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What is the 4th trimester?
The 4th trimester encompasses the first few months after a baby is born.
What is a doula?
The word “doula†is used to describe a trained professional who provides practical, physical and emotional support, in a non-judgemental fashion, to a woman and her family before, during or after birth. At Alcyone Blooms, we are currently offering antepartum, birth/labor and postpartum doula services.
What kind of services can I expect from my doula?
Antepartum doulas often support expecting mothers by accompanying them to appointments, preparing a birth plan, locating appropriate resources for them, caring for older children, light housekeeping and preparing the family and home for the baby’s arrival.
Birth/labor doulas will support you throughout your labor and delivery. In addition to being on call for your birth, your doula will be available to answer your questions both before your baby is born and throught your postpartum recovery period. You can expect your doula to provide you with a visit both before your baby arrives and during your postpartum recovery. She will be able to direct you to appropriate resources as needed and assist in establishing breastfeeding.
Postpartum doulas often support growing families by offering assistance with newborn care, bonding, breastfeeding, childcare, family adjustment, coping, organizing your new life, simple meal preparation, light housework, non-judgemental support, postpartum mood, advocacy, resources, long term solutions and overnight care.
At Alcyone Blooms, we believe there are many other ways in which a family might need support, and we are happy to work with you to determine the type of assistance your family needs.
What should I NOT expect from my doula?
A doula is not a medical professional. Your doula will not speak on your behalf to medical staff or make any decisions for you. We will act as your advocate, discuss your options with you and provide support and information so you can make your own informed decisions.
Does it matter what kind of birth I intend to have?
Everyone deserves help when bringing a new addition into the family, from home births to hospital births and every birth inbetween. Bringing a baby into your family creates many joys, but easily just as many challenges. We are here to make your transition a smoother one.
I adopted my baby. Can I still use a doula?
Absolutely. In addition to the usual lifestyle changes a baby requires, adoption also creates some unique challenges, all of which we can help you with.
What if I need services past the postpartum period?
We do not believe there is a strict end to the postpartum period. Families are ever growing and ever changing. Our goal is to help you reach a place where you don’t need us anymore, and we put no restiction on how long that might take.
Can I pay by credit card?
In addition to cash and personal check, we also accept Visa, Mastercard, Discovercard and American Express.