Postpartum Doula Services

Postpartum Doula Care and More,
for your New Family

Serving Dufferin, Simcoe, Peel, Grey/Bruce and Beyond

The birth of a baby represents a profound and permanent life change for the parents and other family members. After nine months of pregnancy and the stresses of labour and birth, a family is born or enlarged. For new parents the challenges are numerous— recovery from birth; responsibility for a tiny newborn; sleeplessness; emotional changes; mastery of feeding and care; adjustment to the unique personality of their baby; and household organization. With these challenges; support, advice and assistance in the time following birth is essential. The ways in which the mother, baby, partner and siblings make the transition to a new family has a long-term impact on their overall health. The postpartum doula fills a gap in maternity care and is able to facilitate a smooth and rewarding transition.

What does a Postpartum Doula DO?

What a postpartum doula does changes from day to day, as the needs of the family change. Postpartum doulas do whatever a mother needs to best enjoy and care for her new baby. A large part of my role is education. I share information about baby care with parents, as well as teach siblings and partners to “mother the mother.” I assist with breastfeeding education. Postpartum doulas also make sure the mother is fed, well hydrated and comfortable.

Doula support can last anywhere from one or two visits to more than three months. The goal of a doula is to nurture the parents into their new roles. As they experience success and their knowledge and self-confidence grow, their needs for professional support should diminish. We are one of the few professions who WANT to work ourselves out of a job!

Ideally, we like to meet with you before the birth of your baby, to discuss your plans and expectations, and to help prepare you for the days to come.

Benefits of Having a Postpartum Doula include:

  Increased chance for successful and longer breastfeeding.
Reduces chance of infant dehydration and hospitalization with health
            complications.
Less maternal exhaustion, frustration, and apprehension during early
            weeks.
Reduction in unnecessary calls to the pediatrician.
Partner back to works sooner with less anxiety about support at home
             for mom.
Greater understanding of newborn emotional needs and behaviour.
More independent control of baby’s care due to early education  and
            positive experience.
Earlier bonding.
Doulas have access to resources in the community that a Mother
             may not know about.

Fees

Please call us to discuss our fees. They are based on a sliding scale, and will be individual to the family and their situation. Packages are available.

Postpartum Doula Care makes a GREAT baby shower gift - please contact me about arranging a custom certificate for the Mom or Mom to be!