Skip to main content

World Doula Week

Today kicks off World Doula Week, a celebration of doulas all around the world. This year's theme is "Doulas make a difference" and I'm here for it! Over the last seven years, I've been blessed to work with more than seventy families. Many stick out in my mind and have left a special imprint on my heart. I truly hope I've made a difference, as I continuously strive to leave memorable impressions on the families I care for. 



What is a Doula?

A doula, translated from the original Greek language, means "a woman who serves". She serves families in the birth and postpartum period by providing evidence-based information, resources, emotional and physical support, while "mothering the mother" as she transitions into motherhood. 

In 1973 American Medical Anthropologist, Dana Raphael coined the word "doula" as a woman outside the family who tenders the new mother, so she can successfully breastfeed. Her book The Tender Gift: Breastfeeding so beautifully describes the shift that happens when a woman becomes a mother, known as Matrescence. This book is one that I hold dear and it has become a model of care for me as a Postpartum Doula. Although it was written in the 70s and is now out of print, I resonate with it so much and love lending it out to my clients from time to time. So many feelings, emotions, and hormonal changes happen during the birth and postpartum period and it's incredibly important for women to be supported and nurtured during this sacred phase. However you chose to define your doula work, know that you are valued as you pour your heart and passion into the lives of families. Keep doula'ing your thang! 


What services do you provide?

I currently serve Houston, Tx and surrounding areas, offering postpartum doula support, lactation visits (both in-home and virtual) and gentle sleep coaching. You can follow my doula journey @ instagram.com/newbynurturing and if you would like to inquire about my services please fill out my contact form > newbynurturing.com/contact. 

Happy World Doula Week! 


-Katie Newby, Postpartum Doula, and Certified Breastfeeding Specialist 






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tips for helping your baby sleep longer stretches at night

Photographer :  Garrett Jackson Are you feeling exhausted from being awakened by your little one every few hours each night? It's completely normal for babies to wake up frequently during the night, but as a parent, it can be tiring. If you're struggling to get your baby to sleep through the night, you're not alone! Here are a few tips that might help: Establish a bedtime routine: One of the most important things you can do to help your baby sleep longer stretches is to establish a consistent bedtime routine. This can include feeding, calming activities, and winding down for sleep. When your baby knows what to expect before bed, it can help them feel more comfortable and secure, which can lead to better sleep. Swaddle your baby: Swaddling can be a great way to help your baby sleep more soundly. When babies are wrapped in a light blanket, it can eliminate involuntary reflex movements that might wake them up. Just make sure to follow safe swaddling guidelines to ensure t
Post a Comment
Read more

The Importance of Prenatal Breastfeeding Education

Why should expectant mothers take the time to learn about breastfeeding during pregnancy? "All of the women in my family were successful at breastfeeding.. So, it should come natural for me too.. If I have a question I'll just ask one of my aunts or my mom."  These are just a few of the thoughts that entered my mind early on in m y pregnancy with my daughter and I have a feeling I'm not alone. In fact, I know I'm not. I don't think it ever occurred to me to take a breastfeeding class and sadly I've heard similar statements from my peers. I thought because my mother breastfed me for thirteen months and my siblings for nearly a year, it would be no different for my baby and me. Boy, was I mistaken. Even though I fell in love with nursing my daughter and she latched on eagerly, I was still met with challenges. I am so fortunate to have had the encouragement of my family, but unfortunately the breastfeeding knowledge that my providers held was minimal. Ending
Post a Comment
Read more