On the eleventh day with baby, my doula gave to me,
A qualified backup doula!
She entertained my toddler.
She reassured my partner.
She fended off my mother.
She helped me find resources.
She helped me with my feelings.
5 freezer meals!
4 loads of laundry!
3 hours of napping!
She helped me feed my baby.
And she sat down and listened to me.
A postpartum doula is there to take care of YOU.
Part of the job is making sure you don't get left hanging if I get sick.
COVID-19 has made it especially important for doulas to establish a backup plan up front. My initial meetings with clients these days involve a lot more talk about risks and contingency plans in case of illness.
It might not actually involve Mary Poppins floating down to your doorstep, but I'm going to make sure we have a plan that will keep you supported!