Nurturing Families after the birth...

A postpartum Doula is a non-judgmental woman with a quiet presence in your home. Most postpartum Doulas are mothers themselves who have breastfed their own children and enjoy motherhood. By giving emotional and breastfeeding support along with practical newborn care tips and taking care of necessary household tasks such as: grocery shopping; meal preparation; doing the dishes, laundry or tending to your older children. It helps ease your transition into motherhood.

After the baby is born most new mothers and fathers appreciate the support of other women. Many of our mothers and extended family members are not always available to help, and even if they are available, some of our mothers do not have the breastfeeding experience to support a nursing mother. Postpartum Doulas usually work with the family for 3 to 5 hours a day for a week or two.

Motherhood is a major life transition and the adjustment period feels less overwhelming when people are available to address your questions and concerns. It is for this reason that women and their families value the help a Doula offers.

Doulas differ greatly from baby nurses as they are not there solely to tend to the baby’s needs; but to encourage and teach families to care for their own newborn. Doulas are flexible to the needs of each family. They help mothers and fathers to trust their instincts in meeting their baby’s needs.

What Postpartum Doulas Do

   As a Postpartum Doula here in the Tarrant County and surrounding areas, I work in the homes of families who have newborn babies. I take care of the mother, the new baby, and the whole family. I may also take care of many of the household chores that can be difficult to manage even without a new child. Along with being the most fulfilling part of my assignments, it is my goal as your Doula to facilitate the loving bond of the baby with the mother and the family.  

Caring for the Mother

     First and foremost I will be there to "mother the mother," to support and coach you through the first few days with your new child. I will be there to care for your baby allowing you important personal time to rest, shower, read, go for walks, and clear your mind. I will provide assistance with breast feeding, help you set up a breast pump if need be. I am always willing to provide emotional support and the often-needed back rub!!

Caring for the Infant and the Family

     I  have extensive experience in infant care. I can show you many infant care tasks and tips including bathing, nail cutting, feeding, diaper changing and naptime procedures. While I am in your home we will free you from diaper duty and change the baby's clothes as necessary. I  also have an understanding of many of the things that make a baby’s first few weeks difficult including circumcision care, umbilical cord care, colic, diaper rash and cradle cap.  If this is not your first child, my  tasks will naturally include caring for the older siblings and helping them adjust to the new little one.  I  will spend time with them outside (going for walks, playing at the park, etc…) giving you some time alone with your newborn, or in your home, if you have appointments with your baby.

 Housework

     Keeping up with housework can be a very difficult challenge for a new family. I  can help ease this burden by doing some grocery shopping, preparing meals, washing dishes, doing laundry, and generally picking up things around the house. I  can help set up baby furniture including changing tables, cradles, cribs, and playpens, not to mention swings, car seats, and play areas. My  goal is to alleviate the burden of extra housework so you and your family have more time to bond and enjoy your lives.

Fees

     My fee for postpartum doula services is $20 per hour.  There may be a reduced fee if I also serve you at your birth.