What is a Postpartum Doula?
A Postpartum Doula works beside mom and dad to help them succeed at making the home a peaceful place in the first days of family bonding. Childbirth can be an emotional and exhausting time. A Postpartum Doula can be a wonderful helper and friend for a new mother and for her family. The role of a Postpartum Doula is to "Mother the New Mother". As a non-judgmental caregiver, she assists the new mother with her recovery from the birth experience, allowing her to focus on the needs of the new baby. Helping the new family by demonstrating practical newborn care.
A Postpartum Doula draws upon her personal experiences and professional training when parents requests advice or assistance. She will only offer recommendations if asked. Empowering mom and dad to feel strong and confident about parenting is a Postpartum Doula's main goal.
Postpartum Doula Services
Physical Support
Help mom care for her postpartum body; Massage mom's shoulders or feet; Talk over the birth experience; Help & Assist with breastfeeding; Help with tending to the new baby; Help with tending to siblings
Emotional Support
Listen to the birth story; Validate the normal adjustment process; Support mom through emotional vulnerability; Help siblings adjust to the presence of the baby; Help mom learn to feed her baby; Demonstrate infant care techniques
Household Support
Light Housekeeping; Baby's laundry; Grocery Shopping; Meal Preparation; Run Errands; Help with pet care
Additional Support
I will tailor my services to meet your individual needs; 24 hour a day telephone support is proved with all Postpartum Doula contracts; A postpartum doula is especially helpful when mom is recovering from a cesarean delivery.
Limitations:
A Postpartum Doula Does Not:
Diagnose medical conditions for the mother or the baby, but will refer you to a healthcare provider.
Take over the care of the baby, but assists you in learning to care for your baby's needs.
Do heavy cleaning such as mopping or cleaning tubs.
Advance money for purchases, but will ask you to provide cash for groceries, etc.
Fees:
Most new moms prefer to have their postpartum doula come for a few hours every day for a week or two. A per hour fee is available as well as weekly packages. My minimum contract is 4 hours of postpartum doula care. A postpartum doula makes a wonderful gift for the new mother. Gift certificates are available. Please contact the doula, Yvonne Moore, for rate and payment plan information.
More and more of today's mothers are requesting the assistance of a doula. By retaining the services of a postpartum doula, mothers are planning ahead to meet the needs of their growing family.
