What a joy to welcome a new baby into your family. The anticipation, the excitement, the unknown, everything builds up to the moment that you bring your baby into the world.  Now the baby is here, what’s next? Following the birth of your new baby you may hear that it is important to rest, be well fed, feed your new baby, feel clean, nurture the family relationships that were already in place, feel at peace in your home, feel at peace in your body, go to appointments, host visitors that can’t wait to meet your baby and often “bounce back” after 6-12 weeks to return to work.  For a new parent, all of that, not to mention hormonal surges, lack of sleep, engorged breasts and a crying baby, can feel overwhelming.

In many parts of the world including Ethiopia, my father’s home country, the 40 days after the birth of a child is regarded as a sacred time for a woman. Women are revered, nurtured and cared for by other women and mothers. In these places the rates of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD), which include postpartum depression, are far lower than in countries where there are no postpartum traditions and very little postpartum support. I have trained with Valerie Lynn, author of The Mommy Plan, in traditional postpartum practices of Malaysia. I am here to help to revive the traditions of our ancestors. There is plenty of anecdotal information and more emerging research to support the need for rest and care after the birth of a new baby.

Our culture isn’t set up to support new families.  It is easy for new parents to put the needs of their babies first, often at the expense of their own needs. Becoming a mother is one of the biggest transitions a woman will make in life yet the postpartum period is often a surprise. That’s where I can help.

Aside from helping with food preparation, tidying, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, newborn care and mother care. I will hold space for you and be present to the beauty and your joy. I will bear witness to your tears, anger and fear. I will help you to create rituals after your baby’s birth. I see you and I am available to support you during this liminal stage.

I want to share my wisdom with you.

Postpartum Services:

Virtual Postpartum Doula Support-Postpartum support is essential at any time. Because we are living through a time of social distancing in person support may be limited for you so I’m offering the next best thing. As your postpartum doula I’ll provide you with virtual support that is customized to your families needs. What might this look like? We’ll set up sessions and I’ll be with you by phone or video, I’ll help you problem solve, get more rest, feed your baby, plan menus, order groceries, find resources and listen. I will provide you with tools to help calm your nervous system and get rest. I will talk to your partner (if applicable) and help them to support you as you heal and grow into parenthood. You can purchase individual 30 minute or 1 hour slots or you can purchase a package. Various payment plans are accepted.

For more information or to schedule virtual postpartum services email me or call me at 646-543-5113

Postpartum Doula Services-As your postpartum doula my role is to “mother the mother.”  We’ll create a postpartum plan to support your family’s needs. I cook nutritious vegetarian foods, wash dishes, make baked goods, give foot rubs, make teas and broths, give hugs, help you write your birth story, hold babies and listen. I work with you to identify your family’s needs and provide you with support that you deem necessary. I teach but give advice only when asked. I provide information to help you make informed choices and do not judge the choices you make for your family.

I am CPR-certified and well versed in the newborn stage. I am able to provide support with breastfeeding and I am a good formula mixer. I’ve changed countless diapers and given numerous newborn baths. I’ve learned tricks for soothing babies and helped many fall asleep.  

Postpartum Plant Based Meal Preparation-I will come to your home and prepare nutritious meals and snacks that cater to your nutritional needs during the postpartum period. We’ll come up with a 3-day meal plan that will include 2 meals and 1 treat or snack per day.

Postpartum Bengkung Binding-Bengkung Belly Binding is a tradition from Malaysia although similar wrapping techniques are practiced in many cultures throughout the world. During the postpartum period women have their abdomens wrapped in order to support the core as all of her organs move back into place after birth. Belly binding can help with weight loss, water retention, abdominal separation (diastasis recti), and posture. It also helps to keep warmth in the body and provides an overall feeling of support. I will come to your home to teach you and a partner how to wrap the belly. Or you may signup for one of my group classes. You may use your own wrap or you can purchase a handmade/hand dyed wrap from me.

Abdominal Massage-I provide a 30 minute treatment. Beginning with a belly scrub, 20 minute gentle abdominal massage and herbal compress. Abdominal massage is a great way to help your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size, it aids in digestion, helps to eliminate toxins from the body and provides energy to the new mother. This can be practiced as early as 1 week after a vaginal birth and 30-days post cesarean birth.

Closing of the Bones Ceremony-This ceremony originates from Central and South America this is usually performed around 6 weeks postpartum but can be done sooner after a vaginal birth. It can also be done many years after giving birth. This is both a physical and symbolic closing of the body following birth.

Packages:

Free in person or by phone consultation

Package pricing starts at $1300 for 3 weeks of postpartum care

Package 1) Basic

3 weeks of tailored postpartum support. May include: writing your birth story, meal prep, breastfeeding support, baby care, mommy care. 3 visits per week.

Package 2) Full

3 weeks of tailored postpartum support 3 visits per week. Offers all the Basic support plus 1 Bengkung Belly Binding (binding cloth sold separately) and 1 Abdominal Massage

Package 3) Holistic Mommy Care

3 weeks of tailored postpartum support 3 visits per week. Basic support plus 3 Bengkung Belly Binding Sessions includes the cloth, 3 Abdominal Massages, 1 vaginal steam and a closing ritual bath.

additional ala carte services may be added

Ala Carte Services:

BengKung Belly Binding

20-minute abdominal massage

Vaginal Steam

Ritual herbal bath

Closing of the bones ceremony

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

By phone or in person. All consultations are free.