As a Postpartum Doula I provide in-home support to your family after your baby is born. I serve in the Grand Rapids area. . Through DONA, International I have received training in the latest evidence-based information in all kinds of things that will help you and your baby make the transition into the 4th trimester. I will adjust my services to meet your specific needs, but in general, I offer hel
p in all of these areas: an extra set of hands with infant care, bonding, sleep strategies, breastfeeding support and troubleshooting, infant safety, depression screening, wellness of infant and mother, help reading babies cues and understanding various stages. I can help with developing strategies that work for you to make your home environment work for your new situation. I also offer help with running errands, light housework, cooking and occasional sibling support. I have many resources to share with you should you need continued support in an area beyond my scope of practice. I hope to work together with you and your partner to get your family off to a great start! This is what I bring to "the team" to share with you :
DONA, International Postpartum Doula training - the latest evidence based best practices of infant/mother care. Mother of Two-It was a while ago that I had little ones, however in my journey of becoming a mother I learned to become more nurturing, I learned what it really means to care for others and love well, I learned what it means to be a partner and to parent, I learned to set up my surroundings in a way that worked with our lifestyle (which was unlike anybody else's, as far as I know!) and I became a pretty good cook :) according to my family. Mentor Mom- For the last few years I've had the privilege of walking alongside seven other young moms, sharing what we discover to be motherhood. Sometimes the experiences I've had along the way can help bring perspective to the big picture of parenting. Being a mentor mom has grown in me the ability to be a good listener. I respect differences of opinion and learn from them. Associate Life Coach-This is NOT coaching in the traditional sense..as in "I have all the answers and I'm going to tell you what to do" BUT rather, coaching from a place of listening to what is important to you, listening to what your goals are and helping you find what works best for you and your family. Coaching, in this sense, is a conversation... I get to listen and ask meaningful questions and together we discover answers. Montessori Teacher-I bring a love of learning and an interest in how learning happens for individuals. I appreciate/honor/accommodate different learning styles. I believe that encouraging parents and helping them discover and develop new skills builds confidence. Parenting ain't for sissies :) and knowledge is the bat that smacks fear over the head! Collaborator-I've been making music with other musicians for over 30 years. Part of what makes a band work is everyone coming together with their own skills ready to contribute to create something beautiful (and sometimes surprising). I bring what I have to the time we have together, prepared to use it in whatever way will best support you and your family. In my practice I promote:
Working together...by collaborating with you to understand how I can best serve your needs, as part of the team of support you have surrounding you. Belonging.....by facilitating the entire family with the process of bonding with the baby. Healing...by helping mother and baby begin the process of recovery from the birth experience. Empowerment....by encouraging confidence in your ability to make choices through providing evidence-based information, resources, strategies and teaching new skills and understandings. Grace...I serve you with confidentiality and freedom from judgement.
