I had first heard of doulas once I was pregnant with my first child. As I researched all things I should know as a newly pregnant mom. I only came across birth doulas though. I didn’t end up hiring a birth doula because my midwife was brilliant and doubled as one for me. This worked in my case… for the most part. I still ended up with a difficult labor.
It wasn’t until 6 months after my second child that I even HEARD of postpartum doulas. As I learned more, I was like “Oh man I wish I had this a few months ago.” A postpartum doula would have been so helpful to me as I struggled with depression and anxiety.
I had been searching for years for an alternative career. I am originally a Physical Therapist. But knew I needed something different. (that’s a whole other blog post!) Once I found out about postpartum doulas I was sold!
So what is a Postpartum Doula? A Postpartum Doula is another type of doula that helps moms after delivery to back home to life with a newborn. Some of the services a postpartum doula may provide are:
- holding the baby so mom can go for a walk or have a shower
- reduction of anxiety and depression through meaningful conversations
- sibling integration
- breastfeeding troubleshooting
- breastfeeding tips
- nutritional meals/lightcooking
- picking up groceries
- newborn care/sleeping tips
- retelling of birth stories
- bone closing cremonies
Due to my traumatic births and difficult postpartum, I felt a passion light up in me to help other moms have a better experience and feel supported during their pregnancy and postpartum. I saw the misinformation I had, and lack of support and knew it didn’t have to be that way. Having a postpartum Doula is a game changer for any mom.
Its been a privilege to serve in this role. I find that even when I have discovery calls with potential clients, they find relief in my voice over the phone just knowing that someone will be there for them after having their baby!
What I love is helping people heal after giving birth. This may include healing of their mind, body and emotions. Bringing awareness to nutrition, rest and gentle exercises. Helping the whole family transition seamlessly to having a new baby in the house is so awesome.
Now due to covid-19, many families are leaning towards more social distancing especially with a new baby. I offer virtual postpartum services to help with the gap in care. I can do so much over video chatting and phone calls. Just being there for a new mom is what’s important!