Congratulations on your new baby!
You have been preparing your household for the arrival of this new being, and now they are here. How surreal it can seem! Sometimes this transition flows and you feel like you’ve got a good handle on things. Sometimes, you have lots of family support and you are well taken care of. What a blessing!
However, for most families this is time of transition, where days merge into nights, and household and personal care take the back seat. Most of us don’t have large families living with or near us, and it can feel totally overwhelming at times. I need you to know, this is normal! Having someone come to support your family through this time can be very helpful.
What does this support look like?
- Cooking: I will create a large stew or soup that you can have that day and freeze for subsequent days*.
- I will care for your baby while you do some catching up (e.g. take a shower, nap, walk or connect with your partner).
- Light housekeeping.
- Someone (another mum) to talk to. I will listen and offer support and suggestions where I can.
Hourly rate: $25/hour for postpartum care (minimum 2 hours).
I have experience with:
- Breastfeeding**
- Tongue and lip tie
- Colic
- Milk collection (pumping)
- Co-sleeping
- Side car sleeping
- C-section care and management
- Pelvic floor health
If you already have a doula package with me, then you will already receive two visits as part of that package.
A couple of support visits in the first week or two after birth is a good way to smooth out some of the wrinkles, but I have found that it is typically 3-6 weeks postpartum when families could use another boost of help. This period is usually when your partner has gone back to work, or your family support has left and you are on your own trying to figure out this new existence. If you are getting behind or really feel like you are struggling, please ask for help!
* I am a soup wizard. I will use what you have in your kitchen, plus bring the necessary pieces to make a hearty and nourishing dish.
** If you have challenges breastfeeding I would suggest you see a lactation specialist. We can look at what is going on, and I can help you connect with the right people.
Photo by Benji Aird on Unsplash
Testimonials
Sadie is an amazing, compassionate and very knowledgeable doula! Throughout my home birth Sadie encouraged me to dance, move and work with my body and my baby. When my daughter‘s Head was tilted Funny during labour Sadie knew just what to do to get her in the right position. During my postpartum period she was a wonderful help bringing me tea and snacks when I needed it and listened to my exhausted, ecstatic, hormonal mind rant and rejoice. I would highly recommend Sadie as a doula!! -Marika Hall
Sadie was our doula for our first baby and she was terrific. She has a beautiful energy and lots of ideas, not to mention knowledge! She really knows her stuff. She made helpful suggestions both during pregnancy and labour, but didn't push anything if I didn't feel comfortable. She was there to support me no matter what, not push any kind of agenda or opinion.
Our labour was long and I was so grateful to have her on our team - she was helpful and resourceful and cheerful and supportive. She danced with us to help labour progress, walked up and down the halls a million times, spelled my partner off so he could go outside or just take a break to clear his head, and was right there holding my leg when it came time to push. I felt surrounded by care with her and my partner on either side of me - I think i would have felt much more fearful without her.
As helpful as she was to me, she may have been even more helpful to my partner - she helped him to see where he could fit in to the whole process, relieved his fears and gave him breaks to take care of himself. He had this to say about her "she was so cool and easy to get along with. She really met us where we were at and instilled confidence in the process. She was calm and helped me feel empowered at the hospital when I was unsure how to help. I was initially skeptical about hiring a doula, but I was absolutely grateful she was there." -Jessamy