Tier One
Our primary focus is the physical and emotional recovery of the birthing person. With our comprehensive understanding of the standard physical and emotional needs of our clients we are prepared to recognize the early signs and symptoms of anything beyond the realm of normal to make sure referrals to medical care take place.
Tier Two
Our secondary focus is the newborns transition to life earth side. We are knowledgeable in infant feeding, sleep support, soothing and skills to help new parents understand their baby and build confidence.
Tier Three
Finally, we help with anything that gets in the way of our first two tiers. We will provide household support by assisting in day to day tasks that may get in the way of postpartum recovery and bonding with the baby. This may include light house work or helping with other children.
A Day in the life of a Postpartum Doula
A day shift is a minimum of 5 hours and would focus primarily on the postpartum person.
Arrival
At the beginning of a day shift we have the chance to talk through feelings and concerns. This time focuses on the postpartum person and their partner.
From this debrief the day progresses in a way best suited to helping the recovering parents. This includes teaching skills and tricks to common struggles, helping with baby laundry, making sure the recovering person is well fed, hydrated and rested.
Departure
At the end of the day we have set you up for success and address any remaining concerns.
A Night in the Life of an Infant Care Doula
A night shift is 10 hours and focuses on the infant so that the recovering person gets as much rest as possible.
✓ safe sleep guidelines
✓ feeding support
✓ Parent to doula hand off
Arrival
The beginning of each night shift starts with what we call a hand off. This ensures that the parents know that the doula has arrived and is taking over care of the baby. We discuss how the day went, concerns for the coming night and how feeding will work through the shift. Parents get to go to bed while the doula sleeps in with the baby.
Overnight
The bulk of the shift is spent in the same room as the baby, sleeping when baby sleeps, caring for all baby needs when awake. If the baby is nursing we bring baby to nursing parent and take baby back when the feed is complete. If the baby is bottle fed we take care of all feedings and help with pumping equipment if needed. We take care of changing diapers and soothing so that our parents get the rest they need to recover. We do follow safe sleep guidelines and require a place to sleep in the same room as the baby.
Departure
The end of the shift is the reverse of the beginning. We debrief the night with the parents, go over things that worked well and any concerns we may have. We make sure that the parents know when the doula is leaving.