The Fourth Trimester
The fourth trimester is the 3-4 month period after the arrival of your new beautiful baby. This postpartum period is a huge adjustment for the momma and family with many challenges, frustrations and joys. Unfortunately, our country does not provide adequate educatiown or time for this transition. Women are often rushed into a rapid recovery and not given the support necessary for healthy healing. This can lead to postpartum depression and other health issues or strains on the family.
During the pregnancy, labor, and birth a momma has a series of hormonal changes. After birth, her body naturally reduced some of the hormones that had been supporting the in-utero growth of her baby, and shift towards hormones that help her feed her baby and condition her body. This hormonal change is a big one, leading the typical momma to have the "Baby blues" for a short while. Any birth experience is also a full body workout, and requires momma to be a warrior. The act of giving birth is not an easy one, and leads to exhaustion. Once you have that beautiful baby with you, sleep will be very different, combined with the full time job of caring for a newborn, momma does not always receive the necessary physical and mental capability to balance healing and newborn care. You do not need to be super mom, you need to be happy and healthy. As your doula, I help you through this time. My services allow you to enjoy this time and lesson questions, concerns, or stressors. My goal is to honor you as a momma and give you the support and resources necessary for you to enjoy the precious time with your baby and not feel depleted mentally or physically.
During the pregnancy, labor, and birth a momma has a series of hormonal changes. After birth, her body naturally reduced some of the hormones that had been supporting the in-utero growth of her baby, and shift towards hormones that help her feed her baby and condition her body. This hormonal change is a big one, leading the typical momma to have the "Baby blues" for a short while. Any birth experience is also a full body workout, and requires momma to be a warrior. The act of giving birth is not an easy one, and leads to exhaustion. Once you have that beautiful baby with you, sleep will be very different, combined with the full time job of caring for a newborn, momma does not always receive the necessary physical and mental capability to balance healing and newborn care. You do not need to be super mom, you need to be happy and healthy. As your doula, I help you through this time. My services allow you to enjoy this time and lesson questions, concerns, or stressors. My goal is to honor you as a momma and give you the support and resources necessary for you to enjoy the precious time with your baby and not feel depleted mentally or physically.
What is a postpartum doula and what can she do for me?
Postpartum doulas have many roles which focus on the family during their fourth trimester. Our main role is to provide evidence based research and education on different possibilities and connect the parents with resources to then support them in their parenting choices without judgement. We are diverse in everything baby, and help you navigate the fourth trimester with confidence. We model, explain, and take initiative in helping you conquer a life with a new baby. We serve you in whatever your family needs, any time of day since we are your greatest advocate in supporting you with how you want to take care of your new baby. We do not hold biases, only support and love for this fragile transition. It is not within our scope of practice to diagnose or treat any conditions.
A postpartum doulas basic skills cover.......
Assisting momma to heal
Newborn care such as diapering, bathing, swaddling, massage and soothing
Lactation support when breastfeeding
Cooking or organizing healthy nutrition for the family
Light household organization and cleaning
Help with other siblings
Teaching bonding techniques to both parents
Assisting with transitioning baby into "everyday life" activities such as grocery shopping, cleaning, traveling etc.
My extended certifications include:
Bengkung belly wrapping
Infant and toddler yoga instruction
Honoring ceremonies for new Mommas through Sacred Pregnancy
A postpartum doulas basic skills cover.......
Assisting momma to heal
Newborn care such as diapering, bathing, swaddling, massage and soothing
Lactation support when breastfeeding
Cooking or organizing healthy nutrition for the family
Light household organization and cleaning
Help with other siblings
Teaching bonding techniques to both parents
Assisting with transitioning baby into "everyday life" activities such as grocery shopping, cleaning, traveling etc.
My extended certifications include:
Bengkung belly wrapping
Infant and toddler yoga instruction
Honoring ceremonies for new Mommas through Sacred Pregnancy
Meet Doula Carolyn
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I am a proud momma of two boys, CPD (certified postpartum Doula), CA (certified aromatherapist) infant-adolescent family yoga instructor, and certified Bengkung Belly wrapping Trainer. After the birth of my first son, it came evident to me that there is a lack of family and momma support for the postpartum period. I felt confident, supported, and knowledgeable through my entire pregnancy at a local Women's Birth Center. My husband and I labored at home until I was 8 cm, and had an all natural water birth with no interventions.I was blessed to have the labor and birth I had wanted and planned for. I did not feel as confident when leaving the center to take this new beautiful boy home for the first time. This was when I realized I had never thought past the labor. I instantly knew I wanted to become more involved in the postpartum support of women because the birth of my son was life changing. I was not prepared for the amount of physical and mental changes that flood your life after having a baby. While my husband, family, and friends were amazing support networks, there were moments of isolation for me because I needed the unbiased support of someone outside my immediate circle. Through research I learned about postpartum doulas and their purpose. It resonated on a deep level, leading me on my new life's path. I continue to build community and further my education in the birth communities. I am dedicated to supporting the mother and family in their precious postpartum period. I honor you and all that you do in motherhood. |
