how do I see the role of a Birth doula?
A doula guides and supports the birthing person on their journey to becoming a parent with open arms and embraces any race, gender, sexual identity, or religious belief. They bring a positive and empathetic energy to the birthing space.
WHAT DOES THIS LOOK LIKE?
On this life-changing journey, I believe that it is essential that the personal choices, preferences and specific needs of the birthing person are fully honored and supported. I create a non-judgmental safe space with a sensitivity for individual needs, including clients who do not identify as a woman. My role is to support you in whatever birth setting you choose. I guide you toward empowerment by teaching you how to be your own best advocate. I am here to answer your questions with confidence, and to help minimize the inevitable fears, anxiety, and stress surrounding the birthing experience.
how do i see the role of a postpartum doula?
Along with everything mentioned in how I see the role of a Birth Doula, a Postpartum doula helps guide a family after the birth of a baby. They are a vessel of support for those adjusting to this new member of the family. They are an extra set of hands in every sense. Just like birth, Postpartum Doulas are there for emotional and physical support.
what does this look like?
This new adjustment can make even more of an impact than the birth itself. A new baby can often take the care and focus off of the person that has just given birth. With all these new life changes and adjustments happening, it can be challenging for individuals, especially the birthing person to take care of themselves when they are so focused on the new human they have brought into the world. I am here to make you nourishing meals, give newborn care tips, lactation support(however, I am not a lactation specialist but will be happy to refer one if we collectively decide that extra help is needed), processing feelings, cleaning up the kitchen, taking out the dog for a walk, be around for over nights so you/you and your partner can get some much deserved sleep, holding your baby so you can shower or have a moment to yourself, and anything else that makes the person that has just given birth feel supported and taken care of. When my time with you is done, I hope to leave you with the confidence and empowerment of how to be a wonderful parent but also to leave you with the skills of prioritizing their own needs as well.
my role as a sibling doula
Some families want to have their other child/children present for the magical experience of birth. It can be a really beautiful experience to bond as a family. It is incredibly helpful to have an experienced doula present exclusively for your child/children.
A sibling doula is present during labor and birth to support the older sibling(s) as they experience the birth of their new sibling. The sibling doula is there to explain what the children are witnessing in a way that they can comprehend, and to take them out for a break if it ever becomes too overwhelming for them.
As a sibling doula, I help your children process the feelings that arise while seeing their parent laboring and help them feel confident in their own importance as they welcome the new baby into their family. A sibling doula allows the birthing person to focus on the birth knowing that their child/children are being supported and cared for.