What is a Postpartum Doula?
A doula is a “woman caregiver”, someone who is experienced and trained to help the new mother and family. This very meaningful service requires well informed, nurturing, and encouraging support during the first few weeks as new parents.
What is included when you hire After Love for your doula care?
PHYSICAL COMFORT TO THE NEW MOM
- Help mom care for her postpartum body
- Reassure mom to eat and drink plenty of fluids
- Allows her to rest when baby is resting or shower and nurture herself
- Supports her choice to breast, bottle feed and/or pump
- Provides herbs for after birth healing baths
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
- Listen to pregnancy and birth story to help better understand postpartum recovery
- Non-judgmental support for the way you and your family chose to parent
- Complete emotional support for mom during this vulnerable time
- Support Fathers through transition to his new role
- Essential oils for emotional balancing for mother and family
GUIDANCE IN INFANT CARE
- Support mom on her choice for feeding her new baby
- Provides information on newborn care and education
- Enhanced Baby Bonding
- Aids parents in developing their own style for nurturing and growing with their baby
- Baby Wearing
Solutions to common feeding challenges in the first weeks
- Proper storage of breastmilk and formula
- Pumping information, guidance and schedules
Household Assistance
- Prepares small meals and snacks for new mother
- Cleans and prepares bottles and pump parts
- Helps with organizing nursery
- Run Errands: grocery store, supplies, etc.
- Baby’s laundry and other light house cleaning
- Assistance with pets going outside or feeding (I’m a dog lover but only if they love me too) 🙂
Postpartum Doulas do NOT:
- Evaluate mother’s or baby’s medical condition
- Provide transportation for family
- Take over full care of your baby
- Insist on any particular style of parenting
- Heavy housecleaning (mopping, cleaning windows or yard work)
How long does a postpartum doula spend with a family?
Doula support can last anywhere from two visits to around three months. I like to discuss with my clients their desired need for me because my biggest goal is to empower my families not to enable them.
What is my goal as a Postpartum Doula?
My goal as a doula is to nurture my new parents into their new roles as Moms and Dads. As they experience success and their knowledge and self-confidence grows, their needs for my professional support will diminish. My role is to always work myself out of each home I’m in because then I know my parents have the confidence that they can nurture and grow their family without me.
Contact us for more information, or to book an appointment.
Bed Rest Support
Has your Mother-to-be been put on bedrest? Let us supply top notch antepartum doula care! A warm smile, tender conversation, clean sheets and fresh hot meal can do wonders for her spirit and helping her to get through the days ahead waiting for the birth of your sweet new baby.
Bed Rest Support is set to a minimum of 4 hours shifts and can be up to 6 hour shifts per day.
Care Packages:
- 12 hours of care within a 2 week period
- 32 hours of care within a 3 week period
- 60 hours of care within a 4 week period
- Custom package creation is always available for your support needs!
All shifts have a minimum of 4 hours per shift and a maximum of 8-10 hours. If you feel you might need more than the 8-10 hours we can discuss and see how we can make this work to give you the most support needed.
Gift Certificates are available! Contact Us for details.
Contact us for more information, or to book an appointment.
"Kelli is so incredible! I have learned so much from her when it comes to new ways of caring for myself and my baby. Her passion for caring for new moms and babies is truly the most beautiful thing ever. "
- Jessica from Katy, TX
