Postpartum Doula Care
Around the world, the postpartum season is seen as a vital time for mother and baby to bond, establish breastfeeding, and allow the mother’s body and emotions to adjust to her new life as a mother.
With changes in society and culture, this support has been mostly lost. Postpartum doula care fills this vital need during this tender season by helping mothers and fathers gain confidence, bond with their new baby, and providing gentle support for siblings.
As a postpartum doula, I specialize in difficult transitions: challenging recovery periods for mothers and complex feeding issues for babies.
Why a Postpartum Doula:
Research shows some of the benefits of postpartum support:
- Increased breastfeeding rates
- Lower incidence of postpartum depression and mood disorders
- Increased parental confidence and satisfaction in their new roles
- Increased feelings of being cared for and secure
Because each family and baby is unique, postpartum doula support is individualized. Service begins with an in-home visit where I listen and explore your postpartum needs. Together, we’ll develop a care plan—daytime and/or overnight—tailored to your family.
“I have told all of my friends who are expecting or plan to be expecting at any time to hire a postpartum doula and if they are in Nashville to hire Marcie. I have felt better and bounced back more quickly (physically and mentally) than I have with any other baby. (and I just had baby #FIVE!) I told her I wish she was our “Nana” so we could keep her forever. I’m so glad that she is able to serve other families like she did ours. She is truly a gift.” Leah M
Daytime Postpartum Service Includes: $35/hour
- Helping clients formulate a postpartum care plan
- A safe place to share birth experience
- Breastfeeding support
- Support during postpartum adjustments
- Promoting parent-infant bonding
- Information on infant soothing
- Supportive, non-judgmental companionship
- References for educational and community resources
- Assistance with newborn and/or sibling care
- Light housekeeping
- Meal preparation
Overnight Postpartum Service Includes: $40/hour
- Newborn care
- Emotional support
- A listening ear
- Information on resources and referrals as needed
- Breastfeeding support
- Nurturing of mother and baby
- Much-needed support for mother to rest
Immediate After Homebirth Support: $750
Support for the first 12 hours after your midwife team leaves includes:
- Helping develop your postpartum care plan
- Coordinating with your midwifery team about your immediate post-birth health.
- Supporting mom and dad’s sleep
- Preparing food as needed
- Washing birth laundry
- Assisting with baby care and family transition
- Providing breastfeeding support
- Caring for other children as needed
Did you know…
Groaning Parties
During colonial times in America, women in communities came together to care for the new mother and baby for two months. They helped with housework, prepared meals, and cared for the other children. They cared for the mother as she was caring for her baby and recuperating.
The end of the two-month period was marked by the new mother hosting a gathering. This gathering, where the new mother thanked her helpers with a meal, was known as a Groaning Party.
