Mothering the Mother

Sue was excited expecting her first baby. However, she was also feeling overwhelmed with what she felt she needed to know. Taking care of a newborn was something neither she nor her husband John had much experience with. Also, when she looked online to baby sites or went to the baby stores, she felt she needed advice on what was really necessary to purchase.

One of the things she was intrigued by was the concept of postpartum doulas. After several interviews of postpartum doulas in the area, Sue and John chose me as the best fit for their needs. We met while they were expecting so that we could become more comfortable with one another,as well as get acquainted with their home setting. I was also available for questions about necessities for Sue’s postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and essentials for newborn care. Goals were established as to what their needs would be. During this process and after delivery, both Sue and John were invited to call me with questions they had related to baby and needs for Sue.

After delivery I was available for blocks of time for breastfeeding assistance as well as newborn education/postpartum care. With over 40 years as a registered nurse specializing in maternity care/pediatrics and a board-certified lactation consultant, I was able to offer Sue and John a variety of evidence-based information that was pertinent to their care.

Once breast feeding was well established and Sue was recovering well from delivery she reported that she now felt confident as a mother. Sue and John thanked me for my direction in helping them obtain confidence in this new phase of their life.