What Does A Postpartum Doula Do? - Part One
We work with a lot of expecting couples that are embarking on this journey for the first time and they usually have a lot of questions. Answering those questions is one of the best parts of our job, because we love helping educate people and connecting them to resources that they need. Most people these days know what a Birth Doula does or at the very least have heard the term. But more often not there are a lot of misconceptions about Postpartum Doulas. Many people think that a Postpartum Doula is there to help those with postpartum depression. Others might have heard that a Postpartum Doula is similar to a nanny. And while we do work with clients with postpartum depression and some of our Doulas have been nannies in the past, those definitions barely scratch the surface of what we do as Postpartum Doulas.
Breastfeeding Must Haves
When it comes to breastfeeding all you need is your boob and your baby, right?
Well, sort of. Obviously the mother and the baby are the two most important factors in making this breastfeeding thing work but having other supplies on hand can vastly improve your experience. And while we believe that nursing your baby is one of the most natural acts in the world, we also recognize that it doesn't always come naturally. We've chatted about this very thing in a previous blog, but to recap, breastfeeding is a learned behavior, much like learning how to play the piano. You need certain components in place to start off on the right foot, but success takes time, patience, and practice.
Thankfully, with new product conveniences we have lots of tricks and tools that can enhance your breastfeeding experience, taking some of the stress away and providing you a greater opportunity to bond with and focus on your baby. Here are just a few of the "must haves" that we recommend.
We Come to You! Private Prenatal Classes in Orange County
Now that the nausea and the newness of this pregnancy have subsided a bit, you're probably starting to think about what classes you want to take. There are so many options from childbirth preparation classes to breastfeeding classes to newborn care basics. The choices can be overwhelming an often times the dates or times offered don't fit into your busy schedule.
Enter Doulas of Orange County and our doula-led, private prenatal classes!
Picture this: You pre-select from a menu of topics to create a customized curriculum based on your needs and interests. You choose a time that works best with you and your husband's schedule. Prior to our visit, we send you a form to fill out that allows us to customize your private class to fit your learning style and your points of interest. We bring everything we need to guide you through an engaging, fun, and informative class in the comfort of your home.
You sip a cup of hot tea as you settle into your comfortable couch while you learn all about birth, breastfeeding, and baby care. You and your partner explore various comfort measures like massage, breathing, and relaxation techniques. You try out some essential oils, some different positions for labor, and together we have honest conversations about fears, nerves, and anything else you want to chat about freely. When your private class comes to an end finished, you feel calm and confident. You feel excited about your new knowledge and tools that will help you make informed decisions on this parenting journey.
Informed, prepared and confident. Isn't that exactly how you want to feel as you welcome your baby into this world? We can help you get there.
Do you have friends that are pregnant too? Wouldn't it be fun to put together a couples class in your home? Or maybe you want to invite your parents to your baby care class so they get a refresher on the basics! We can make it happen! Our customizable, professional, and private classes will meet you exactly where you're at. They are fun, practical, uncensored, and always judgment-free!
Here are just a glimpse at some of the most popular topics you can choose to include in your customized curriculums:
Birth 101: Local hospital options, recommended care providers, birth planning
Confident Birth: Stages of Labor, Hormones & Labor, Pain-Relief options (both natural and medicated), Comfort Measures, What to Expect, Interventions, Induction, and more!
Breastfeeding 101: Positions, What's Normal, Pumping, Overcoming Breastfeeding Hurdles
Baby Care Basics: Newborn Care, Swaddling, Soothing, Feeding, Bathing, Diapering
VBAC 101: Preparing With Confidence, Birth Options, Finding a Supportive Care Provider
Comfort Measures: Relaxation Techniques, Massage, Essential Oils, Rebozo
Grandparents Class: Refresher, Modern Parenting, How to Be the Greatest Grandparent!
These classes are all about YOU and what you want to learn. Each class provides ample time for honest discussion and plenty of questions - remember there are no silly questions!
Ready to get started?! Fill out our inquiry form and we’ll be in touch with more information!
Questions to Ask Your Placenta Specialist
So you're on the fence about placenta encapsulation. To help get your questions answered, we've compiled a list of our most common questions about placenta preparation and consumption as well as offered our recommendations on what to look for when hiring a placenta specialist or encapsulator.
1. What methods of preparation do you offer?
Many placenta specialists not only offer placenta benefits in pill form, but in the form of tinctures and salves, smoothies, as well as keepsakes if desired. Encapsulation is the most popular request and involves placing dried placenta powder in gelatin or vegan capsules. Tinctures offer a longer term use of your placenta in liquid form. Salves include dried placenta powder mixed with the healing properties of beeswax and oil to use for skin conditions for mom & baby.
The basis of most placenta preparation methods is TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) inspired, which involves steaming and dehydrating the placenta prior to consumption. You can also opt for the raw method which eliminates the steaming and goes straight from rinsing/cleaning the placenta to dehydrating. It is believed by some that steaming discourages bacteria growth, while others believe that steaming destroys nutrients. We recommend researching and speaking with a certified placenta professional to find the best option for you.
2. What are the benefits I can expect?
Our clients attest to the many benefits of using their placenta capsules and tincture to support their body and mind during postpartum recovery. Clients report mood & hormone balancing, help with boosting their milk supply, decrease in the amount of postpartum bleeding they experience, and increased energy. As every body and every person is different, each experience may vary, but these are the most common.
3. Where did you complete your training and what does your training entail?
In our experience, in-person trainings offer the most comprehensive option available while effectively teaching the highest safety standards. In addition to having a professional training, it is recommended that all placenta specialists or encapsulators are fully certified to uphold blood borne pathogen standards as set forth by OSHA as well as certified Food Handlers. All trainings and certifications should be kept up-to-date to ensure the safest handling and preparation of your placenta.
4. What are your sanitation and safety protocols?
The safest placenta encapsulation includes up-to-date Bloodborne Pathogens Certification which as we already mentioned.
When it comes to sanitization the only acceptable method is soaking in bleach solution or commercial sanitizer. All other methods are inferior. Equipment should be monitored for normal wear and tear and replaced as needed. Following processing each placenta, your specialist should soak all re-useable equipment in a bleach solution as set forth by OSHA to adequately kill all bacteria and prevent cross contamination. We recommend that all placenta specialists wear personal protective equipment including a mask, plastic apron, gloves, and a hair covering.
5. How do you ensure that I'm receiving my placenta and not someone elses?
This is the beauty of opting for in-home encapsulation. By transporting your own placenta and witnessing the process in your own home, there will be no doubt. For those that choose to have their placentas processed in their specialists home, rest assured that we only process one placenta at time. Your specialist confirms that your placenta is properly labeled prior to receiving your it from the hospital and keeps everything labeled throughout the entire process.
6. Do you have a contract?
This is essential for any professional placenta encapsulator. At Doulas of Orange County, our services are always contracted. A contract should state your responsibilities as the client (such as ensuring proper storage at the hospital) as well as the encapsulator’s responsibilities. Reviewing the contract prior to hiring is always an option!
Your placenta and postpartum deserve the best support offered. We encourage you to take the time to discuss relevant policies with placenta encapsulators and asking the hard questions. If you would like our personal recommendations for placenta professionals in the Orange County and Long Beach areas, please reach out to us!