What's a Postpartum Doula?

The first days and months after your baby arrives can be incredibly challenging. Feeling tired, emotional, anxious, and excited all at once is normal. Gemma's Postpartum Doula Service is here to help you transition into parenthood. Acting as a supportive presence in your family, Gemma provides guidance and assistance with postpartum care, recovery, and newborn care, helping you navigate through the physical and hormonal changes of this period.

Here's some of what you can expect within in your postpartum care 

• Aid in postpartum recovery.

• Provide emotional support for the entire family.

• Assist with lactation support, including establishing lactation, addressing lactation issues, and offering evidence-based information on growth and development.

• Offer guidance on newborn sleeping and feeding patterns.

• Address common concerns with "Is it normal?" questions and provide resources for further information.

• Provide educational resources to inform parenting decisions.

• Tackle daily to-do lists according to your preferences.

• Maintain household organization and functionality.

• Attend to older siblings and pets.

• Support established routines.

• Facilitate discussions about birthing experiences and general parenting topics.

• Manage household chores and laundry.

• Run family errands and pick up groceries.

• Prepare meals for the family.

• Offer age-appropriate soothing techniques to aid in baby sleep.

• Plus much more!

Having a baby takes a village. Gemma is there to be your village.

Why Have a Postpartum Doula?

1. **Improved Breastfeeding Success**: Studies have shown that mothers who hire postpartum doulas are more likely to successfully breastfeed their babies. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing found that 90% of mothers who had postpartum doula support were breastfeeding at six weeks compared to 58% of mothers who did not have a doula.
2. **Reduced Risk of Postpartum Depression**: Research has indicated that having support from a postpartum doula can reduce the risk of postpartum depression. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that mothers who received doula support had lower rates of postpartum depression compared to those who did not receive such support.
3. **Increased Parental Confidence**: Hiring a postpartum doula can boost parental confidence and reduce anxiety for new parents. According to a survey conducted by DONA International, 97% of families reported feeling more confident in their parenting abilities after working with a postpartum doula.
4. **Enhanced Bonding and Attachment**: Postpartum doulas provide emotional support and guidance, which can enhance bonding and attachment between parents and their newborns. A study published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing found that mothers who received doula support reported feeling more bonded to their babies compared to those who did not receive such support.
5. **Improved Postpartum Recovery**: Postpartum doulas assist with practical tasks such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, and infant care, allowing mothers to focus on their own recovery. Research has shown that mothers who have support from a postpartum doula experience faster physical recovery and report higher levels of satisfaction with their postpartum experience.

Why hire Gemma?

Gemma is licensed, insured, and certified as a postpartum doula, lactation counselor, and sleep consultant. Her comprehensive service combines these three roles, providing invaluable support for parents of newborns and beyond. Gemma ensures good habits are established from the start, assisting with multiple feedings and naps to promote healthy sleep and feeding routines.

In-person postpartum doula  and lactation service is available in Montgomery County, MD, Prince Georges County, MD, Arlington County, VA, and Fairfax County, VA, while virtual appointments are offered globally.