POSTPARTUM PRESENCE
Most care-models in pregnancy only go so far as the moment of birth, leaving birthing people and parents to struggle on their own across a new and challenging threshold of caregiving. This is why my focus as your doula is preparing you for what’s to come after your baby is earth-side. Our postpartum relationship starts prenatally with our first scheduled visit 2-3 weeks before your EDD. During this prenatal meeting we will co-create a postpartum plan for wrap-around care that engages everyone in your extended support network. Our plan will include scheduled hours together during which I can support you with physical healing, meal prep, and finding your new flow. Outside of our scheduled visits you will also have access to call and text support for any questions and concerns you may have. Our last session will close with attention to any pain points where support is still needed and reflection on your growing toolkit for resiliency in your continuing postpartum.
As your postpartum doula, you will receive my ongoing support through scheduled video or phone calls or in-person visits during which I may assist you with:
Lactation/infant feeding
No-judgement support around your feeding choices
Alternatives to nursing that prioritize bonding and infant health
Addressing challenges to nursing such as latching, supply, and pain or discomfort
Returning to work, pumping, supplementation, and weaning
Referral to Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) for issues outside the scope of normal challenges to chestfeeding
Emotional support
Birthing experience processing through storytelling and somatic guided meditation
Support with identity shifts and transition to parenthood
Postpartum depression screening
Physical healing
Homemade, nutrient-dense bone and/or seaweed broths to promote physical healing from birth and replenish postnatal depletion
Pelvic steams and sitz baths
Scar-care for those recovering from Cesarean birth
Massage and gentle movement for releasing shoulder and neck tension
Overnight care
Support developing a sleep routine that is flexible, adaptable, and sustainable—to continue on nights that I’m not there
Lactation support from bed, assisting you with reclined positions that allow you to safely drift back to sleep
Burping, changing, and getting baby back to sleep while you gain that extra 20-40 minutes of rest in between feeds
Bottle-feeding with expressed milk or formula to protect the integrity of your sleep cycles when needed
Education on infant care
Learning infant cues and communication
Principles of safe sleep
Cloth diapering
Baby wearing and swaddling
Baby massage
Family planning / spacing counseling
Preventing or planning for future pregnancy
Family integration, sibling adjustment, village building
Referrals to culturally sensitive providers and local parenting resources
Virtual sessions: $30 - $100 / hr
In-person visits: $50 - $150 / hr
postpartum Nourishment
It’s easy to focus so much attention on feeding a newborn that we forget to nourish ourselves, or simply never have the time and energy. But postnatal depletion is REAL! Nutritional deficiency following pregnancy and/or nursing can compound with physical exhaustion resulting in trouble with memory retention, concentration, emotional health, hormonal stability, joint and connective tissue healing, immunity and thyroid function. As your postpartum doula, I facilitate abundant, replenishing meals for your whole family that feeds your bodies, your spirits, and the budding bonds between you.
My postpartum clients have the option to add weekly or biweekly food deliveries to their in-person visits. During our initial prenatal session we will collaborate on your meal plan by discussing:
Your dietary preferences, nutritional goals, and needs
Food buying and storage preferences
Ethical and local sourcing of ingredients wherever possible, with respect to seasonal availability and your budget
For each delivery I source ingredients; prepare and portion breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks (depending on your family’s needs); package and transport them safely to your home; refresh and replenish your fridge and freezer; and leave your kitchen sparkly clean! Each delivery will leave you with a variety of foods to throw together nutrient-dense meals on the fly in under 5 minutes—no other prep necessary.
This service is supplementary to my postpartum care; prep time is compensated by an additional hourly rate. For each delivery, I ask that you reimburse the cost of transportation. Please reach out for additional details on fees and logistics.