i believe in a world where expectant moms are supported all the way through pregnancy, birth, and especially the fourth trimester. that support can include postpartum doulas, family, neighbors, caregivers, and friends.

before i knew what postpartum doulas were, i had no idea what to do with a tiny baby! i share the story of bringing my first baby home. listen here. this is an audio clip of me talking about leaving the hospital with my baby. the nurse responded so well. haha.

i had so much support that i want to give that same support to the families i care for.

as a postpartum doula, i mother the mother, providing education, support and care-taking during the transition from pregnancy to parenthood.

known for my peaceful, calm, supportive presence, i serve newly delivered moms in middle tennessee during the 6-16 weeks of recovery following the birth of your baby, while your body is recovering. this is an average: some moms hire me for 2 weeks or 2 months and even a year when it continues to benefit the family.

as a professional doula in training, i offer emotional, physical, and educational support to a woman and her partner before, during, and after childbirth. my goal is to support the most satisfying transition possible from pregnancy into motherhood.

SERVICES of postpartum doulas will look different for each situation

i believe that postpartum doula support is vital for a successful transition as a new family unit.

as a postpartum doula, i provide non-medical support in the first days and weeks after bringing home a new baby and i help fill in the gaps, teaching strategies and skills that will improve parents’ ability to care for and bond with their babies. this is done in the home and also virtually.

every mother has different needs, and your needs evolve through your postpartum period. each visit looks different, but the goal remains the same – to care for the mother so she can enjoy caring for her new baby.

SUPPORT AND SERVICES in no particular order may include:

emotional support through the changes into parenthood

support and assistance with breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and pumping

assistance with positioning and latch while breastfeeding

watching for and understanding baby’s cues

soothing gassy and colicky babies and supporting parents with coping techniques

newborn care techniques including diapering, bathing, trimming nails, swaddling, babywearing techniques

assisting with the care of older siblings and helping them adjust to the new family member

providing support with pet adjustment

light housekeeping including dishes, running errands, and grocery shopping

meal preparation for the mother and her immediate family members

providing resources and referrals within your community

non judgmental support for the mother’s family

organization of the home and nursery including baby’s laundry

screening for postpartum mood disorders

creating a nurturing and quiet environment for the family

care for baby when the mother wants to shower, nap, or spend time with her other children

hands on education for infant care and mother care

offering support in the mother’s physical recovery after childbirth

helping the mother process the birth experience

for more info, i also share how postpartum doulas make a difference here.

Laura Swift | RN | Grandmother | Postpartum Doula

i offer in-person and virtual postpartum doula support in middle tennessee and my clients call me “grammie doula”.  i have 25 years as a labor and delivery nurse and then 10 years as a birth photographer. i am a mom to 3 grown children, 6 grandchildren and a baby in heaven. i live in a cabin in the woods with my gray-bearded husband and two pets that prefer his company over mine! ~laura