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Postpartum Doula Care

Am I prepared?

Society does a pretty good job of preparing us for birth. There are classes, books, videos, etc.; However, when it comes to the first few months postpartum, no one really prepares us for what to expect. You will quickly learn how to change a diaper, swaddle, and burp your baby if you didn’t already know how. However, the physical and emotional changes you experience during the first few months are largely unspoken about. While this is an amazing and beautiful time in your life, it most often comes with challenges and hardship. Will there be any challenges with breastfeeding? How will you function with so little sleep? Who will be in charge of which household chores while you navigate all the needs of your new baby and new postpartum self? Is what you’re feeling/experiencing within the norm?

Do I need support?

In most cultures around the world, when a woman gives birth she is surrounded by her mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, etc. They cook, clean, help with older children, assist with breastfeeding, basically take care of everything else so the new mama can focus on her own care and that of her precious new baby. For some reason, we live in a society where the message has become, “you can do it all yourself, you got this, you are strong!”

As a Doula I believe that no one should have to do this alone. You are absolutely strong! Could you survive this alone if you had to? Yes, of course. However, the toll it would take on you and your family is a very negative one. I believe the woman who asks for help and knows her capabilities and limits is the strongest. As a Doula I will do my best to be the mother, grandmother, aunt, and sister who supports YOU so you can take care of your baby.

Why hire a Postpartum Doula?

A Postpartum Doula’s role is to provide education, nonjudgmental 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, coping skills for new parents, and can make appropriate referrals when necessary.

“I knew that having Lanie help would be beneficial from a physical, practical perspective, but I did not realize how much it would improve my emotional and psychological condition.”

-Aly (mom of 3)

As Postpartum Doula, I serve the San Francisco Bay Area from San Jose to Los Altos.

“Lanie is absolutely amazing. As a new mom, you can really lose yourself in the challenges of taking care of a newborn and neglect some of your basic needs without even realizing it. Lanie is great at doing things without you having to ask – refilling your water, making tea, making lunch, offering to take the baby if she sees you need a break, etc.

Lanie was great at making sure basic chores around the house were completed – washing dishes, sterilizing baby bottles and breast pump parts, doing laundry, taking out the trash, sweeping the floors, making snacks, etc. but she is also really great at helping out with baby – providing breastfeeding support, giving advice about baby’s daily routine, sleeping suggestions, changing diapers, taking baby so you may nap and so on. We called her “The baby whisperer” because she was great at getting our fussy newborn to quiet down and eventually fall asleep.

Lanie is great at making breastfeeding snacks. She made delicious energy balls made from peanut butter, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, rolled oats, raisins and honey. This is now a new favorite of mine. She made chocolate chip lactation cookies, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, blueberry oatmeal muffins, breakfast egg muffins, etc. all of which my husband and I both loved.

With no family locally and taking on the challenges of being first time parents, Lanie made my husband and I feel as though we had all the support we needed. Lanie is a great resource. She told me about a local mom group, different products to help assist with my postpartum recovery as well as baby’s needs. We highly recommend Lanie and couldn’t be more thankful for her services.”

-Bernadette

We called her the Baby Whisperer.

“My husband and I are so grateful for the support Lanie gave us during our first week at home with our newborn son. She helped us to feel more confident as first -time parents, both by sharing her expertise and encouraging us with her supportive attitude. She knew just how to step in to help when needed, and she gave us lots of advice and tips that have proven indispensable in taking care of our newborn. She also went above and beyond in sending us extra info in emails, and being available over the phone and text. We highly recommend Lanie and would definitely use her again should we need help in the future!”

-Becky

We highly recommend Lanie!