postpartum doula services

As a postpartum doula my role is to provide regular, in-home support in the first weeks or months after your baby arrives.

The first 6 weeks after birth (and beyond) has the potential to be a transformative, positive experience.  I was fortunate enough to have the help of a postpartum doula with an Ayurvedic background after the birth of my second son and she confirmed my belief that having a doula during the postpartum can have an incredible, positive impact. She inspired me to pursue training as a postpartum doula so that I could offer the same level of knowledgeable, empathetic, and intuitive care that I received from her.

My formal training for postpartum work is through Birth Arts International Postpartum Doula training, and Heart of Herbs Herbal and Aromatherapy course.  I have also studied Ayurvedic practices in the 42 days after birth, and am currently doing a comparative study of Chinese traditions.

Benefits of receiving care from a postpartum doula:

• Increased chance of breastfeeding successfully.
• Increased earlier bonding with mother and the whole family unit.
• Less chance of infant dehydration and hospitalization with health difficulties due to educated care
• A reduced amount of maternal postpartum depression and shorter duration and easier for mother to cope with it if it occurs
• Less maternal exhaustion, frustration, trepidation and anxiety during early weeks.
• Reduction in unnecessary calls to pediatricians
• The Partner can get back to work sooner with less anxiety
• More of an understanding of newborn emotional and physical needs and behavior
• More care choices, tools for dealing with relations and others.

How it works:

• Schedule an initial meeting (this is offered free of charge and takes place in my South Philadelphia office)
• I make one in-home visit in the third trimester during which you familiarize me with the layout of your home, the kitchen, laundry area, etc.
• We arrange a tentative schedule that I will keep reserved around the time of your due date
• You or your partner/spouse contact me when you are settled at home and arrange the start date and confirm the schedule

What I provide:

• Breastfeeding support
• Meal preparation*
• Mother care
• Newborn care and instruction
• An ear to listen
• Information about your body and your baby during the postpartum period
• Light cleaning and laundry
• Light shopping (groceries, etc. are not included in my fee – we can set a budget and I will provide receipts for reimbursement)

*My culinary background is a mix of Ayurvedic and “Nourishing Traditions” styles with a focus on whole foods prepared in a way that is warming and easy for the mother to digest. I am also comfortable cooking for those with dietary restrictions such as vegetarians, vegans, and those with food sensitivities.

What I don’t do:

• I do not provide babysitting services
• I do not provide transportation
• I do not provide medical services (Pediatric or Maternal)

Please see the calendar below for my availability.