Nurturing the new family in the weeks and months after the birth is the ever-shifting work of the postpartum doula. Caring for the needs of the infant, the mother, and even the partner to a certain extent- the postpartum doula is also ever-mindful of the tender new family unit as a whole. Postpartum doulas usually work on an hourly basis. You decide whether you'll provide daytime care, overnight care, or both.
This two-day Workshop is ideal as a supplement to Birth Doula training, or as a refresher or deepening study for those already offering postpartum doula services. It is also open to new aspiring doulas, and to family members of expectant women. No previous training is required.
Topics include:Infant care; swaddling, soothing, bathing.
Breastfeeding; frequency, positioning, burping, digestion, elimination.
Sleep support; normal variations in infant sleep patterns, supporting families in getting the best sleep possible while building good sleep habits for the long-term.
Mother's changing body; supporting the new mother for comfort and smooth postpartum recovery. Herbal baths, acupressure, fostering rest, vital nutrition, aromatherapy, use of the Mayan rebozo.
Postpartum emotional adjustment; helping the new family navigate the emotional changes of this time, identifying signs of postpartum stress or depression.
Referrals; knowing when and where to refer the growing family for additional professional support.
July 6 & 7, 2013. Center for Midwifery at Cooley Dickenson, Northampton MA.
