So...what do we do now?

When the glimmer of giving birth has dulled to a glow.
When you're finally home, settled, in your own jammies.
The pets have been introduced.
When your parents and inlaws have inspected the swaddled bundle of your finest work....

There's no nurse.
There's no lactation consultant.
There's your partner. Your baby. And you.

Now, you're the grown-up. At least, that's how I felt. All of a sudden, you're responsible for keeping a tiny human fed, clean, and content.

Enter: The Postpartum Doula.

Let me share a bit about what I've been up to on my postpartum visits:

-I've supported parents in hospital with sleep support while they recovered from a c-section.
-Taught a new mama how to breastfeed.
-Recognized a lethargic, jaundiced baby and helped them get the medical care they needed.
-Brought menstrual pads and chocolate milk to the hospital upon the mama's request.
-Helped new parents who didn't drive get lactation support so they didn't need to bus to a clinic or drop in.
-Recognized mama wasn't eating so brought her Ensure to get nutrients so she could feed her baby.
-Advised new parents about heir babe's tongue and lip tie and helped them with referrals. Worked with them to get latch as comfortable as possible in the meantime.
-Took out garbage.
-Weeded spring flower beds.
-Brought nipple cream.
-Cleaned kitchens.
-Scrubbed bathrooms.
-Washed floors.
-Walked dogs.
-Taught swaddling.
-Taught side nursing.
-Watched baby so Dad could sleep.
-Santized and washed bottles.
-Made meals for the next day.
-Played with toddlers so they feel important and special, too.
-Validated.
-Listened.
-Normalized.
-Offered suggestions.
-Helped with transitions.

Postpartum Doulas are an extra set of hands. When you need to sleep badly, your partner is home and the lawn needs cutting....who changes baby? When you're supposed to "sleep when the baby sleeps," but your baby.doesn't.ever.sleep... Let a postpartum doula help.

If you are looking for a baby gift for a friend, sister, co-worker, I offer gift certificates for Pop-In-Postpartum care. You can email me at [email protected] to purchase through me. I accept e-transfer, cash, Visa or MasterCard. Or, visit The Been Garden, grab a gift certificate from there and see what other little treasures you can find!