Mary was the second practitioner that I met through my Dayton Doula project but she was the first that specialized in post partum care. I was instantly intrigued when I started to learn about her role in the childbirth experience. I’ve heard of labor doulas before but never a postpartum one.

A postpartum doula provides evidenced-based information on things such as infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, mother-baby bonding, infant soothing, and basic newborn care. Research shows that moms, dads, and babies have an easier time with this transition if a good support team is in place. The postpartum doula offers many services to her clients, but her main goals are to help “mother the mother” and nurture the entire family as they transition into life with a newborn. This would include doing things to help mom and dad feel more confident in their roles, sharing education on family adjustment, and tending to the unique needs of a new mother.

The American Pregnancy Association

 She walked into my studio with a big bright smile and a bag full of books that she brings to her clients and patiently answered all of my questions about what exactly a postpartum doula does. She told me how she provides supportive care for her clients during their fourth trimester. Her training allows her to provide evidence based information on emotional and physical recovery from birth, infant feeding, baby bonding and soothing, and basic newborn care. Some days she’ll take care of the little babe to let momma shower and nap, other times she will do chores around the house, she provides overnight care to let exhausted parents rest and wake up to a clean house with a nutritious breakfast prepared, but most important – she is a non-judgemental listening ear with a wealth of knowledge. (She has been doing this amazing work for over 20 years after all). But sitting and chatting with her for a few minutes before the session, one thing was very clear. She is a warm personality with a huge heart.

Check out her website below for more information!

wondrousjourneydoula.com