The word “DOULA” is getting to be more mainstream in Central Iowa. I even had a lady at our chiropractic office ask me if I knew what a doula was as she was telling me about her daughter in Seattle! I really shocked her when I said that not only did I know what a doula was, but that I was one too!

Most Iowans think doulas are just for birth support–and I did too! It wasn’t until I started working with families that I noticed a major gap between my clients having lots of support through pregnancy and labor from me, and not having much support at home after the birth.

A postpartum doula provides evidenced based information on things such as infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, mother–baby bonding, infant soothing, and basic newborn care. A postpartum doulais there to help a new family in those first days and weeks after bringing home a new baby. (American Pregnancy Association)  Having extra support is shown to help lessen the chances of postpartum depression, increase bonding with baby, and increase her confidence in motherhood.

A Really Big Problem

We have a major problem in the US–we aren’t treating new mothers well enough. Our businesses have shorted maternity leave to 6-8 weeks, some of that paid if lucky. Mothers are working through their entire pregnancy and starting motherhood tired. We are also in the technology age where it’s so easy to see pictures of new moms, with perfect outfits, clean babies, and a spotless home. We aren’t being realistic with new mothers. 

This is where a Postpartum Doula fits in.

While everyone else is focusing on the new baby, my main priority is MOM. What does she need today? A nap? A shower? A good meal? I’m here to help her process her birth experience, provide the latest methods and information on newborn care, and make sure she is able to heal from the birth. For a few hours a day, a few times a week, she is being taken care of. She is able to heal and gain confidence as a new mom.

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Not Your First Baby?

If this isn’t your first child, I’m also able to help you with siblings as well. This might include a fun activity while you rest or spend time with the newborn.  Or it might include me caring for your newborn while you spend some quality time with the older child(ren).

How Do I Get A Postpartum Doula?

It’s easy! We will meet once for a shorter meeting and discuss all that you might be looking for after your baby arrives. Each day might be different, and each family might have different needs. The first step is to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with me by contacting me via phone (515) 473-2737 or email katie@theiowababylady.com.  Then we go from there! Be sure to check out my postpartum doula page too!

All new moms need someone to care for them, pamper them, and help them in their new role. Hopefully they will have multiple people to lean on, and a postpartum doula is part of their team.

There’s so much to talk about with postpartum mother care, and I’d love the opportunity to meet with you to find out how I could help make the transition to motherhood easier.