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Doula Care

NYC Postpartum Service

Using Your Fertility Benefits with Doula Care, LLC Postpartum Doulas: For Carrot, Maven, or Progyny

by Filed Under: Fertility Benefits, Carrot, Postpartum Doula

At Doula Care Postpartum Service, LLC, we work with clients using their Fertility Benefits.
Our certified, experienced postpartum doulas provide exceptional care; all are qualified to work with Carrot, Maven, or Progyny Postpartum Doula Fertility Benefits Reimbursement.

The experienced doulas with 25+ clients have fulfilled the requirement for an Advanced Certified Postpartum Doula credential of DOULA CARE (ACPD)

We will provide all required certifications, and the doula will fill in all forms, invoices, and contracts for the Carrot and other fertility benefit programs as required.

As an established postpartum doula agency, we understand the importance of tailored care during the postpartum period. All the doulas affiliated with Doula Care Postpartum Service meet or exceed the requirements set forth by Carrot and Maven, such as obtaining accreditation from an approved Doula organization and participating in ongoing continuing education. Additionally, they are very experienced and have supported hundreds of postpartum families.

Our primary mission is to provide steadfast support and care to families during the transformative postpartum period. This is why we are thrilled to offer postpartum doulas for your use with Carrot, Maven, or any Fertility Benefits program.
Contact Ruth@DoulaCare.com with any questions.
Please fill out our Client Registration form to start interviewing the doulas.

Newborn Feeding Cues

by Filed Under: Breastfeeding, Dad, Doula Care Staff, Feeding cues, Newborn Care, Nurturing, Parenting

Newborns Feeding Cues Chart

Your Baby’s Hunger Cues:

Early Cues:

  • Smacking or licking lips
  • Opening and closing mouth
  • Sucking on the lips, tongue, hands, fingers, toes, toys, or clothing

Active Feeding Cues

  • Rooting around on the chest of whoever is carrying him
  • Trying to position for nursing, either by lying back or pulling on your clothes
  • Fidgeting or squirming around a lot
  • Hitting you on the arm or chest repeatedly
  • Fussing or breathing fast

 Late Feeding Cues (calm baby before feeding)

  • Moving head frantically from side to side
  • Crying

“My newborn wants to sleep all the time! Should I wake her to nurse?”

Yes, if she doesn’t wake on her own. Many newborns are very sleepy in the early days or weeks and may not exhibit hunger cues as often as they actually need to eat.

Newborns should be nursed anytime they cue hunger, but at least every 2 hours during the day (normal for a newborn to nurse 8-12 times in a 24-hour period).
Once your baby has established a good weight gain pattern (at least 4 ounces per week, for babies under 4 months), you can stop waking baby to nurse and let him set his own pattern.

“My baby just started sleeping longer at night. Do I need to wake him to nurse?”

If your baby is younger than 4 weeks, then it is a good idea to wake baby at least every 4-5 hours at night to nurse if he does not wake on his own. If your child is older than 4 weeks, you can allow baby to sleep as long as he wants at night as long as he is peeing, pooping, and gaining weight within normal parameters.


“My baby frequently sucks on his hands. Does this always mean that he’s hungry?”

After the newborn period, hand sucking is not as reliable an indicator of hunger. Starting at around 6-8 weeks, baby will begin to gain more control over his hands and will soon begin to explore his hands and everything else using his mouth. It is also common for babies to suck on their hands when their gums become tender in preparation for tooth eruption. Symptoms of teething can sometimes occur weeks and even months before the first tooth erupts.

We Can Help You
Call +1 (212) 749-6613 or Email  Ruth@DoulaCare.com
Let our Postpartum Doulas help you if your baby is not feeding regularly, having difficulties, or you don’t understand the baby’s cues.
A Doula Care Postpartum Doula is trained and certified to help you with all the normal breastfeeding basics, and your newborn care needs.  Trained to assess if a further referral is needed to an IBCLC or breastfeeding medicine physician.

What is the Difference Between Postpartum Doulas and Baby Nurse?

by Filed Under: Breastfeeding, Dad, Doula Care Staff, Mood and Anxiety Disorders?, Newborn Care, newborn sleep, Nurturing, Parenting, postpartum, Postpartum Doula, Pregnant, signs of Postpartum Depression, Sings of Postpartum depression

I’ve been a certified DONA postpartum doula for more than 25 years. This is a question I always receive from expecting parents. It’s a question I wish I knew to ask when I was pregnant: “What is the difference between Baby nurse and doula?”

From my experience as a mother, it was not hard to be drawn to doula work to help make the transition for other parents smoother and help them feel supported as they learn.

Some details about the different jobs: Let’s start with the philosophical differences and training between a doula and a baby nurse. A certified “Postpartum Doula” came about to support breastfeeding and the transition to parenthood. So, all certified postpartum doulas have the training to help families that want to breastfeed, unlike the baby nurse, which is not her job or her training (naturally, doulas are also supportive and great with helpful tips on bottle-feeding or pumping).

My agency’s postpartum doulas are supportive, non-judgmental, and knowledgeable professionals helping families find their voice and style of caring for their babies.

Parenthood is a significant life transition, and postpartum doulas are trained to notice if the adjustment period is more overwhelming than usual and be available to listen with an open heart and knowledgeable ear. We can address concerns and know all the community referrals for mental health resources or parent support groups.

The doula is different because we are there to promote the parent’s bonding with their baby, learning how to understand their baby’s cues for feeding and sleeping; this is done with the doula’s guidance through her knowledge and training in the developmental newborn milestones of newborns.

Doulas are there to address the whole family’s needs, so our role is one of mentors, assistants, teachers, and nurturers to help with the siblings and family transition. That is not the responsibility or job of a baby nurse, and this makes the difference when you’re feeling vulnerable and recovering from the birth and learning about your baby.

Doulas differ significantly from baby nurses as they are not there solely to tend to the baby’s needs but to support, encourage, and teach a family how to care for their newborn (yes, we adore babies and will care for your baby while you shower, take a nap or during the overnight shifts).

A postpartum doula is a quiet, practical, non-judgmental presence in your home, someone not there to take over physically, leaving parents empty-handed, longing to care for and understand their baby. A baby nurse’s job and role is to take care of the baby’s needs exclusively, and we care for the whole family.

A doula takes care of you so you can care for your baby!

Doula Care Postpartum doulas know how to care for parents, helping them learn to trust their instincts and teaching them how to independently meet their baby’s needs.

Postpartum Doulas have a saying, “We want to work our way out of a job.” That means our job as a doula has been done well with a family when we are not needed, and you’re feeling reassured as new parents and built up your confidence able to care for your own baby.

We understand new parenthood as experienced, seasoned parents and professionals ourselves.

Our Team of Doulas

by Filed Under: Breastfeeding, Dad, Doula Care Staff, Mood and Anxiety Disorders?, Newborn Care, newborn sleep, Nurturing, Parenting, postpartum, Postpartum Doula, Pregnant, signs of Postpartum Depression, Sings of Postpartum depression

All the doula placements are COVID vaccinated.

Some of Doula Care, Doulas

Some of the staff getting together for our favorite Indian breakfast at Pondicherri NYC Restaurant

An amazing group of seasoned professional doulas who take bookings from the agency.

Healthy Pregnancy and Postpartum

by Filed Under: Breastfeeding, Dad, Doula Care Staff, Mood and Anxiety Disorders?, Newborn Care, newborn sleep, Nurturing, Parenting, postpartum, Postpartum Doula, Pregnant, signs of Postpartum Depression, Sings of Postpartum depression, Uncategorized

What is a Healthy Pregnancy?

Postpartum care: What to expect after a vaginal delivery

Your newborn may be your top priority — but postpartum care counts, too. From vaginal soreness to urinary problems, here’s what to expect as you recover from a vaginal delivery.

Pregnancy changes your body in more ways than you might have guessed, and it doesn’t stop when the baby is born. Here’s what to expect after a vaginal delivery.

Vaginal soreness

If you had an episiotomy or vaginal tear during delivery, the wound might hurt for a few weeks. Extensive tears might take longer to heal. In the meantime, you can help promote healing:

  • If sitting is uncomfortable, sit on a pillow or padded ring.
  • Use a squeeze bottle to pour warm water over your vulva as you’re urinating. Press a clean pad or washcloth firmly against the wound when you bear down for a bowel movement.
  • Cool the wound with an ice pack, or place a chilled witch hazel pad between a sanitary napkin and the wound.
  • Take pain relievers or stool softeners as recommended by your health care provider.

While you’re healing, expect the discomfort to slowly improve.
Contact your health care provider if the pain intensifies; the wound becomes hot, swollen and painful; or you notice a pus-like discharge.

Vaginal discharge
You’ll have a vaginal discharge (lochia) for a number of weeks after delivery. Expect a bright red, heavy flow of blood for the first few days. The discharge will gradually taper off, becoming watery and changing from pink or brown to yellow or white.

Contact your health care provider if:

  • You have heavy vaginal bleeding
  • The discharge has a foul odor

You have a fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher
Contractions
You might feel contractions, sometimes called afterpains, during the first few days after delivery. These contractions — which often resemble menstrual cramps — help prevents excessive bleeding by compressing the blood vessels in the uterus. These contractions tend to be stronger with successive deliveries. Your health care provider might recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever.

 Contact your health care provider if you have a fever or if your abdomen is tender to the touch. These signs and symptoms could indicate a uterine infection.

Hemorrhoids and bowel movements
If you notice pain during bowel movements and feel swelling near your anus, you might have hemorrhoids — stretched and swollen veins in the anus or lower rectum. To ease any discomfort while the hemorrhoids heal, soak in a warm tub and apply chilled witch hazel pads to the affected area. Your health care provider might recommend a topical hemorrhoid medication as well.
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Baby Names, how to pick a name?

by Filed Under: Newborn Care, newborn sleep, Nurturing, Parenting, Uncategorized

Baby name meaning, are you wondering about how you pick a name if you’re not using a family name? What are some popular and unique baby names? This was so hard for me, I struggled with how to decide? I had a two names in mind and waited until I met my baby. How are you going about this? Here are some different baby names in This Article full of ideas.

Curious about most popular names in NY here the list of top 100 from Social Security card applications for births that occurred in New York. All data are from a 100% sample of our records on Social Security card applications as of the end of February 2016.
What to name the babyHere is a peek at the top 10 so far this year.

1          Liam                Olivia

2          Jacob              Emma

3          Ethan               Sophia

4          Noah               Isabella

5          Michael           Mia

6          Matthew          Ava

7          Mason             Emily

8          Joseph             Charlotte

9          Lucas              Madison

10        Daniel             Abigail

 

 

What is Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders?

by Filed Under: Dad, Mood and Anxiety Disorders?, Newborn Care, newborn sleep, Nurturing, Parenting, postpartum, Postpartum Doula, Pregnant, signs of Postpartum Depression, Uncategorized

Very often, when a mom is suffering from these symptoms, it can be very isolating. Reaching out for support or talking to others isn’t always easy while feeling this way.

The Blue Dot Project

Image from The Blue Dot Project

It can be mild or extreme…it can come before, during or after pregnancy…it can be anxiety or depression…but what it cannot be is anyone’s fault. Commonly known as Postpartum Depression, it afflicts 1 in 8 new moms.
The Blue Dot Project aims to bring it out of the shadows.

A postpartum doula is a supportive sensitive experienced helper with the day to day practicalities of parenthood until you feel better. In NYC Contact Ruth at Doula Care to set up for a doula to be your extra pair of hands helping you with the baby.  Learn about the signs of postpartum depression/anxiety mood disorders
Resource Center for New York  (631) 422-2255
National Resources Get Help Today

Mothering the Mother: New Mothers Need a Period of Rest and Recovery after the Birth

by Filed Under: Breastfeeding, Dad, Newborn Care, newborn sleep, Nurturing, Parenting, postpartum, Postpartum Doula, Pregnant, Uncategorized

A wonderful new book that promotes an age old concept, caring for women after they give birth. A Postpartum Doula fills that role for many families.
The “doula” is a Greek word that has come to mean “one who serves or Mothers the new Mother” caring for new families and nurturing them after the birth. Postpartum Doulas are different than a baby nurse. We’re a postpartum service for families who want to take care of their newborn, but need nurturing care for their  families, themselves  and their household. And to learn and be supported breastfeeding and how to care for a newborn.
Doulas never interrupt the bonding of a new family.

Image from Heng Ou's new book "The First 40 Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother"

Image used from
Heng Ou’s new book “The First 40 Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother”

With so much change occurring Postpartum Doulas can help ease the transition with non-judgmental supportive care, supportive by helping with the newborn and breastfeeding or by simply preparing you a cup of tea and something nourishing to eat and giving you a chance to talk about your new mothering concerns.

Beautiful new book.

Beautiful new book.

 

 

Are You Misreading Your Newborns Sleep Cues?

by Filed Under: Breastfeeding, Dad, Newborn Care, newborn sleep, Nurturing, Parenting, postpartum, Postpartum Doula, Pregnant, Uncategorized

As experienced postpartum doulas we teach new parents how to read and understand sleeping and feeding cues.
Parents misread their baby’s sleep cues by trying to keep baby interested and engaged not recognizing baby is showing them “sleep cues”.  Newborns only have brief wakeful periods after feeding (about 30 minutes)
Most newborn babies (under 8 weeks) are not wakeful for very long.  Although it varies by baby, newborns stay awake naturally no longer than 45 minutes,  about an hour or so closer to 8 weeks.

Instead of rocking the baby to sleep, or laying the baby down, parents start rattling toys in a baby’s face, passing the baby around to different people, and then you then have an overstimulated cranky baby hard to console!

Some easy to read sleep cue signs in a newborn :

Losing interest in people and toys

Becoming quiet

Making jerky movements (in small babies)

Becoming very still (these babies relax and fall asleep easily)

Yawning

Frowning

Clenching her fists into tight balls

Rubbing her eyes and ears and fussing

 

See more at: www.bellybelly.com.au/baby/baby-cues

Why Is Breastfeeding So Darn Hard?

by Filed Under: Breastfeeding, Dad, Newborn Care, Nurturing, Parenting, postpartum, Postpartum Doula, Pregnant, Uncategorized

By Leigh Anne O’Connor, IBCLC
You are a mammal. You expect that you will have your baby and he will just latch right on and you are all set.

But then you see all of your “friends” struggling. Why is it so darn hard?

Breastfeeding is a learned behavior for parents. Babies are very instinctive. They know how to nurse when given normal circumstances. Unfortunately, many newborns are not born into biologically normal circumstances.

Breastfeeding involves two people: the parent who gave birth and the baby.*

Many people are unaware of the impact of birth on both the mom and baby for breastfeeding. If the birth is induced, medicated or surgical this all impacts both parties. When you throw in vacuum of forceps delivery this makes an added complication for the newborn.

Medications for induction can make both mom and baby sleepy. The intravenous fluids that are necessary add fluid not only to the mom and her breasts but also to the baby. This fluid in the breasts can make it more challenging for the milk to flow in the first couple of days. As the baby sheds this excess water it may look like a dramatic weight loss, which often results in unnecessary supplementing.

We live in a culture where babies are not frequently included in social situations. Breastfeeding is hidden. It is hidden in homes, behind burkas and in bottles of pumped milk. Breastfeeding moms are often shooed away – either blatantly or subtly. This means we do not see breastfeeding on a regular basis.

Breastfeeding is very different from bottle-feeding. It is hard to quantify how much a baby is getting. In a world where most everything is measured and monitored and checked off breastfeeding is a challenge.

Breastfeeding is not routinely taught in medical school – or in any school for that matter. This means that the medical team meant to support you often have little to no training in the normal course of breastfeeding.

So, what are new and expecting parents to do?

These things can help to get breastfeeding off to a good start and continue.

Attend La Leche League Meetings  http://www.lllusa.org/– these are meetings for pregnant and breastfeeding parents with trained volunteers with personal breastfeeding experience. This is a great opportunity to see real breastfeeding babies and to hear what works, what gets in the way of breastfeeding and to learn that there is a wide range of normal.

Make a birth plan. No matter what kind of birth you plan or want it is a good idea to write out your desires – even if things do not go according to your plan many of your wishes around the birth could be honored including drugs used, having skin to skin with your baby – possible even with a Caesarean if you plan ahead – rooming in, avoiding supplementing, etc.

Have a labor support doula! This person can help you craft your birth plan. Women who use a doula are more likely to have a vaginal birth and reduced interventions. This leads to easier breastfeeding.

If you need help at home after your baby is born a postpartum doula is great! She can teach you newborn care, general breastfeeding, she can care for you while you learn to care for your baby. She can take care of food for you and your family and other domestic activities you may feel compelled to do.

Have your “team,” partner, extended family, healthcare team, support you in breastfeeding. This means making sure they are informed about breastfeeding.

Make contact with an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.) http://www.ilca.org/why-ibclc/falc Most will talk to you before your baby is born to discuss when and if you may need to schedule an appointment.

Avoid Dr. Google! This is important. The internet is full of opinions, marketing and general misinformation. You are not one-size-fits-all and neither is your baby. You need to look at your baby, your situation and know when to seek help and to know what is normal.

Education is key! Here are some good books:

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by Diane Wiessinger, Diana West and Teresa Pitman

Breastfeeding Made Simple by Nancy Mohrbacher

The Nursing Mothers Companion by Kathleen Huggins

* more if there are multiple babies