Postpartum Doula
As your postpartum doula I can assist you with the practical, emotional, and informational support families need during the first 12 weeks with a new baby/s. That support will look different for each family and what I do each day will change according to your specific needs but my goal is always to promote parent/infant bonding while creating balance and organization in the home.
A typical postpartum doula shift will include several of the following:
Informational Support
- Breastfeeding/chestfeeding, bottle feeding, and breast milk pumping
- Identifying normal newborn behaviors
- Information about and screening for postpartum mood disorders
- Referrals to local and national parenting support and practitioners
- Access to my lending library of parenting books
Practical Support
- Light meal and snack preparation
- Infant care while parents nap, shower, or enjoy some time with older children
- Tidying of the home: dishes, nursery organization, baby laundry, etc.
- Escort parents to appointments (especially helpful with twins and other siblings)
- Sibling support- give siblings care and attention in your home while you rest or care for baby
Emotional Support
- Listen to and help you process your your birth story
- Partner support: help your partner/support person adjust to their new role, listen to concerns, etc.
- Discuss postpartum mood changes
- Offer sincere, encouragement as you as you adjust to your new parental role
My results
As your postpartum doula, I will nurture you and your family while you rest, recover and bond with your new baby or babies. I want to help you adjust to the many changes and new challenges you will encounter during the fourth trimester. It is my belief that when you have support, you will feel confident in your parenting and your growing family will flourish.
Karen Kelly Doula
Postpartum doula
serving families in Howard, Carroll, Montgomery, Baltimore, and Anne Arundel County, Maryland