Postpartum Doula Support
My role as a postpartum doula is to provide gentle guidance and hold space for you as you adjust to life with your new little one.
I also offer guidance on newborn care from a holistic perspective, including support with integrating an older sibling into life with a new baby. Feeding your baby is just one part of the puzzle, and cultivating a secure attachment from the very beginning with your babe is one of my core beliefs. I believe that newborns should be held and cuddled for most hours of the day, while also recognizing that you cannot be your best self or parent if you are depleted and exhausted. I help parents create gentle rhythms in the first weeks that support your baby’s needs, your growing family dynamic, and your own well-being, including finding ways to stay nourished and at least somewhat rested. Whatever is on your mind or bringing up questions, from diapering and bathing to healing a perineal tear or performing scar massage after a cesarean, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, sibling transitions, and everything in between, I am there to support you in being the best parent you can be.
Most families desire support around lactation and breast or chestfeeding their baby, and many find that in-home support is incredibly helpful. Assistance with finding a good latch, exploring different nursing positions, and receiving guidance on what to expect from both your body and your baby can make a meaningful difference as you embark on this journey together.
Sometimes, the most helpful support I can offer is an extra set of hands. Whether you need laundry folded, pump parts and bottles washed and dried, support with caring for an older child, or someone to hold your baby so you can shower or nap, I am happy to provide any and all of these things.
I am also trained to assess for signs and symptoms of postpartum mental health disorders, medical emergencies, and complex breastfeeding issues, and I will refer you to the appropriate professional as needed.
I primarily work with insurance, which offers a different model for postpartum doula care than what is typical. Insurance-covered visits are offered in one and three hour sessions, and you can learn more about what insurance covers here. During these visits, I come to your home to check in with you, provide guidance on all of the above, and possibly help you fit in a shower. Three hour visits offer more flexibility in the type of support I can provide.
I see the value of this model as continuity of care. In hospital-based care settings, you may see a different provider at each prenatal visit, have another person attend your birth, and then see different providers again during postpartum check-ins. Having someone by your side who has supported you through pregnancy, attended your birth, and continues to see you postpartum is, in my opinion, an essential part of care, especially during the perinatal period. Knowing you, your history, and what is normal for you allows me to better assess what support you need and when to seek additional help.