Right From the Start LTD.

The postpartum Doula...

        The postpartum period is a very special time for families. In traditional cultures around the world, postpartum is respected as an important transition from pregnancy to motherhood. These cultures value a time honored tradition called the "nesting period". This is a time for mothers to rest and recover from birth, get to know their babies, and learn how to care for them in a supportive, nurturing environment. Our society does not honor the postpartum transition, nor does it acknowledge the challenges new mothers face. As a result, most moms return from the hospital with little or no support system in place. They are isolated and expected to immediately resume all household tasks to include this new job of caring for a newborn baby. One study showed that baby care and basic household tasks alone added up to 16-18 hours of work per day. It's no wonder that postpartum moms can find themselves exhausted, overwhelmed, depressed and trying to manage all this with little or no assistance.

This is where the Postpartum Doula comes in..she is a mother's helper. She is able to bring comfort to a sleep-deprived mother without "taking over". A postpartum doula is able to run errands, give breastfeeding tips, and assist with baby care, household activities, meal preparation and support to the new parents. The time after the baby is born, is the most demanding. Assurance and reassurance that you are doing things right is the first priority. Being a first time mom can be an overwhelming. The doula encourages the mom to trust her natural instincts and develop confidence in her role as a mother. This is a vital part of getting your new babies life off to a great start. My goal is to support the parents to develop your own parenting style, which I will encourage and respect. 

My postpartum services offer the following support...

A friendly smile

Non-judgmental listening

Nurturing of the new family

Assist family with newborn care

Light postnatal massage for mom

Assist with breast/bottle feeding 

Early evaluation & detection of symptoms of postpartum depression

Postpartum comfort measures for either vaginal or c-section deliveries

Guidance in infant care and soothing

Help you learn to listen to your baby

Swaddling and diapering

Instruction on baby wearing

Newborn & Infant Massage instruction

Baby's wash/nursery organization

Light tidying around the house

Small errand running

Preparing simple meals for mother and siblings

Help with sibling care while you shower or rest (not babysitting)

Providing "traffic" control for phone calls & visitors

Non-medical physical and emotional support to mother as she explores her feelings about the birth and her new role as mother

Parenting information

Referrals out to appropriate agencies when needed

The services listed above are what is included in every contract regardless of use. Included in postpartum services you will have the option of choosing 2 of the educational classes offered by the practice at no additional cost if contracted before delivery (with exception of childbirth education classes).

Postpartum Packages

All daytime packages have a 3 hour per day minimum.

*Extra Hands Package ~ 6  daytime hours ~ A little nervous about your homecoming or feel like you need 2 more hands?  Excited by the idea of having non-judgmental, educational support to ease your transition from hospital to home then, this package is for you!

*Welcome Home Package  ~ 12 daytime hours ~ Now that baby has arrived let me give you the VIP treatment at home with in-home education and pampering. 

*Settling In Package ~ 24 daytime hours ~ Having extra help not only aids in mom's healing, but creates a calm environment for the family. This package helps get your family into a routine and gets your new journey off to a great start. (To be used over a 30 day period.)

*Right From the Start Package ~ 42 daytime hours ~ This is our extended care package. Having a new/larger family can be tough and take sometimes takes longer to get things settled. This package is great for multiples or when there are young children already in the house. (To be used over a 30 day period.)

Call for current rates

*Moonlighting Package ~ 18 hours, (3 nights) 6 hr increments from 10pm to 5am ~ Focuses primarily on baby care to insure that the baby is properly cared for while the new parents rest and catch up on sleep (this helps get you ready to enjoy taking care of baby without being sleep deprived during the day).

It can include: 

• Assess and help with breastfeeding
• Diaper and burp baby, so that mom does not need to move around - she can just stay cozy in her bed to feed and snuggle baby
• Bring snacks and beverages to the mother while feeding her baby at night
• Prepare pump supplies or bottles for the next feeding or the next day
• Taking the contentedly fed baby to another room and help the baby to go back to sleep, so parents can sleep soundly between feedings

Package Fee $575.00 

*Breastfeeding Support Package

Having the right support during the first few days and weeks can be critical for successful breastfeeding.

I provide one on one breastfeeding support and education in your home. This service is available to you in a package.

This includes:

• 2 days, consecutive or spaced out (every other day works well)
• 2 hrs each day
• 24/7 phone & email support for 2 weeks during your contract (starting first day of contract and ending 2 weeks from starting day)
• Private "Breastfeeding 101" class in your home
• Resource list for local breastfeeding mom's support groups in your area

During our support sessions you will learn:

• how to prepare yourself & baby for a successful feeding
• proper latch on & correction of latch on problems
• positioning techniques
• burping techniques and importance
• how to tell if your baby is getting enough
• how to pump & store breast milk
• answering any and all questions related to breastfeeding

Package Fee: $150.00

Initial interview is free for all services when done at my home. If you would like me to travel to your home for initial interview there is a $25.00 service charge for travel. Contract signing and consultation to plan your needs takes place in your home and is free of charge.

Please visit classes page for a list of classes and support offered during the postpartum period.