What to Expect

During a postpartum visit, you can expect a nice long chat about how your night went or how your day went, and you can share your joys and frustrations. Together, we make a plan to achieve your goals for that day or that night. I suggest that you to keep a running list of questions for me that we can talk through during my visits. I am a safe place for you to talk about your childbirth recovery and ask questions. I pay careful attention to breastfeeding, if you are nursing, as the first two weeks are an especially important period in establishing the breastfeeding relationship. I assess your comfort and milk production and baby's comfort and position, answer questions and concerns, and can help you track baby's weight if required. I can reassure you that much of your physical recovery, your newborn's behavior, and what you are experiencing with breastfeeding is normal. Where there are concerns with either mother or baby, I provide information and referrals.

I always like to know if there are things in your living space which are causing you anxiety; I can help with baby's laundry, tidy up the kitchen, or prepare a nutritious snack, if that will relieve your stress. I can help you think through logistics for visitors, trips to the doctor, your partner's return to work, and plan healthy meals. If family members are at a loss on what needs to happen to keep the household running, I can help them prioritize and direct their energies to the most helpful tasks. I can soothe and snuggle baby while you rest if what you need most is a nap. 

As a doula and CLC I do not provide medical advice; I will refer you to a pediatrician, midwife, obstetrician or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant if there are any medical concerns.