Postpartum Doula Care

The care of an experienced postpartum doula can dramatically ease the newborn transition period for the family. The reality for many parents today is that their immediate families live far away, or are for some other reason unable to directly support the needs of the new family. Doulas help re-create the village that traditionally nurtured, honored and served a new mother and family.

Home postpartum care cocoons the family in the early weeks, making the transition more gentle and joyful.

❊   My Role as Your Postpartum Doula

Home Postpartum Care may include any of the following: breastfeeding support, herbal baths (for mother and baby), baby care, caregiver instruction in infant massage and baby wearing, moxibustion, acupressure, vaginal steams, foot rubs, light housekeeping, sibling care, and preparation of deeply nutritious meals.

“You really helped me move through those early days with grace.”
-Hope O., first-time mother

❊   The Benefits of Postpartum Doula Care

It’s a common misconception that home postpartum doulas are only for families struggling with postpartum depression. Although an experienced postpartum doula can be a very valuable member of the support team in such situations, most families choose to bring a postpartum doula into the picture simply to relieve some of the stress of the early weeks and months. The doula helps ease the way for all kinds of family situations: aiding healing after a cesarean; supporting parents of multiples or singletons; helping first-time parents or those with other children at home; being there for couples who want to nest in together and enjoy a deeply nourishing babymoon with their new baby.

I can provide helpful guidance with your breastfeeding questions so you and your baby become attuned to each other as a nursing couple. I can show you how to determine whether your baby is feeding enough, and how to make those feedings more easeful. You will learn practical strategies for adjusting to the many physical, social and emotional changes of the postpartum period. Research shows that mothers who have ample practical help and emotional support are less likely to experience postpartum depression.

I have extensive experience supporting those who are healing from a cesarean birth, and understand the timelines and gradual healing process, and the extra challenges this brings to your whole household.

Home and family care is also available for those who are on bedrest in pregnancy, or who are recovering from perinatal loss. I have experience helping families dealing with special circumstances, including postpartum stress and depression, premature infants, and the extra joys and challenges of multiples.

❊   Rates, Reservations, and Special Packages

You may arrange for 3 to 30 hours of postpartum care each week. Advance reservations are strongly recommended. Weekend and holiday care sometimes available. Call or email for a free initial consultation.

“Welcome Home, Baby!” Plan

On-call Postpartum Doula Care, provided by Michelle and/or other hand-picked doulas. Imagine the relief of having 12 hours of Postpartum Doula Care in your first tender 24 hours at home with baby.

Experienced doulas will ease your transition by showing you ways to soothe baby; providing breastfeeding support; doing light housekeeping, cooking nourishing food; caring for baby while you enjoy some much-needed sleep; feeding and playing with older siblings; nurturing your body with foot rubs, healing sitz baths and other pampering. Enjoy full support while you settle in with your new precious one. Night postpartum doula care is baby care, soothing, and feeding support between midnight and 6 a.m. $650.

“Baby’s Homecoming Week” Plan

After 12 hours of your first 24 hours home (Welcome Home, Baby! plan), receive six hours of care every day or night (your choice) for the next six days. Settle in with deep nurturing for the whole family for a healthy start together. $2100 total.

Hourly Postpartum Doula Care

Minimum of three hours care per visit; $40 per hour.

Schedule your Free Initial Consult Now

-Michelle L’Esperance

Certified Professional Midwife, Birth and Postpartum Doula

 

Gift Certificates

The perfect gift for loved ones who are far away and could use some extra support.
(Click here to learn more!)

“Michelle provided wonderful insights about everything from nutrition to infant massage. Her compassionate approach enriched my health and well-being during my postpartum time”
– First-time mother, New Salem, MA.