Do you know what a doula is? What about a postpartum doula? I’ve got questions and Laura from East Coast Baby Co. has answers. Grab a kombucha and check out my interview with postpartum doula, Laura Fitzgerald.
What is East Coast Baby Co. and what kind of services do you offer?
Laura: East Coast Baby Co. offers daytime and overnight postpartum support as well as infant feeding support to new and growing families. We will also be adding newborn care classes, grandparenting classes, breastfeeding classes and childbirth education classes to our schedule. We are also proud to host a monthly wellness meetup for new moms. We cover different topics each month related to babies, motherhood and family and bring in local experts to educate the community on each topic. I believe having a place to meet each month, talking with other moms and the support of a doula makes motherhood that much easier.
So what is the difference between a birth doula and postpartum doula?
Laura: A birth doula is someone that supports the mom and her partner through childbirth by providing emotional support as well as comfort measures to help mom through labor and delivery. A postpartum doula supports the family after the baby is born. Some families are looking for short term support while they recover from birth while other families are looking for more long term support. We provide evidence-based information on things such as newborn care, infant feeding, soothing techniques and mother-baby bonding. We can also provide sibling support, help with errands, meal prep and light housework. By meeting the family where they are at and really finding out what they are struggling with allows us to customize our care to meet their needs.
As a mom, I get it but to someone who may not be familiar – why do mommas need the support of a postpartum doula?
Laura: A postpartum doula makes the home more manageable for new parents. Sometimes you just need a shoulder to cry on or someone to tell you you are doing a great job. We are there to build the confidence of the new parents, while simultaneously reducing the fear, anxiety and overwhelm that is very common in the postpartum period. We focus on helping your body heal by making sure you are hydrated, nourished and most importantly well rested. Since lack of sleep is directly related to your mood, having a postpartum doula can also reduce the risk of postpartum
depression. It is so easy to get caught up in taking care of your
newborn that you forget to take care of your own needs. We are there to
be sure you are taken care of, making it easier for you to care for your
family. We are kind of like the Mary Poppins to new moms.
Can you explain what it means to be an Infant Feeding Specialist?
Laura: An Infant Feeding Specialist is trained in all modalities of infant feeding, not just breastfeeding. While we know that breast milk is the optimal food for an infant, we also acknowledge that the first rule of infant feeding is to feed the baby. An IFS is a support person meant to bridge the gap between the time a problem arises to the time you can see your care
provider or IBCLC. We cover a wide range of support, from assistance
with latching or breastfeeding positions to introducing bottles or solid
foods.
What makes you passionate about helping mama’s?
Laura: I believe every mom deserves to have a positive experience in their postpartum period. Knowing that I can gently guide them though the overwhelming transition into motherhood in an unbiased, non-judgmental way is what makes me so passionate about what I do.
What is your best piece of advice for new mama’s?
Laura: Do not be ashamed to ask for help. I think as women we feel like asking for help means we have failed, when in fact recognizing you need help makes you strong. Your family needs the best version of you to show up everyday. So whether it’s asking a friend or a family member for help or hiring a postpartum doula it truly does take a village!
Find Laura’s company, East Coast Baby Co. on Instagram | Website
