Antepartum/Postpartum Doula
Families are often displaced from family or do not have family support just after they have a baby. The new family is sleep-deprived and need help finding their way on this new path. A postpartum doula is able to offer that help. Often times postpartum depression can be nipped in the bud by having this kind of help.
ACOG states, “The weeks following birth are a critical period for a woman and her infant, setting the stage for long-term health and well-being. During this period, a woman is adapting to multiple physical, social, and psychological changes. She is recovering from childbirth, adjusting to changing hormones, and learning to feed and care for her newborn In addition to being a time of joy and excitement, this “fourth trimester” can present considerable challenges for women, including lack of sleep, fatigue, pain, breastfeeding difficulties, stress, new onset or exacerbation of mental health disorders, lack of sexual desire, and urinary incontinence '.”
Sometimes a mom is put on bed rest and needs help in the final weeks of her pregnancy. I can assist during this time as well. I am knowledgeable about bed rest situations, new babies, breastfeeding, newborn care and learning to meet your baby’s needs as well as your needs. You may need education before the baby arrives and I can offer this or assist you in offering private classes while you are on bed rest.
I come to “mother the family.” during this time. I often come in after the partner has returned to work. The mom needs a long shower while I hold the baby and perhaps fix her a meal. I will put on a load of dishes, laundry and straighten up the family room. The mom may desire some guidance in soothing techniques and help with breastfeeding. She may need some errands run or need someone to accompany her to a doctor visit to help with the baby. Often if there is a crockpot, I will start dinner or I will prepare dinner to be popped in the oven nearer the meal. If there are siblings of the new baby, I can help with their care. Fixing them lunch and helping with getting them acclimated to this transition is often needed.
Many mothers have found having me come for four hours the first day and then skipping a day to see how they do on their own, then returning the next day for three hours and then skipping another day to finish up the 10-hour agreement is most beneficial. But some moms want a daily visit and others want two five hour days. and others want more than the initial ten hours. Let me know what you initially desire and it can be modified as we go along.
Here are some things offered, but again this can be customized to fit your needs.
10-hour minimum agreement $250, after 10 hours rate is $23/hr.
• Instruction in infant bathing, sleeping, comfort measures, safety issues, and swaddling
• Assistance with breastfeeding
• Watching baby while mom sleeps, showers, etc
• Help with siblings
• Light housework and help with laundry
• Cook meals and even grocery shop if needed and simple errands
Here is the link to the agreement if you want to book this service.
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