended a variety of births including VBAC; home, birth center, and hospital; natural and medicated. I have also birthed and breastfed two children of my own. I welcome and am very supportive of all families, traditional or non-traditional.
I am certified in Mother Massage (tm), I am a lactation counselor with Nursing Mother's Council, I am certified in Communtiy First Aid and Adult, Child and Infant CPR with the American Red Cross, and I have attended various seminars, comferences and workshops to continue my education as a doula and birth advocate. I also have a copy of my completed CORI check for the state of MA, which is a criminal background check often required for those who will be working with children. More information about my experiences, as well as references, are available upon request.
It is important to find a doula who is the right match for you, so interview several before making your decision. The best way to find out is to talk on the phone or to meet in person, so...
