Eastside Doula Care
Postpartum Care
Congratulations! Your new baby is home. Now what? Coming home
with a new baby can be overwhelming. "Will I sleep again?", "Is my baby getting
enough?", "Why won't my baby
stop crying?"
These are some of the questions and concerns parents have as they care for their newest family member. A postpartum doula, with her knowledge, skills and compassion provides essential support.
As a postpartum doula my focus is on supporting parents so that they can best care for their newborn. I do not assume total care of the baby. Instead, I teach and encourage parents to interpret their baby's cues, and to trust their instincts in responding to their baby's needs. I know I have done my job well when parents no longer need me or need me less often.
As a doula I offer breastfeeding assistance, mother care, and emotional support. I teach newborn care including effective ways to soothe your baby. I offer light housekeeping and laundry, some meal preparation, and a shoulder on which to lean. In addition, I have information on the many resources available for families.
I do not offer medical advice. As your postpartum doula, I do not "babysit" for older siblings. However, I will spend time with them so that you can rest and snuggle with your new baby without interruption . In addition, I take care of baby so that you can focus some much needed attention on big brothers and sisters.
Typically I work with families 3 to 4 hours/day and 2 to4 days/week. However, there is really no way to know what a family's needs might be. Therefore, scheduling is flexible. I ask for flexibility from the family in return. If I am at a birth during our scheduled time, we will need to reschedule.
If possible, I encourage you to hire your postpartum doula several months in advance. We will meet at least once prenatally and discuss what you think your needs might be.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an interview, please contact me. I look forward to speaking with you!
Fee:$30/hour with a 3 hour minimum.
Debra Shelden
(425) 681-0736