For every new parent, the postpartum

period consistently delivers both joy

and challenge. As your postpartum

doula, I am here to help you navigate

the bumps in the road so that you can

focus on the joys of bonding with your

baby and family.

POSTPARTUM DOULA SERVICES

What does a postpartum doula do?

“I felt emotionally supported in my

struggles and with my decisions on

what I was trying and doing..”

- Michelle Flaherty

Jennifer Avis Postpartum Doula

telephone: 705.875.4611

e-mail: ppdoulajenn@yahoo.com

website: www.ppdoulajenn.com

Twitter & Instagram @ppdoulajenn

Serving the Peterborough Area

“It wasn’t only the empathy my

postpartum doula provided, it was

her deep knowledge and

understanding of the issues that

solidified my confidence in her as

not only a new mom, but as a

valuable resource.“

- Allie Noelle

“Caring for you so you

can care for your family.”

I’m thinking of hiring a postpartum doula What questions should I ask before hiring a postpartum doula?

1. What training have you had? Tell me about your areas of special interest.

2. Tell me about your experience working as a postpartum doula.

3. What is your philosophy about parenting and supporting women and their families during their postpartum experience?

4. What are your fees and refund policies? 5. Can you provide me with a criminal back-

ground check and proof of your current First Aid/CPR certification?

Find the right fit

A postpartum doula will be working with your fami-ly during a joyous and sometimes difficult time of personal transition. Both you and your partner should feel that they are the right "fit" for you and your family. Take your time, ask questions, and ensure that you feel confident in them both per-sonally and professionally before contracting their services.

Your support network New parents, especially new mothers, need help while they recover from the experience of pregnancy and birth. A strong support network helps nurture the new (or new again) parents as they adapt to their changing roles and family dynamic.

Benefits of postpartum support

When new parents have a strong support network they:

recover from birth with greater ease

have more time to bond with and learn about their new baby

become comfortable and confident in their new roles more quickly

are less likely to develop a Perinatal Mood Disorder (PPMD) and, if they do, are more likely to seek and accept professional help

are more likely to have a successful breast-feeding experience

What a postpartum doula does A postpartum doula provides physical, emotional, and practical support to mothers and their partners once baby arrives. Service can take place at any time during baby's first year and it is common for the needs of a family to change as they learn and grow with their baby. Physical support:

Making time and space for mother to rest and heal following birth

Preparation of nutritious meals and snacks

Providing guidance on creating healthy sleep habits both for baby and parents

Emotional support

Awareness of the signs and symptoms of Postpartum Mood Disorders (PPMDs)

Validation and normalization of the fears & joys that come with caring for a newborn

Listening to your birth story Practical support

Hands-on assistance with infant feeding (breast and/or bottle feeding) and care

Assistance with light house keeping

Overnight stays to facilitate physical and emotional recovery from birth

"It takes a village to raise a child."