A combination of Latin and Greek, it literally means “after childbirth servant woman.” For thousands of years, women have come to help each other when a new baby arrives. Extended families of many cultures have lived together for support at such times; the older women passing down knowledge to the younger women who then gain their own experience and self-confidence. In today’s fast-paced world with extended families living apart, new moms are often left to fend for themselves in this wondrous but possibly overwhelming time. This lack of family support is why Postpartum Doulas came to be. Postpartum Doulas support new moms, newborns and their families at any point during the first few months after the birth of a baby. Postpartum Doulas offer practical help, reassurance, nonjudgmental support, information and companionship. “Research evidence shows that the quality services of a postpartum doula can ease the transition that comes with the addition of a baby to a family, improve parental satisfaction and reduce the risk of mood disorders.” DONA (Doulas Of North America.) With 20 years of rewarding experience I have worked with babies, young children and their parents in many capacities. A trained Early Childhood Educator, I have been the owner of Kindercastle Family Child Care, a Preschool Teacher and a nanny for many families. Nurturing and intuitive, my clients say I am easy to talk to. I am dedicated to helping families create healthy physical and emotional environments where parents enjoy being parents and children grow and thrive. As a Postpartum Doula, it is a privilege to support families at this precious time. Together we can cover specific questions you may have about the care of your newborn(s) such as feeding, sleeping, or soothing. We can address topics related to having a new baby in the family, such as feelings about everyone’s new roles, lifestyle changes, bonding, the baby blues or sibling jealousy. I can help Dad feel more comfortable with baby and mother care. Most of all, I will take care of YOU! I will be your cheering section! I will make sure YOU are eating and sleeping. I’ll hold the baby while you take a shower or have Special Time with older children. My service includes light housework - dishes, laundry and tidying so you can be with baby or recover. Postpartum Doulas are especially helpful after a C-section and during recovery from birth. I can assist with multiples or a high needs baby. I’ll run errands, help before or after school, organize kids’ rooms or playrooms, and do almost anything else that would make your life easier. To start, we will meet. We can get to know each other and you can decide if this is something you want to do. I have lists of tasks and topics you might want assistance with. Once you decide to hire me, I am available to you by phone, text, email and facebook. Next, we can get together to plan the Babymoon. Once the baby is home, we can arrange times for me to visit. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or to book a consultation. It is best to meet before baby comes so I can help you to plan an easier Babymoon, but if you have already had your baby, that is great too!
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A postpartum doula may visit one or more times per week, 2 or more hours per visit. I can come over regularly or on call. My rates are very reasonable. My base fee is $15/ hour. Ask me how you can get 20-50% off!! :D
If you are not sure what you are looking for, I have packages available:
The Breastfeeding Support Package $120
-One hour Planning the Babymoon session
-One hospital visit
-24 hour phone support
-3 visits of 3 hours each in the first 2 weeks postpartum
The Growing Family Package $240
-One hour Planning the Babymoon session
-24 hour phone support
-6 visits of 3 hours each to be used in the first 3 months
The Growing Family Expansion Package $225
- 24 hour phone support
- 6 visits of 3 hours each to be used in the first 3 months
The Busy Family Package $400
-when baby is 4 to 12 months old
-4 hours per day, 2 days per week for 4 weeks
I also offer gift certificates great for shower gifts! For more information on doulas, check out pgdoulagroup.com
