Local Resources www.naturalbirthworks.com
Some of the services I can provide:
- hands-on education on infant and mother care
- come alongside the parents and help them to get to know the abilities and talents of their new baby
- create a nurturing, restful atmosphere in which parents may eat, shower and nap
- meal planning
- shop for groceries and prepare meals (adhere to any special diet retrictions)
- play with older children and offer suggestions for how to integrate the new baby into the family
- send time with the baby, allowing parents to cuddle and have quality time with older children or just be alone together
- introduce parenting tips
- screen for hurdles such as breastfeeding challenges or portpartum mood disorders
- make referrals to any local or informational resources that the parents might need
- work myrself out of a job by helping parents to gather the skills and resources that they will need in the upcoming weeks and months
- help to organize the nursery and home
- take care of the baby’s laundry
- offer a listening, non-judgmental ear
"The first few weeks with a new baby are intense, to say the least. A postpartum doula has been where you are. She's an experienced mother who is there to help with the details of keeping a household running smoothly while mom, dad and baby are bonding and getting to know each other. She's there to carefully listen to you, respond to your questions and assist you in a non-judgmental way. As no two babies are alike, there are many answers and many ways to work with your baby."
"Will you be unsure about how well breastfeeding is going or about how you can deal with problems? A postpartum doula's job is to watch and help you with positioning baby onto the breast, achieving a good latch and avoiding soreness. She is trained to screen for problems of a more difficult nature and to make appropriate referrals for finding solutions to those problems. What about bottle-feeding? Cloth diapers versus disposables? What will work better for you and your baby? There are so many questions and a doula can help you work out your concerns through gentle guidance, demonstration and appropriate referrals."
"The decision you make to have a doula will make a huge difference in your recovery from childbirth. Research has proven that doula support can reduce the incidence of postpartum depression, increase breastfeeding success, and enhance bonding. Being well rested and feeling nurtured is an important component to gaining confidence as a parent and a mother!"
