At this time, I am offering some postpartum services .
Please use contact form to enquire.
What is a Babymoon?
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The Babymoon is a period of time following the birth of a baby.
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It is the time for the mother to "lay-in", and for the family to lay low.
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The Babymoon is the time to rest & heal, particularly from C-sections & exhausting or traumatic births.
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It is the time to get to know & bond with your new baby.
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It is the time to adjust to your new life as a parent for the first time, or your life with a larger family.
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The amount of time can vary from a couple of weeks, up to what is called the whole fourth trimester.
Postpartum Doula Care
As a postpartum doula, I do whatever a new mother, you, needs to best enjoy and care for her new baby. I make sure you are rested, fed, well hydrated and comfortable. I relieve some of the pressure on you by helping with meals, chores and older children. I can give you time alone with your baby, or time alone with your older children, or simply time alone for your own self-care and rest.
An important part of what I do as a postpartum doula each visit is chat with mom. During this time, I offer you a friendly ear, validation, reassurance, comfort, encouragement, non-judgmental support, and companionship. I am not scared or shocked by the expression of distressing feelings. Any number of topics may be discussed (see list below.) While we talk, I will also learn what you will need that day.
In my postpartum doula role, I share information about baby care with both parents, including what I call “the baby user manual,” baby-hacks, baby cues, crying, soothing, baby sleep, baby feeding, baby wearing, baby massage, routines, tummy time, spouse-baby bonding, parenting styles (ie, how attachment and responses to baby relate to the 4 basic parenting styles, and the many other approaches, Plus getting on the same page with your spouse.)
As a postpartum doula, I can offer practical and emotional breastfeeding support, information, latching, trouble shooting, and resources.
For the partners and children of breastfeeding mothers, I will demonstrate how to “mother the mother” to ensure you have what you need to stay happy and strong through what may be hours of feedings per day and night, plus possible self-doubt, the baby blues, or a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder.
I am trained to help parents prepare themselves for parenthood. As parents gain knowledge and experience, their self-confidence grows.
I can also help my clients screen themselves for perinatal (postpartum) depression and anxiety, and will give information for self-referrals to appropriate support services as needed. (12 - 25% of new moms develop postpartum depression in the first year. Click here to see the basic facts about Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs.) Click this link for resources.)
Our visits can be two to three hours or full days, once per week or several times per week. Often, nights are also an option. Phone and Text Support can be offered 24 hours when you need it.
What does
"Postpartum Doula" Mean?
Although "Postpartum" is a common term meaning "after childbirth," "Doula" is an old term for a relatively new idea. The term "Doula" was first used in this context in 1969, but didn't make it into the dictionary until 2023.
It is derived from the Ancient Greek word δούλα (ntoúla) or meaning "servant woman" or "female slave." It now means "assistant, support, guide" in different contexts, and can include all genders.
The first and most common doulas are Birth Doulas, followed by Postpartum Doulas.
For thousands of years, women have come to help each other when a new baby arrives. Extended families of many cultures have benefited from living together for support at just such times: the older women passing down knowledge to the younger women who then gain self-confidence, and their own experience to pass along.
In today’s fast-paced world with extended families often living in different cities, new moms are often left to fend for themselves at this wondrous but possibly overwhelming time.
This lack of family support is how Postpartum Doulas came to be.
Getting Started
Choosing & Hiring
Your Postpartum Doula
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Read my webpage. Look over the supports & topics.
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Contact me early in your 3rd trimester.
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Meet me & see if I am right for you.
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Think about the kinds of support & doula package you may like.
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When you are ready, but at least 4 weeks before your due date, book an appointment with me to Plan Your Babymoon using my booklet.
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When baby is born, I will visit you in the hospital.
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When you are home, I will be available to you by phone, text, Facebook messenger, and email 24/7.
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We will arrange times for me to visit.
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Then you can relax knowing that you and your family will be looked after.
As a Postpartum Doula, Early Childhood Educator & Parent Coach, Heidi is trained to support families.
Our Prenatal Planning Visits
Planning your babymoon! Informative discussions arise as we break down the issues and build up your confidence while we go through my Babymoon Workbook.
The transition to parenthood is a rite of passage. Whether this baby will be your first, your fifth, twins, or coming to you through adoption, you will have a new and life changing experience.
Let's give you the best chance to enjoy the Magical Months Postpartum.
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Myths and old wives tales
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Fears and feelings
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Talking through traumatic birth
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Physical aspects of birth recovery
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Bonding- your feelings, spouse-baby bonding techniques, siblings
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Breastfeeding- support, pain, supply, issues, storage
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Pumping
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Formulas- types, pros and cons, preparation, storage
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Bottle styles
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Baby blues vs. Postpartum depression
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Skin to Skin, Kangaroo Care
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Baby Senses and Reflexes
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Swaddling- safety, pros, cons, do’s and don’t, ages
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Crying and body language- cues, hunger, tired, uncomfortable (due to hot/cold/position/diaper/gas) pain, sick, sucking needs, wants to be held, bored, over stimulated, none of the above.
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6 States- quite and active alert and quite and active asleep, drowsy and crying
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Ways to calm a crying baby. eg. 5 S’s- swaddle, suck, shush, swing, side
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Sleep- Where? Routine? Dream feeds
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Becoming a mom
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Hopes and dreams
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Couple time, making time, sex
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Spouse- expectations, reality
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Family dynamics
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Special time with older children
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Daytime Activities- floor activity gym, tummy time, massage, talk/read/sing/dance/explore, bouncy seat, swing, outside
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Routines vs schedules
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Attachment styles
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Pacifiers- whether to introduce, when to use, weaning from
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Colic/ Reflux/ Allergies
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Diaper Rashes- regular, allergy, yeast
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Cradle cap/ Acne
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Umbilical Cord
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Poo
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Diapering choices
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Vaccinations
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Safety- mattress, bedding, change tables, toys, safety for toddlers
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Older siblings adjusting to the new baby, sibling rivalry
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Dealing with outdated and unwanted advice
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Dealing with your mother, your in-laws and friends
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Dealing with visitors
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Parenting styles- Getting on the same page with your spouse.
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About all various parenting methods
" What Shall We Talk About Today? "
When I visit, we can talk about whatever interests you. My list is to give you ideas of topics.
We can share experiences, feelings, and information as we chat about any of these topics.
