Choosing Harper as your Postpartum Doula
Coming into doula work with a background in Integrated Movement Therapy, Harper is able to meet the family where they are at and provide clear, non-judgmental, and objective care. Rooted in the philosophy that every member in the family is an individual and to be respected as such, the whole family is to be uplifted and empowered. Every family is different, Harper help eases the transition of the family dynamic to accommodate the new baby by providing a holistic perspective to and for the whole family.
Harper became invested in postpartum doula work after taking a close look at her personal needs and the needs of her growing family. With all of the excitement surrounding the event of the birth, Harper was concerned about what happens postpartum. With her core support system living far away, being a first time parent, and the clutter of myths and information from the internet and baby paraphernalia, she decided to evaluated her and her family's limits and abilities. In the process of doing so, she realized there are so many other families that have the same question: what happens after? Harper felt the calling to connect with these families to help, support, and educate; creating the same environment as the saying, "taking a village to raise a child".
Please CONTACT Harper for information on fees and scheduling procedure regarding her services.
Harper became invested in postpartum doula work after taking a close look at her personal needs and the needs of her growing family. With all of the excitement surrounding the event of the birth, Harper was concerned about what happens postpartum. With her core support system living far away, being a first time parent, and the clutter of myths and information from the internet and baby paraphernalia, she decided to evaluated her and her family's limits and abilities. In the process of doing so, she realized there are so many other families that have the same question: what happens after? Harper felt the calling to connect with these families to help, support, and educate; creating the same environment as the saying, "taking a village to raise a child".
Please CONTACT Harper for information on fees and scheduling procedure regarding her services.
What is a postpartum doula?
A Postpartum Doula is an additional support that works alongside of the existing (or non-existing) support and family dynamic. We provide help and support through nurturing, education, observation, and appropriate referral for the growing family. It is important for us to uplift and empower the parents in this crucial moment of their lives while addressing any concerns and/or challenges that may come up during this time. The work we do varies largely on the families. Factors to consider are schedules, needs, comfort, and tradition. A Postpartum Doula is the support the family gains in the "fourth trimester", in preparation for the rest of the newborn's life and the family as a whole.
What does a postpartum doula do?
"Doulas are trained in postpartum adjustment, newborn characteristics, care, feeding and development and the promotion of parent-infant bonding. They are experienced in supporting families through their postpartum experience. Coming into the home during the fourth trimester following birth, the doula’s role is to provide education, non-judgmental support and companionship; and to assist with newborn care and family adjustment, meal preparation and light household tasks. Postpartum doulas offer evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, infant soothing and coping skills for new parents and can make appropriate referrals when necessary." - DONA International Postpartum Doula Position Paper (http://www.dona.org/PDF/positionpaper_PPdoula_083011.pdf)
- Breastfeeding support: finding a good latch, comfortable positions while nursing to avoid sustaining physical challenges, identifying problems and making appropriate referrals
- Sleep/rest support: i.e. infant/sibling care while you nap, recognizing baby’s sleep rhythm, working with correlation of sleep and breastfeeding, safe sleep education
- Nutrition advising: help prepare light meals, nourishment for the whole family
- Baby wearing: education and help find what is best and most comfortable for you
- Household organization: meal train, nursing and diapering stations, baby laundry and “stuff”
- Integrating the whole family to support the mother and baby in practical way
- Referrals to specialists and provide evidence based research
If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain.
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
~Emily Dickenson
I shall not live in vain.
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
~Emily Dickenson