Monday, April 1, 2013

A Midwife, Doula, and Postpartum Help for Healthier, Happier Mom, Dad & Baby




Who uses a doula, midwife, and postpartum help?

Barefoot hippies? Hollywood divas?

Yes, and millions of everyday, hardworking people around the world who have decided either through their cultural heritage or personal research that for them, a natural childbirth and postpartum care with the support of a midwife, doula, and other services makes for the healthiest, safest, and happiest ways to give birth to and care for the new spirit in their lives.

Natural childbirth in a hospital, home birth, and postpartum care have become so uncommon in the US (and increasingly in other countries) that they are now considered by many to be too difficult, unnecessary, or even frivolous.

But, just a glance at the number of women in the US who fail to have a natural childbirth (when that’s what they intended), fail to breastfeed (even when they wanted to and tried), and who suffer from
mild to severe postpartum depression offers a clear indication that the now standard, mechanical template of childbirth and postpartum care is gravely inadequate.

Fortunately, the pendulum is swinging back. 

Many new mothers are discovering the mind, body and spirit benefits of hiring various servants/services (the word “doula” comes from the Greek and means “female servant or slave”) to help them on their journey.

There are many (and increasing numbers of) people who serve new mothers in pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum, and I wrote about several of them—doulas, midwives, postpartum doulas, maids, cooks, and nannies—in my book New Mother.  Since publication, and through interaction with my readers, I’ve discovered even more services.

For example, a service called Best Fed Babies offers breastfeeding support with a certified lactation consultant 24/7 via phone or Skype to mothers anywhere in the world.  I would have loved to call them when I woke one morning at 3:00 AM with a plugged duct—and how many of us have similar questions or issues in the early days and wee hours of nursing!

Mother’s Concierge services are another wonderful and flexible source of help.  One company called Pampered Mommas in Baltimore, Maryland offers in-home pre/post natal massage; nap Nannie; in-home baby proofing consultations and much more.

A company in Los Angeles, CA called MotherBees doesn’t just deliver any ole regular meal to postpartum mothers, but combines traditional postpartum foods with locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Replenishing and restorative foods—at your door!

So many new mothers don’t have the first idea of what they’ll need or what is available to support them.  Just knowing the names and types of the various services will help moms-to-be in researching and finding exactly what they need.

Ora na azu nwa, or It takes a village to raise a child, is a Nigerian Igbo proverb made popular by Hillary Rodham Clinton’s book published in 1996. Birthing and raising healthy happy children does require support, but we don’t live in villages.  However, we can create our village—hopefully with the support of nuclear and extended family members and long-time friends, and also with the help of people trained, experienced, and specializing in mother and baby care.

Choosing parenthood means we’re choosing the most glorious role of servant—to care for and serve our families for a lifetime—and to do that well, parents need support, too. With so many different services available, everyone can find the perfect fit for their needs, budget and desire.

May you be surrounded by loving support, and may you experience abundant peace and joy on your blessed journey of motherhood!



ALLIE CHEE After earning a BA in literature and a 2nd degree black belt in Korean martial arts, 20 years traveling in 50 countries, working in numerous entrepreneurial ventures, and serving as co-publisher of a leading financial industry magazine, Allie Chee lives in Silicon Valley with her husband and daughter and is a student at Stanford.

Her articles have appeared in: 
•  The Well Being Journal
•  The Holistic Networker
•  The Birthing Site
•  Natural Mother Magazine 
•  MidwiferyToday


Her published titles are: New Mother, Free Love & Go, Jane!

Website: www.alliechee.com  Facebook: www.facebook.com/AllieChee 
NEW MOTHER on Amazon





*No affiliation or compensation associated with the services mentioned in this post.

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