“Madeleine joined our family as a postpartum doula when my son was about 1 month old. She was with us more or less every day for the following two months (it only ended there because we had to move). Every time she came through our door, I knew that all was well. Her presence with us was so assuring, so life affirming for me at that time, so essential.
To this day (my son is now 6 months old), there is no one I would more deeply trust with my child. She is a rare and exceptional person who has made such a deep impact in our hearts and in our lives. We will be eternally grateful for the imprint that her presence and care has left on us.”
- Charlotte, mom to baby S
I believe so deeply that every new parent (and parents doing the newborn thing all over again!) should be supported through the entirety of the childbearing year, not just in pregnancy and birth. The “Fourth Trimester” is a wild ride of raw emotions, beautiful discoveries, tender moments, sleepless nights, and big transformation. We were never meant to do this alone. You deserve dedicated support in those first few months, as your body heals and your life shifts around your new family.
I take a holistic approach to the postpartum period, with a deep understanding that your emotional wellbeing is just as important as your physical recovery. As a Certified Lactation Counselor, my postpartum work often involves helping new parents figure out their feeding goals, and helping to resolve many of the common issues that arise during this time. Breastfeeding and chestfeeding are wonderful and normal, but that doesn’t mean it’s always intuitive or easy! I help you build your confidence as you develop this feeding relationship with your baby. (And if you’re planning on bottle feeding, I support that, too!) I’m honored to nurture you through this singular time in your (and your baby’s) life.
FOR FAMILIES EXPERIENCING FINANCIAL HARDSHIP: I offer a sliding scale. Please reach out, no matter your circumstances.
Postpartum care with me can include, but is not limited to:
Guidance with postpartum recovery and self-care (for both vaginal and cesarean births)
Helping you set realistic expectations and offering encouragement and validation — this seems so simple, but it’s so impactful
Newborn care, tips & tricks, and “is this normal?” (swaddling, diapering, bathing, umbilical cord care, skin issues/rashes, tummy time, etc.) — newborns are funky little things!
Soothing techniques and calming a fussy baby
Breast/chestfeeding support — help with positions, latch, assessing adequate milk transfer, reading hunger cues, and common issues that arise during this time (engorgement, nipple pain, etc.)
Bottle feeding support: best practices, feeding cues, how to tell when your baby’s had enough, teaching babies to regulate their own intake of milk/formula
Grounded emotional support for the birthing parent and new family unit — taking care of this tiny human you created is an experience unlike any other, and your hormones are having a wild, crazy party right now
Taking care of your baby while you shower, sleep, eat, or get some dedicated time with your partner or older children (or yourself)
Grocery shopping and/or food preparation — nutritious, whole, vibrant foods are so important during this time
Light housework (tidying up, laundry, dishes, etc.) to help keep your space as calm as possible
Connecting you with resources (acupuncture, pelvic floor specialists, new parent support groups, breastfeeding support groups, therapists, craniosacral therapy for baby/parent, etc.)
Prenatal baby shower registry (what do you actually need?)
Nursery organization (best if done before the baby arrives, but it’s never too late!)
Making a back-to-work plan
And more!