Art of Nursing Postpartum Doulas are women who provide educational and physical support in the home after the birth of your child or children. We provide emotional, physical and breastfeeding support along with practical newborn care. In addition we can assist you in taking care of necessary household tasks such as: grocery shopping; meal preparation; doing the dishes, laundry or tending to the older children, our postpartum Doulas help ease the transition into motherhood.
What specific kinds of service does an Art of nursing postpartum doula offer?
Art of Nursing postpartum doulas offer the following:
- Routine newborn care and guidance or education of the mother in bathing, cord care, diapering, calming techniques, and newborn nutrition and development.
- Breastfeeding assistance.
- Household tasks including laundry, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, and meal preparation.
- Care of older siblings.
- Accompanying mother and baby to pediatrician appointments.
- Running errands.
- We focus on the people of the house more than the housework.
- We are there to help your family integrate your new member while providing support and education.
- Helps to provide rest and nourishment that is essential to healing from delivery and adjusting to the mothering role.
- Provides infant care information and practical applications of proven techniques to calm and soothe your newborn.
Is an art of nursing postpartum doula the same as a "baby nurse"?
Not exactly. A baby nurse typically focuses her care on the newborn alone. And, while our doulas are also nurses, a postpartum doula focuses her care on supporting the parents so that they can best care for their newborn. A doula does not take over care of the newborn, but rather helps the mother in a way that allows her to rest when her baby rests. She also encourages and teaches parents how to care for their newborn, to interpret their baby's cues, and to trust their own instincts in responding to their baby's needs. Most importantly, our doulas individualize the care and services to meet the particular needs of each family.
When should I arrange for postpartum doula care?
It is best to arrange for postpartum doula care a couple of months before your estimated due date. Even though you will not know exactly when your baby will arrive, it is best to contract with us for a postpartum doula in advance so that you can ensure our availability. Of course, at times our doulas will be able to accommodate last-minute clients.
If you wish to contract our services please contact us so we can arrange a meeting with you.
