Helping new families after the birth.

 

After a baby is born most new mothers and fathers can use the additional support of a Postpartum doula. As a postpartum doula I want to help make this time an easier one for new mothers.

Motherhood is a huge change in your life and the adjustment period feels less overwhelming when you have someone to help with your questions and concerns. it is for this reason that a new mother and her partner want the help that a Postpartum Doula can offer.

 Many peoples mothers and extended family members are not always available to help, and even if they are available, some mothers and family members do not have the breastfeeding experience to support a new nursing mother. Most postpartum doulas give breastfeeding support along with newborn care tips, and take care of necessary household tasks.  This can help to ease your transition into motherhood.

 Doulas are flexible to the needs of each family. They are there to encourage and teach families to care for their own newborn. They help mothers and fathers to trust their instincts in meeting their baby’s needs.

Postpartum Doula Services for the Mother and Baby include:

  • Breastfeeding education & support

  • Advice on basic newborn care including feeding, bathing, infant massage, soothing, swaddling, safety issues, dressing, diapering and anything else that you need help with, etc...

 

Postpartum Doula Services for the family include:font>

  • Errand running
  • Meal planning & preparation
  • Emotional support during your transition into parenthood
  • Care & activities for siblings
  • grocery shopping
  • doing the dishes

    • I prefer to meet with you and your partner before you make any final decision about retaining my services. This meeting does not obligate you in any way. if you do choose my services, I will want to meet or talk with you approximately four weeks before your due date to discuss your preferences. At that second planning meeting, I will inform you of times when I may be unavailable. 

    When hired for a night shift, a bed must be provided as ill as a baby monitor if the child is not in the same room. Household chores and errands will not be done after 10 pm or before 8am.

    I am  available for up to 12 hours a day with a 3 hour minimum during the day and a 8 hr minimum at night.

    My fees are between $8-$15 ans hour.  Depending on the duties requested and number of children. A $100 deposit  is due at the time of the planning meeting. This fee is a non-refundable retainer applied to your contract.  Doula services must be paid for at the end of each week or upon completion of the contract, whichever comes first.

    For those further than 20 minutes from me a $2 an hour fee is applied for gas and travel time.

    Breastfeeding help

    I am also available to assist the mother with just breastfeeding and/or pumping and storing her milk. This is $20 an hr with a 2 hour minimum.

    Limitations of Doula Practice:

    • I do not diagnose medical conditions in the mother or the baby but will refer you to a health care provider when appropriate. 
    • I am not a lactation consultant but have taken two advanced courses in breastfeeding and have breastfed my own infants. I will refer you to a lactation consultant as appropriate.

     

    Ten months later, my husband and I still talk about how much we loved Heather!

    What I especially like about Heather is that she was very helpful, but not intimidating. I never felt like she was judging me when I expressed doubts or concerns about how to do something.
    She also made an effort to focus on me, the mother, which I believe was crucial to getting me back in the swing-of-things after childbirth.

    I am sure our experience wouldn’t have been so smooth if it hadn’t been for Heather’s calming and educated presence. We certainly hope to use her again if another baby comes along, and I happily recommend her to anyone I know who asks about using a Doula!

    -Amy