Labor and Love

Postpartum Doula Services

Lara Mattson Radle, M.A.

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What is a Postpartum Doula?

Giving birth to a baby is so much more than a physical phenomenon; it engages parents-to-be in a transformational experience, a key life event full of emotion and meaning.  The role of a postpartum doula is to help a woman through her postpartum period and to nurture the family. Post-partum doulas create a safe place for the mother emotionally. The doula will provide a cushioning effect by accepting the mother within each stage that she passes through. They relieve some of the pressure on the new mother by helping her move into her new responsibilities gradually. By mothering the mother, doulas make sure that the mother feels nurtured and cared for, as well as making sure she is eating well and getting enough sleep. A postpartum doula provides valuable emotional support and guidance, helping a family make a smooth transition into new family dynamics. 

When a family goes home with a new baby, a postpartum doula supports every member of the family unit as a whole, focusing on fostering independence for the entire family.  The doula is as available to the father and older children as to the mother and the baby. A doula respects the partner’s role and input, and teaches concrete skills that will help the partner nurture the baby and mother. The doula will share evidence-based information with the partner that shows how his or her role in the early weeks will have a dramatic positive effect on the family. Treating the family as a unit that is connected and always changing enables doulas to do their job: nurture the family.

A large part of the postpartum doula’s role is education. They share information about baby care with parents, as well as teach siblings and partners to “mother the mother.” They assist with breastfeeding education and teach parents strategies and skills that will improve their ability to bond with their babies.  Self-confidence has a tremendous impact on a person’s ability to approach any task, and parenting is no different. Post-partum doulas are taught to always consider parents’ feelings and always build confidence whenever possible. Doulas accomplish this through praise, acceptance and a non-judgmental approach. A calm baby who is growing well will help parents to feel more confident in their skills. 

What a postpartum doula does changes from day to day, as the needs of the family change. Doula support can last anywhere from one or two visits to more than three months.  The goal of a doula is to nurture the parents into their new roles. As they experience success and their knowledge and self-confidence grow, their needs for professional support should diminish. 

Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers - strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength."

Barbara Katz Rothman

Fees:  Postpartum Doula services must be purchased in at least two hour blocks. Postpartum Doula services are $25 per hour.  Overnights may be available upon request for an additional fee and I am also open to package rates.  I am always available for phone consultation for no fee and I do have a limited number of scholarships available.