Newby Nurturing Lactation & Postpartum Support

  A postpartum doula ensures that you feel supported and heard during your transition into motherhood—a time that often comes with many questions and uncertainties.  She can be a listening ear as you process your birth story or any concerns you may be having. She offers evidence-based education and can connect you with resources or trusted professionals in her referral network.  She can assist you with light household duties, such as washing and sterilizing bottles and pump parts, preparing nourishing snacks, refilling your water, and taking care of baby laundry.  If you are breastfeeding, she can answer questions, assist you with achieving a comfortable latch, and refer you to lactation specialists when needed.  She is also there to help you and your partner catch up on rest. While you get some shut-eye, she can take over care of your sweet baby, providing soothing, diapering, bottle feeding, or bringing the baby to you to nurse, all while keeping a detailed log of their nightly routi

So you've decided to hire a postpartum doula, but now you are wondering how to find the right one for you. You might start by asking your healthcare provider for recommendations. Many postpartum doulas have networks of local providers they work with. Your obstetrician, chiropractor or pediatrician might know of a great doula or have heard of one through their professional network.  Another option is to search online for "postpartum doulas in the Houston area", or wherever you are located and look over their websites. Doulamatch.net is a directory for parents to find a doula in their area, listing their years of experience and relevant certifications such as doula training, breastfeeding education, and CPR certification. You can also consider doula agencies, which often have teams of experienced doulas and handle the vetting process to ensure you receive quality care. The most important factor when choosing a postpartum doula is how comfortable you feel with them and whet

One of the most common concerns for new mothers is wondering if their baby is getting enough milk. In the early days of breastfeeding, babies’ tummies are tiny—about the size of a marble when they're born, holding 1-1.4 teaspoons. During the first few days postpartum, babies take in smaller, more frequent feeds of colostrum , (Mom's first milk), which arrives in small amounts weeks before delivery and is the perfect food for babies.  Colostrum has been referred to as baby’s first medicine, or “liquid gold” since it is packed with nutrients and antibodies that will prime their immune system those first few days earth-side.   Breastfed babies typically eat between 8 and 12 times a day, sometimes more! Responding to their cues is important and will help establish a good milk supply. Babies tend to feed more frequently during growth spurts or when they're not feeling well.  Here are some ways to know if your baby is getting enough:  Feeding Cues  Signs of Satisfaction: Babies u

As a postpartum doula, I get asked a lot of questions about what we do. I've shared a lot about the role of a postpartum doula in my other blog posts, so I'll give you the shortened version.     We're often referred to as baby whisperers, but really, we are mother-focused. We are there to support the whole family as they welcome new life, but our priorities lie in mothering the mother during a time when so much revolves around the baby.      Sure, we provide expert newborn care, but we are also there to make sure mom's resting, comfortable, and staying nourished so that she can properly heal the baby-sized wound in her belly.     In our 'hustle and bustle' society, there's been a message circulating, that's left many women with the impression that they should bounce back as quickly as possible after having their baby. Well, I'm here to spread another message. You can have a slow and restful postpartum that doesn't involve you losing out at

Today begins the celebratory week of Doulas, World Doula Week~ March 22nd through March 28th. This week has become a time for reflection on how I came to know this work and how it has changed me as a caregiver and a person.  If you don’t know what a doula is, well, I’ll just start by telling you what they don’t do: deliver babies! 'If you know, you know.' If you’re a doula, you’ve likely been asked this.   What we do is support the mother from the time of conception to delivery, through postpartum, and often through the baby’s first year of life. In the Greek language, doula means a woman who serves.  We serve the mother during a time when talk of the baby might feel like it silences her inner voice, telling her to reach out for extra love and tenderness. We serve her because often we’ve felt times in our own womanhood/motherhood journey when we’ve desired this level of support, a listening ear, and a calming essence. Someone to validate our feelings and not pass judgment.  It&

A Guide to Becoming a Postpartum Doula  For many women, welcoming a new life into the world is a miraculous and transformative experience. The birth of a baby marks the birth of a mother. Across diverse cultures globally, the postpartum period, also known as matrescence is a time of transition in nearly every facet of a woman's life, as beautifully noted by Kelsey Borresen in Huff Post. It holds profound significance, casting a sacred light on a woman's journey. As a postpartum professional, your role is crucial in supporting her. This blog post will guide you on how to embark on the rewarding journey of becoming a postpartum doula, providing holistic care and empowering mothers on their breastfeeding journeys. Understanding the Role of a Postpartum Doula: A postpartum doula is a trained professional who extends physical, emotional, and informational support  to mothers during the postpartum period. Beyond the essential newborn care, your role encompasses aiding a mother in a