As Postpartum Doulas, RMDS offers a lot of care that is typical to the job. Some examples are assisting with breastfeeding, offering education, companionship and nonjudgmental support, offering baby wearing and cloth diapering support, evidence-based information on infant feeding, infant soothing, emotional and physical recovery from birth and coping skills for new parents and making appropriate referrals when necessary. But there are other experiences that Postpartum Doulas have….
-cuddling a sleeping baby and hoping you can make that transition to the crib
-helping baby breastfeed, while mom is sleeping (overnights)
-baby baths
-walking baby stroller on a movie set because mom is in the industry
-washing baby clothes
-playing pokemon cards with a sibling
-making waxing appointments for mom while loading the dishwasher
-rocking a colicky baby all night once a week so mom can get SOME sleep
-sweeping while singing baby beluga to an older sibling
Our role as a postpartum doula is to support a new mother. We do nearly everything (minus yard work and bathrooms!) If that means making her feel supported, comfortable and confident by keeping her precious new baby safe and cared for while Mom goes to the gym, gets her nails done, gets a physical from her care provider, has a nap or shower then that’s what we do. We are trained professionals that have seen many, many babies, understand child development and know the community well for referrals. We are not teenage babysitters that are eating chips and using you for free wifi, we are doing this job to educate the mother and to mother your own intuition.
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