Handing off your new baby to someone else can be hard, even if they are someone as qualified and loving as your own parents. Sometimes the closer the relationship, the harder it can feel to give or take direction and feedback. More and more often, grandparents/family members/others are being asked and offering to help take care of babies. As we know, each baby is different, constantly changing, and even the way we take care of babies has changed. No matter how well you know how to care for babies, we can all use some objective and experienced support. Caregiving for hours on end is difficult on any mind or body, especially if someone is older, has recently relocated to a new city, or might not know enough English (I speak Spanish, French, and Hebrew).
In addition to my extensive experience as a Birth/Postpartum Doula, Childbirth/Newborn Care Educator, and Spanish language interpreter, I know what it’s like to be thrown into taking care of a little one, sometimes without any specific training or preparation. I have personally been called on for 10 different babies, and I have learned from each different experience. Having a new baby means there’s limited time for anything at all, let alone training someone on how to take care of them. Sometimes, caregivers are called on at the very last minute, whether your other child-care has fallen through, or you suddenly have to go back to work, etc.
My services are as flexible as you want or need them to be. You can book me for as many hours as you like, whether we start out with just a few sessions, and add on as needed. In addition to the very important in-person nature of this role, I can be available outside of the official hours over email, text, etc.
We would start with a no-pressure interview to get to know each other, answer questions and see what might be the right fit for you. You, as the child’s parents/primary caregivers are my utmost priority. I would get to know you, your specific situation, goals, worries, and expectations. We can talk candidly about your relationship with the secondary caregivers, and discretion is hugely important to me. We can spend time with your baby, and you can give me as much or as little information about your routines as you like. We can meet with the entire team if time permits, or if necessary, we can jump in to me supporting the grandparent immediately. If the baby is spending time at a different location such as grandparent’s house, we can figure out what tools/setup might help or be necessary. We can talk about the common schedules for a baby of their age, and I can provide resources on how to track or predict the next thing your baby might need. We can practice note-taking, as it can help them learn baby’s patterns and be useful information for you when the baby is handed back over at the end of the shift.
Sometimes, we can all use some help figuring out how to connect the baby monitor to the wifi, or properly setup a baby changing station or car seat, or learn how to use the intercom at their new building.
Importantly, I can relay info from you to them and vice versa as an objective and experienced third party.
Additionally, taking care of a baby can be tedious, exhausting, and lonely for anyone. I can provide a couple of hours of chatting, commiserating, company, and even a break for your caregiver. I can organize a baby-friendly outing which can serve as practice for what to bring and how to go out with a baby. I can coordinate social outings with other caregivers of their same age range, so they can make friends with others going through their similar situation.
The money you spend on my services should more than compensate for the money you will be saving by having your family member pitching in.
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Starts with a no-pressure interview to get to know each other, answer questions and see what might be the right fit for you. Whether you’re looking for the full doula support package or just a little postpartum help for a friend, we can put something together that works for your needs.
The full service includes 2-5 prenatal meetings to listen to your birth preferences, discuss your options, demonstrate and practice comfort measures, labor positions, and breathing techniques with the option of a full childbirth/postpartum education class. In addition to learning about postpartum recovery and newborn baby care, I can guide you through creating a full postpartum plan based on your individualized needs. We can also discuss options for creative/artistic/ceremonial practices if you’re interested.
In addition to having me on-call 24 hours a day within the 2 weeks before and after your due date range, you receive unlimited resources, referrals and phone/email support throughout as well as guaranteed backup doulas from within Sage Birth and Wellness Collective’s group of doulas with options to meet them beforehand.
I provide:
Continuous and unlimited labor/birth support and 1-2 hours immediate postpartum integration.
A follow up call 24-48 hours after the birth and unlimited communication through 6 weeks postpartum.
At least one postpartum home visit in which you can process your experience. I can share a detailed timeline of your birth event, resources you may need and breastfeeding support/education.
Ongoing postpartum home visits are available and catered to your specific needs.