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Postpartum Doula Care

After arriving home from the hospital with your new little one(s), you may feel as though you’d like some additional help transitioning into your new role as a parent or integrating the new baby into your growing family.  As your postpartum doula, you can rely upon me to provide you with newborn and/or sibling care, support in breastfeeding, baby wearing, meal preparation, household chores, and as a resource for potential referrals. Most importantly, my role as your doula is to be a nonjudgmental source of support. Each mother is unique, and I will support your decisions on how best to care for you and your family. I provide new families with compassion, a listening ear, and a shoulder to lean on during this delicate time.

Support Services: 

  • Help the mother to feel empowered by allowing her time to rest, to feel supported and by teaching various strategies and coping skills and so she can be the mom she wants to be
  • Feed and hydrate mom which may be by bringing her healthy snacks, preparing family meals, and educating mom on nutrition and self care
  • Provide a listening ear to help mom to process her birth experience regardless of whether it went “as planned”
  • Offer breastfeeding support and guidance including: latch, positions, pumping, alternative feeding and referrals if necessary. 
  • Help set up nursing stations and diaper changing areas throughout the home
  • Home organization through various household tasks in order to take some pressure off of the family
  • Provide evidence-based information on various newborn care issues
  • Help the mother and/or partner get rest
  • Be available to the partner to help find concrete ways to support the mother and nurture the baby
  • Provide a calendar of all “Mama and baby” events happening in your area
  • Sibling care and transition for growing families
  • Run errands, which may include going to the grocery store or accompanying the family to the pediatrician or other appointments
  • Make appropriate referrals to specialists such as: support groups, mental health providers, chiropractors, acupuncturists, babysitters, pediatricians, community events, household services, classes, etc.

Postpartum Doula Support Services $35-$45/hour, references upon request  |  Overnight Support, discussed on an individual basis

Breastfeeding Support

Though breastfeeding is natural, it may not come naturally. In fact, it is instinct that drives the newborn to the breast, while for the mother, breastfeeding is something that often needs to be learned. It may take time for the mother and newborn to work collaboratively as a team and there may be some concerns along the way such as: latching, positioning, sore or cracked nipples, and you may be asking yourself “what’s normal?” I would be happy to come into your home and help with any and all areas of concern.

Lactation Support in-home $65/hour, including phone and email communication as needed

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Placenta Services

The placenta is incredibly nutritious and full of beneficial hormones, vitamins, minerals and proteins. It supplies the mother’s body with everything it needs to adequately recover from pregnancy and birth.

Some of the benefits of ingesting your placenta

  • a noticeable increase in your milk supply
  • prevent and lessen the risk of postpartum depression or ‘baby blues’
  • can help your uterus returns to it's pre-pregnancy size within a couple weeks
  • may give you more energy 
  • may decrease postpartum bleeding
  • may help smooth out hormonal mood swings after birth

encapsulation methods

Traditional Chinese Medicine Inspired: According to TCM theory, the process of labor and birth can leave an excess of open, empty space, which is considered cold/yin. It is believed that one way to promote healing during the postpartum period is to add yang energy, via heat. The placenta is cleaned, steamed with lemon, ginger and additional warming herbs, and then prepared for dehydration.

Raw: This method is believed to retain the majority of vital nutrients and hormones, as well as yield a larger capsule amount. The placenta is cleaned and prepared for dehydration without additional steaming to heat. The dehydration process preserves the placenta, allowing the mother to benefit from it for weeks instead of just the first few days postpartum.

Keepsakes

"Tree of Life" Prints: All placentas look unique and can be made into beautiful pieces of art for a keepsake!

Umbilical Cord Heart or Design: When you decide to encapsulate your placenta, we will also trim the cord, which is then dehydrated in a heart shape for another birthing keepsake.

Salves

This is an olive oil and beeswax based balm that uses your own stem cells to create a soothing rub. Placenta salves can be used for: Cesarean and other surgical scars after the would has closed, perineal tears once the stitches have dissolved, diaper rash or other skin irritations. Made for sensitive skin so it is safe to use on your baby.

Placenta Encapsulation $200 with Umbilical Cord Keepsake  |  "Tree of Life" Print $20  |  Salve $20

Kirsten Newman is certified in Bloodborne Pathogens and Infection Control for Placenta Encapsulators

Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Kirsten Newman does not intend to make medical treatment claims. Services provided are not clinical, pharmaceutical, or intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Families who choose to utilize these services take full responsibility for their own health and product usage. 

Servicing Areas in Boston and surrounding suburbs