Welcome to this new chapter of parenthood! I’m beyond thrilled to meet your precious little one, and I’m honored that you’re considering me to be a part of your journey. Hi, I’m Jen!
As a postpartum doula, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside many new parents through the early days and weeks of parenthood, and I understand the overwhelming joy and uncertainty that comes with it. That’s why I’m here to offer you a reassuring presence, a listening ear, and a helping hand.
My goals as your doula are twofold: (1) to provide you with the support, guidance, and encouragement you need to navigate this new reality with confidence and peace, and (2) to be so good at my job that I become unnecessary.
Let me be your trusted companion as you adjust to your new role and responsibilities. Together, we’ll take things one step at a time, and I’ll be here to celebrate your successes and help you overcome any challenges that come your way.
While many doulas can provide emotional and physical assistance, my unique background and expertise are tailored to help you navigate the earliest days of parenthood with confidence. As a knowledgeable resource on breastfeeding, I’ll be here to guide you through any challenges or questions you may have, drawing from my extensive experience as a La Leche League librarian and my own breastfeeding journey. My training and personal experience as a new parent myself have also equipped me to offer newborn care education, so you can feel secure in your ability to care for your little one. Additionally, my certification as a parenting coach and extensive experience as a nanny mean I’ve honed my skills in managing the chaos that can come with caring for multiple children. Whether it’s helping with sibling transitions or addressing any other parenting concerns that arise, I’m here to be a trusted ally and sounding board. My goal is to help you feel empowered, supported, and confident in your ability to parent your child(ren), so you can focus on enjoying this precious time with them.
I’m also a Mom, so I get it. I remember my earliest postpartum days. In fact … (click here to read my doula origin story)
I only work with one client at a time, because my goal is to offer focused support. As such, I do require a non-refundable deposit be paid up front. Being a certified postpartum doula, I can accept HSA and FSA payments, as well as qualify for your postpartum doula employee benefits. AND if no one told you, you can include a postpartum doula fund on your baby registry through certain registry management websites.
Hyper-local, boutique service. You aren’t just a number. Serving Chapel Hill and Hillsborough, North Carolina and nowhere else. One client at a time. You have my full attention.
What can postpartum doulas do?
- Emotional and physical support: A postpartum doula provides emotional support to the new parents as they navigate the challenges of caring for a newborn. They also offer physical support by assisting with household tasks and providing guidance.
- Breastfeeding support: Many new mothers may struggle with breastfeeding in the early weeks after giving birth. A postpartum doula may be able to offer guidance and support to help establish a successful breastfeeding relationship. (This support domain requires additional coursework that isn’t required to become a postpartum doula. If you choose to work with a different postpartum doula, I kindly request that you ensure they are equipped to provide breastfeeding support.)
- Sleep deprivation: Lack of sleep is a common concern for new parents, and a postpartum doula can help by providing support so that parents can get some much-needed rest.
- Newborn care education: Taking care of a newborn can be overwhelming for first-time parents. A postpartum doula can provide education and guidance on newborn care, including feeding, soothing techniques, and creating a daily routine. (This support domain requires additional coursework that isn’t required to become a postpartum doula. If you choose to work with a different postpartum doula, I kindly request that you ensure they are equipped to provide newborn care education.)
- Household chores and meal management: With a new baby in the house, household chores and eating can often fall by the wayside. A postpartum doula can help with light housekeeping tasks and meal management, allowing the new parents to focus on bonding with their baby.
- Parental self-care: It’s important for new parents to prioritize self-care, but it can be challenging to find the time and energy to do so. A postpartum doula can remind parents to take care of themselves, can provide guidance on ways to incorporate self-care into their daily routine, and can make space for that self-care during their shift.
Hyper-local, boutique service. You aren’t just a number. Serving Chapel Hill and Hillsborough, North Carolina and nowhere else. One client at a time. You have my full attention.
How is a doula born?
I thought I’d prepared. I had my mother lined up as my support person for the immediate postpartum week at home – as much as I love my husband, impending fatherhood had him going through his own journey. But on the eve of my induction date, my Mom got stage fright and canceled, opting to stay home.
While I had a few friends step in here and there, my husband and I essentially did our fourth trimester unsupported. It was hard, y’all. And this is me, a career nanny with over 21 children under my belt, speaking. I could only imagine how much worse it would be for someone who didn’t come in with the background knowledge I had.
In processing that experience, I vowed, “Never again!” And set out to be for others, what I needed for myself. I will support you because you deserve support. That is my lens, my bias, and my mission.
I certified through BEST Doula at the earliest opportunity. I’m here. You deserve ease.