What does it mean to have a doula for postpartum?
If you have made it this far, you probably are contemplating working with a doula for your postpartum period or at least finding out more about what a doula does. The same definition is everywhere, A person that you hire as a part of your birth team that provides continuous emotional support, comfort and knowledge during your postpartum period. But what does that look like for you?
The beauty of working with a doula is that ultimately YOU get to decide how you are best supported. Are there standard things that I know to do? Sure, of course I am a professional! However, I have never supported the same person or family the exact same way because, everyone needs and processes differently.
So are you just a babysitter?
Nope.
There is nothing wrong with some babysitting to be clear. However, working with a postpartum doula is so much more than that. I am there is assist in the running of the entire families emotional state holistically. The families I work with are my rainbows, I take great pride in navigating them through their postpartum healing times in ways that help them feel seen and less like a sleep deprived zombie in old PJ’s
Infant Feeding Support
As someone with extensive training in infant feeding I can assist with troubleshooting feeding troubles that may come up, and if I don’t know how to help I have a Rolla deck of other local professionals for referrals that can, Buffalo is an amazing place for feeding resources!. Whether breast or bottle, I can help you ( and support whatever feeding choice you have made regardless of why you made it).
Improved Communication and Trust
Doulas can facilitate better communication between the birthing person and their healthcare workers, partners and family to bring and a more positive postpartum experience.
different types of postpartum support
When I am your doula you have on-call phone and email support throughout your pregnancy, I will be checking in periodically to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible, if you are also working with me for your birth as well you will pretty much be getting a full-time person to bounce everything off of. I get to know you and your support person, I ask questions, get curious about the things that matter to you and the values that you hold dear, and then I have the privilege of holding and caring for you and your family in the most open, raw and transitional time of any persons life. And it is my honor to do so.
Okay…I’m with you, But how much does it cosT?
Well that also depends on your needs. Each family gets their own package customized to their needs this means that prices will vary from doula to doula and package to package. I personally do use an income based scale when appropriate. If there is a specific amount you don’t want to go past etc, we can definitely talk about it postpartum is a stressor enough discussing the money doesn’t need to be extra stress added so I try to make it as streamlined as possible.
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Casey Gillen-Young 