As a postpartum doula, I provide emotional, informational and practical in-home support during the first 12 weeks after birth or adoption. Research shows that this kind of support can increase satisfaction and reduce the risk of mood disorders in new parents. Having a postpartum doula can help you move smoothly through the transition of adding a child or children to your family.

The “fourth trimester” is full of hurdles for any family, including organizing the household, getting enough sleep, making sure everyone eats nourishing meals, emotional processing of the birth, adjusting expectations of the child to reality, family bonding, and supporting early breastfeeding.  In a family with first-time parents, multiples, older children, a child with special needs, or in which one or both parents have postpartum mood disorders, the challenges can seem daunting. Fortunately, help exists!