Postpartum Support
Photographer: Joe Conley
What are my options? Postpartum Support
I’ve had my baby- now what? The days and weeks following the birth of your new baby may be exhilarating, exhausting, magical, and precious. However, in today’s world where families don’t always live near one another, new parents haven’t necessarily been exposed to the daily care of an infant, and there is conflicting parenting advice coming from all sides, for some, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. It may take some time to get your footing and figure out your own family rhythm and parenting style. It can seem overwhelming at first, getting comfortable with feeding and caring for your new baby, finding sleep routines that work for your family, choosing a pediatrician who supports your values, finding like minded parents for support and encouragement, all while you and your partner adjust to your new roles as parents, get to know your new family member, physically heal from the birth, and deal with strong emotions that may arise. This period can be extra challenging if you’ve experienced a difficult or traumatic birth, are having breastfeeding struggles, or an extra high-needs baby.
Fortunately there are several excellent options for postpartum support available in the DC metro area, ranging from the hands-on postpartum support a doula can provide, to a variety of moms’ groups, to online discussion boards and listservs for new parents to find community.
Birth Options Alliance offers a variety of postpartum resources, including:
Postpartum doula list
Directory of Mental Health Support for the Childbearing Year
Perinatal Loss resource list
Breastfeeding resource list
Complementary and alternative healthcare providers list
Coming soon: Pre-and post-natal yoga classes for mom and/or mom and baby
What is a postpartum doula?
A postpartum doula provides non-judgemental emotional and physical support to the new family in the immediate period following the birth. A postpartum doula’s role is not to take over care of the new baby or supplant the partner or other family members in any way; but rather to nurture new parents as they gain confidence in caring for their baby, and to help with practical needs so the new parents can focus their energy on bonding with their baby and learning his or her cues. Learn more about a postpartum doula’s role here.
There are several organizations that train and certify postpartum doulas, two of which are DONA and CAPPA. Doulas do not have to be certified in order to practice; there are many excellent postpartum doulas who have years of experience who have not chosen to go through a certifying organization, just as being certified does not guarantee an excellent doula! You will want to discuss any potential doula’s experience, qualifications, and services they provide during a thorough phone or in-person interview. It’s important to be sure you’re a good match when inviting someone into your home at such an intimate time in your life!
Services that doulas provide may include:
• Teaching the parents and answering their questions about normal infant behavior and characteristics.
• Physical comfort measures to aid the mother’s healing
• Modeling for new parents practical care of the baby, including bathing, diapering, and babywearing.
• Providing empathy and a listening ear as new parents process the birth experience and adjustment to life with a baby
• Infant feeding support and breastfeeding expertise
• Meal preparation
• errands
• Light housekeeping and household organizing
• Connecting you to resources in your community (mom and baby classes, new parent support groups, finding breastpumps and supplies)
• Providing referrals to professionals that you may need (lactation consultants, chiropractors, help finding childcare)
• Prenatal assistance with learning about breastfeeding, baby care, and setting up the home to welcome the baby.
• Help caring for siblings and assistance with sibling adjustment to the new baby
• Providing an extra set of hands, and help developing routines that simplify life with multiples.
Hours, schedules, fees, and exact services provided differ with each doula and with your needs. Some doulas will come to the hospital or your home immediately following the birth, some may provide just one or two visits to get you started, and some may work with a family 2-3 days a week, a few hours each day, overnights, or full time depending on your needs. The length of time a doula’s services continue are based on your individual needs, but generally take place within the first three months after the birth.
Some postpartum doulas are employed by agencies, and others work independently or in partnership with another doula. There may be pros and cons to working with an individual doula vs. an agency, depending on your situation and support needs. An agency often requires a minimum number of hours, and may charge higher rates, whereas doulas in independent practice may be able to be more flexible with the number of hours provided if you only need a short visit or two. An agency has a pool of doulas to pull from, so if you need full time, extended, or overnight care, it may be easier to obtain all the hours you require. An individual doula may be limited in hours or schedule due to family or other work responsibilities. You may or may not be able to interview the doula/s provided by an agency prior to having them in your home, so there is a possibility the doula/s may not be a good fit for your family. This may be less likely to occur with an individual doula or partnership with whom you’ve had an extensive phone and/or in-person interview.
Doulas desire to support the new parents until they have the confidence in their parenting instincts, an intimate knowledge of their baby, and have a support network in place. A postpartum doula’s goal is to work herself out of a job!
What is a baby nurse?
The roles of a baby nurse and a postpartum doula and the services offered can be similar. In general, the primary focus for a baby nurse will be your baby (or babies, if you have multiples!). A baby nurse is often an RN, LPN, or certified nursing assistant with a background in caring for infants, and may vary in particular areas of interest and specialties. Some may have training in breastfeeding support, and others may have extensive experience in caring for babies with complex medical needs. Services provided may include help with overnight feedings, assistance caring for an infant with special medical needs, an extra set of arms to help with the baby during the day, instruction on infant care and feeding, and help with household chores such as laundry and meals. Most baby nurses are employed by agencies. (Please see section on pros and cons of working with an agency in postpartum doula section above.) As with any professional you hire to support you around the time of your baby’s birth and subsequent adjustment period, it is important to clarify what your needs and desires are, and to discuss these with any potential agency or baby nurse you’re considering inviting into your home at this special time.
I’ve had my baby- now what? The days and weeks following the birth of your new baby may be exhilarating, exhausting, magical, and precious. However, in today’s world where families don’t always live near one another, new parents haven’t necessarily been exposed to the daily care of an infant, and there is conflicting parenting advice coming from all sides, for some, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. It may take some time to get your footing and figure out your own family rhythm and parenting style. It can seem overwhelming at first, getting comfortable with feeding and caring for your new baby, finding sleep routines that work for your family, choosing a pediatrician who supports your values, finding like minded parents for support and encouragement, all while you and your partner adjust to your new roles as parents, get to know your new family member, physically heal from the birth, and deal with strong emotions that may arise. This period can be extra challenging if you’ve experienced a difficult or traumatic birth, are having breastfeeding struggles, or an extra high-needs baby.
Fortunately there are several excellent options for postpartum support available in the DC metro area, ranging from the hands-on postpartum support a doula can provide, to a variety of moms’ groups, to online discussion boards and listservs for new parents to find community.
Birth Options Alliance offers a variety of postpartum resources, including:
Postpartum doula list
Directory of Mental Health Support for the Childbearing Year
Perinatal Loss resource list
Breastfeeding resource list
Complementary and alternative healthcare providers list
Coming soon: Pre-and post-natal yoga classes for mom and/or mom and baby
What is a postpartum doula?
A postpartum doula provides non-judgemental emotional and physical support to the new family in the immediate period following the birth. A postpartum doula’s role is not to take over care of the new baby or supplant the partner or other family members in any way; but rather to nurture new parents as they gain confidence in caring for their baby, and to help with practical needs so the new parents can focus their energy on bonding with their baby and learning his or her cues. Learn more about a postpartum doula’s role here.
There are several organizations that train and certify postpartum doulas, two of which are DONA and CAPPA. Doulas do not have to be certified in order to practice; there are many excellent postpartum doulas who have years of experience who have not chosen to go through a certifying organization, just as being certified does not guarantee an excellent doula! You will want to discuss any potential doula’s experience, qualifications, and services they provide during a thorough phone or in-person interview. It’s important to be sure you’re a good match when inviting someone into your home at such an intimate time in your life!
Services that doulas provide may include:
• Teaching the parents and answering their questions about normal infant behavior and characteristics.
• Physical comfort measures to aid the mother’s healing
• Modeling for new parents practical care of the baby, including bathing, diapering, and babywearing.
• Providing empathy and a listening ear as new parents process the birth experience and adjustment to life with a baby
• Infant feeding support and breastfeeding expertise
• Meal preparation
• errands
• Light housekeeping and household organizing
• Connecting you to resources in your community (mom and baby classes, new parent support groups, finding breastpumps and supplies)
• Providing referrals to professionals that you may need (lactation consultants, chiropractors, help finding childcare)
• Prenatal assistance with learning about breastfeeding, baby care, and setting up the home to welcome the baby.
• Help caring for siblings and assistance with sibling adjustment to the new baby
• Providing an extra set of hands, and help developing routines that simplify life with multiples.
Hours, schedules, fees, and exact services provided differ with each doula and with your needs. Some doulas will come to the hospital or your home immediately following the birth, some may provide just one or two visits to get you started, and some may work with a family 2-3 days a week, a few hours each day, overnights, or full time depending on your needs. The length of time a doula’s services continue are based on your individual needs, but generally take place within the first three months after the birth.
Some postpartum doulas are employed by agencies, and others work independently or in partnership with another doula. There may be pros and cons to working with an individual doula vs. an agency, depending on your situation and support needs. An agency often requires a minimum number of hours, and may charge higher rates, whereas doulas in independent practice may be able to be more flexible with the number of hours provided if you only need a short visit or two. An agency has a pool of doulas to pull from, so if you need full time, extended, or overnight care, it may be easier to obtain all the hours you require. An individual doula may be limited in hours or schedule due to family or other work responsibilities. You may or may not be able to interview the doula/s provided by an agency prior to having them in your home, so there is a possibility the doula/s may not be a good fit for your family. This may be less likely to occur with an individual doula or partnership with whom you’ve had an extensive phone and/or in-person interview.
Doulas desire to support the new parents until they have the confidence in their parenting instincts, an intimate knowledge of their baby, and have a support network in place. A postpartum doula’s goal is to work herself out of a job!
What is a baby nurse?
The roles of a baby nurse and a postpartum doula and the services offered can be similar. In general, the primary focus for a baby nurse will be your baby (or babies, if you have multiples!). A baby nurse is often an RN, LPN, or certified nursing assistant with a background in caring for infants, and may vary in particular areas of interest and specialties. Some may have training in breastfeeding support, and others may have extensive experience in caring for babies with complex medical needs. Services provided may include help with overnight feedings, assistance caring for an infant with special medical needs, an extra set of arms to help with the baby during the day, instruction on infant care and feeding, and help with household chores such as laundry and meals. Most baby nurses are employed by agencies. (Please see section on pros and cons of working with an agency in postpartum doula section above.) As with any professional you hire to support you around the time of your baby’s birth and subsequent adjustment period, it is important to clarify what your needs and desires are, and to discuss these with any potential agency or baby nurse you’re considering inviting into your home at this special time.
Photo: Nikki Williams http://bedheadbirth.com
New parent support in the DC Metro area:
Space for Myself - a movement-based support group for new mothers, led by Margrit Wong
Six sessions; Tuesdays 10:30-12:30 at Dance Exchange, Takoma Park, Studio #2
Mothers' Monthly Self-Renewal Group:
Welcome Spring with self-renewal. Do you want to reconnect with who you are? Are you interested in new ideas for self-renewal & life balance? Join Jen Kogan, mother of two and a clinical social worker, for a monthly support group based upon The Mother's Guide to Self-Renewal by Renee Trudeau. Group topics will include: Reconnecting with Who You Are, Strategies and Insights for Balanced Living, Managing Our Energy, Saying “No” and Asking for Help, The Transformative Power of Self-Care, Reclaiming Adventure & Unleashing Your Creativity. This group will meet on the first Tuesday of the month, for six months, starting in March from 12:30-2:30pm. The meeting dates are as follows: 3/6, 4/3, 5/1, 6/5, 7/3, and 8/7. Cost: $200 for non-members, $175 for members, which includes a copy of the book. Please email Jen at jenko108@gmail.com after registering, or to touch base prior to the first meeting. If interested in childcare please email info@lilomm.com
Takoma Mamas: a casual gathering of new mamas (dadas too) and their babies 0 - 4 months old.
Bring your highs, lows, questions, and tips to share! No topic is too big or too small.
WHAT: Takoma Mamas 6 (Class of Winter 2012)
WHO: Moms (or dads) and their 0 to 4 month old babies
WHEN: Every Wednesday
TIME: 2pm to 4pm
STARTS: January 11, 2012
ENDS: March 14, 2012
NOTE: Drop in any date or time!
WHERE: Takoma DC Library (416 Cedar St) - Basement Community Room (The side
entrance on 5th street is stroller accessible)
COST: Free!
ALSO: Breastfeeding friendly! Changing facility/bathroom on the basement level.
For more details: http://bit.ly/lcTmYm
Attachment Parenting International
Takoma Attachment Parenting: Monthly support meetings, playgroups, baby carrier and book libraries available.
PACE support groups in DC, MD, and VA
MOMS Clubs: several local chapters in DC, MD, and VA.
Postpartum Support International (PSI): In-person support groups in DC, MD, and VA, online and phone help for perinatal mood disorders (including postpartum depression and anxiety, OCD, post-traumatic stress disorder)
International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN): Meetings in DC, MD, and VA. Support and information about cesarean recovery, prevention, and VBAC, including discussion boards.
ICAN of Montgomery County, MD- Regular support group meetings on cesarean healing and recovery, VBAC, and CBAC (cesarean birth after cesaerean). "As always-in between meetings, I'm available by email, phone and can meet in person as needed, don't hesitate to ask."
The Breastfeeding Center of Greater Washington: Lactation consultants, free moms’ groups, as well as classes on breastfeeding basics, pumping, returning to work, infant massage, babywearing, and mom/baby yoga.
La Leche League: breastfeeding support groups thoughout MD, DC, and Virginia
Hospital-based support groups:
Holy Cross Hospital
Shady Grove Adventist Hospital (takes place at Great Beginnings store in Gaithersburg)
INOVA Hospitals
Online Support for new parents:
Mothering’s online discussion boards with forums on parenting, breastfeeding, pregnancy, birth, health and healing, vaccinations, nutrition, and more.
La Leche League’s mother-to-mother online support forums
International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN): Support and information about cesarean recovery, prevention, and VBAC, including discussion boards.
Kellymom.com’s parenting and breastfeeding support forums
Takoma Attachment Parenting yahoogroup
Northern Virginia Homebirth yahoogroup
Birth Options Alliance’s yahoogroup
Space for Myself - a movement-based support group for new mothers, led by Margrit Wong
Six sessions; Tuesdays 10:30-12:30 at Dance Exchange, Takoma Park, Studio #2
Mothers' Monthly Self-Renewal Group:
Welcome Spring with self-renewal. Do you want to reconnect with who you are? Are you interested in new ideas for self-renewal & life balance? Join Jen Kogan, mother of two and a clinical social worker, for a monthly support group based upon The Mother's Guide to Self-Renewal by Renee Trudeau. Group topics will include: Reconnecting with Who You Are, Strategies and Insights for Balanced Living, Managing Our Energy, Saying “No” and Asking for Help, The Transformative Power of Self-Care, Reclaiming Adventure & Unleashing Your Creativity. This group will meet on the first Tuesday of the month, for six months, starting in March from 12:30-2:30pm. The meeting dates are as follows: 3/6, 4/3, 5/1, 6/5, 7/3, and 8/7. Cost: $200 for non-members, $175 for members, which includes a copy of the book. Please email Jen at jenko108@gmail.com after registering, or to touch base prior to the first meeting. If interested in childcare please email info@lilomm.com
Takoma Mamas: a casual gathering of new mamas (dadas too) and their babies 0 - 4 months old.
Bring your highs, lows, questions, and tips to share! No topic is too big or too small.
WHAT: Takoma Mamas 6 (Class of Winter 2012)
WHO: Moms (or dads) and their 0 to 4 month old babies
WHEN: Every Wednesday
TIME: 2pm to 4pm
STARTS: January 11, 2012
ENDS: March 14, 2012
NOTE: Drop in any date or time!
WHERE: Takoma DC Library (416 Cedar St) - Basement Community Room (The side
entrance on 5th street is stroller accessible)
COST: Free!
ALSO: Breastfeeding friendly! Changing facility/bathroom on the basement level.
For more details: http://bit.ly/lcTmYm
Attachment Parenting International
Takoma Attachment Parenting: Monthly support meetings, playgroups, baby carrier and book libraries available.
PACE support groups in DC, MD, and VA
MOMS Clubs: several local chapters in DC, MD, and VA.
Postpartum Support International (PSI): In-person support groups in DC, MD, and VA, online and phone help for perinatal mood disorders (including postpartum depression and anxiety, OCD, post-traumatic stress disorder)
International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN): Meetings in DC, MD, and VA. Support and information about cesarean recovery, prevention, and VBAC, including discussion boards.
ICAN of Montgomery County, MD- Regular support group meetings on cesarean healing and recovery, VBAC, and CBAC (cesarean birth after cesaerean). "As always-in between meetings, I'm available by email, phone and can meet in person as needed, don't hesitate to ask."
The Breastfeeding Center of Greater Washington: Lactation consultants, free moms’ groups, as well as classes on breastfeeding basics, pumping, returning to work, infant massage, babywearing, and mom/baby yoga.
La Leche League: breastfeeding support groups thoughout MD, DC, and Virginia
Hospital-based support groups:
Holy Cross Hospital
Shady Grove Adventist Hospital (takes place at Great Beginnings store in Gaithersburg)
INOVA Hospitals
Online Support for new parents:
Mothering’s online discussion boards with forums on parenting, breastfeeding, pregnancy, birth, health and healing, vaccinations, nutrition, and more.
La Leche League’s mother-to-mother online support forums
International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN): Support and information about cesarean recovery, prevention, and VBAC, including discussion boards.
Kellymom.com’s parenting and breastfeeding support forums
Takoma Attachment Parenting yahoogroup
Northern Virginia Homebirth yahoogroup
Birth Options Alliance’s yahoogroup
