Post-partum Doula Care
Introduction
Throughout history & in diverse cultures worldwide, women have traditionally been treated with great honor,
respect, & tenderness after giving birth with other women gathering to care for her and her home/family
until the period of “lying - in ” was ended (usually between 21 - 42 days post - partum). In modern times,
especially in westernized culture, this time of rest, recovery, & adjustment has been eliminated. Fewer
and fewer women will/can take the time needed to recover from the birth pro cess and bond with their
baby because of the lack of social support, no close/nearby family network, returning to work by choice
because of financial need, or simply thinking they are supposed to do it all themselves. This combination
of factors has lead to the rise of the doula. Doula is an ancient greek word for “servant” -- recently,
the loose translation of “woman who serves” h as become the modern, more familiar version of the word.
Doulas (many professionally trained) traditionally assist women through the birth process, post - partum,
or both. The services I offer are for the post-partum period -- a time when support usually dro ps for
the mom and all attention is focused on the new baby. The celebration of new life is a vital component
to our society; h owever, just as a child is born, so is a mother -- no matter how many children she has
or if the child is adopted. I believe reve rence should be given to any mother who brings life into the
world and for the new family that has been created.
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Description of Services
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Breastfeeding Support~
Through evidence-based research & practical knowledge, I offer new
moms helpful hints, troubleshooting, and encouragement until breastfeeding
is well established. If needed, I will refer you to the local La Leche
Leader or a lactation consultant (see “Resource List”).
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Emotional Encouragement~
Some moms are very sure of
their abilities with their new baby, others may be nervous or uncertain.
By giving assurance of mom’s intuition and innate skills, confidence
will be boosted. Along with this, I also provide reliable information
about the normal progression through the post-partum period and “open
ears, closed mouth” for mom to freely discuss what she may be feeling.
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Sleep Breaks~
Whether a new mom has very high expectations
for herself (“I can do it all myself”) or does not have a network
of family/friends to help, it is very easy for her to become exhausted,
fatigued, or manic due to sleep deprivation. Learning to care for
and tending to a new child’s needs is difficult after giving birth...mom
needs time to recover so she can offer her best to her family. I will
provide mom the opportunity to catch up on much needed sleep by tending
to older siblings, taking messages from well-wishers who may stop
by, caring for the new baby, etc. ~Meal Preparation~ Excellent nutrition
is the basis for excellent health. New moms, especially while nursing,
need to be well nourished to maintain wellness, energy, & caloric
intake. Meals will be provided based on needs/desires expressed from
the “Food Preferences” page. One family meal or mommy meal is included
in service price of large time blocks, all other meals will require
additional monies.
-
Light Housekeeping~
Housekeeping is part of my
services as a courtesy for new moms who are needing help keeping up
with daily routine cleaning. The following list gives an idea of what
will be provided:
~ Running a load of laundry
~ Doing a load of dishes
~ Changing the linens on mom’s bed
Other housekeeping items may be added, but will be addressed
by individual need.
-
Shopping for Essentials~
Along with gathering food
for meal preparation, I will also shop for necessary household items
& run quick errands for mom. Monies for additional items are not included
in the services price.
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Optional Add-on Services~
~ Birth Recovery Yoga~ Series of 6 classes geared towards
post-partum recuperation.
~ Post-partum Massage (in-home)~ One-hour
massage to relieve stress and alleviate discomforts in a new mom’s
body.
~ Infant Massage Instruction~ Parents/caregivers learn techniques
for daily massage, as well as, skills for easing colic and other baby
discomforts.
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Price List
- $20 per hour
- $350 per 20-hour time block
- $600 per 40-hour time block
- $800 per 40 hour time block w/add-ons included
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