Postpartum Doula Care
”Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. It is an act of communion.”
-Bell Hooks
Jess grew up in a large extended family and was raised by her two parents and dozens of aunts and uncles. Being part of such a large brood, Jess learned when to step in and help and when to step back and listen. Whether it’s cooking a healthy meal, providing a listening ear, or helping care for baby, or older siblings, Jess is there to lessen the load.
Jess’ love of working with children and families drew her to become a family nanny over 10 years ago. In that time Jess has worked with a variety of families with different backgrounds and needs. Jess is sensitive to the individualized desires of each family member and respects different parenting styles. Jess enjoys working with first time parents as well as families with older siblings. Jess’s goal as a Postpartum Doula is to provide parents, babies and families with the resources they need, to heal, bond and feel empowered.
Jess is a member of Bridgetown Baby Postpartum Care Team. To learn more about Bridgetown Baby’s services or book a postpartum visit with Jess click the book button below.
Envisioning your Postpartum Care
What does a Postpartum Doula do?
A postpartum doula’s role is there to support the entire family unit after baby/babies are born. This can look a lot of different ways depending on what a family needs. A postpartum doula may help around the home; washing and folding laundry, preparing a meals, doing the dishes or assisting with other daily chores. Postpartum Doulas offer wisdom and guidance while you learn a new parenting skills such as diapering, bathing, swaddling and baby wearing, to name a few. Doulas may also help care for baby, older siblings and even pets so you can rest, sleep, shower and recover. Doulas are there to listen as you process your unique birth story and navigate this new role as a parent. Doulas are available to care for families day and night.
How do I know if a Postpartum Doula is right for me?
As humans we are not meant to do this alone, it truly does take a village. Just like birth you deserve choices around how you want to remember your postpartum experience. Having an extra set of eyes, ears and hands can help you focus on this tender time together so you can remember it with fondness.
When is the best time to receive postpartum doula care?
A postpartum doula may meet a family at a hospital, birth center or home shortly after baby is born. A doula may step in to care for a family, hours, days, and even months after birth. The choice of when you want to start your doula care is up to you. Typically, families find postpartum care most beneficial between baby’s first to eight weeks of life. Some families find help in the early stages after birth very supportive for physical recovery and transitioning into parenthood. Other families may find a particular phase or wave of parenting to be a challenge and need a little extra support at that time. A postpartum doula’s goal is to guide a family to a place where they feel confident, healthy and settled.
Jamie C., mother of two