Now What??
Help is here.
Anna Santini CPD, DONA
Prenatal & Postpartum
Wellness Services
In the Harrisburg/Camp Hill/
& Carlisle, PA areas
What is a Postpartum Doula?
Giver. Server. Provider. Educator. Support Person. Caretaker. Confidant. Adviser.
Shoulder to lean on. Cook. Housekeeper. Comedian. Baby Whisperer. A mother's best friend.
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A postpartum doula is a generalist in all things mother and baby care. She is not a medically trained professional.
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A postpartum doula supports families through the transitional period of having a new baby, in a vast variety of ways.
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You may need some or all of the services on the below list, or some services that aren’t even listed. With a postpartum doula, you have someone experienced and connected to be with you as a practical support, listen to your concerns, and point you in the direction of more help when needed.
& Everything in Between
Practical
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Breastfeeding assistance: getting a great start with latching and milk supply, as well as finding solutions for challenges
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Caring for mama as she recovers from birth
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Ensuring her basic needs are met: Nutritious food, adequate rest, warmth, massage, community, and nature
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Housework and home management help
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Errands
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Communication help with extended family and other visitors to ensure Parents and baby’s true needs are met.
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Assist the family by organizing offers of help from friends and extended family to create a structured flow of help
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Care for baby when parents want to shower, nap, or spend some special time with older child(ren)
Informational
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Breastmilk pumping education & support
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Infant care
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Sleeping: expectations, logistics, safety and solutions
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Babywearing assistance, education, and demonstrations
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Mother core strength restoration and alignment education
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Resourcing of various mother/baby/family needs from medical to social
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Support for breastfeeding in public and pumping while working and travelling
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First outings/appointments with you and baby
Emotional
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Processing the birth experience
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A caring, listening ear
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Guidance in self care while transitioning to motherhood
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Postpartum mood disorder prevention & support
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A present, attentive person on call and in person so that you are not alone
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Partner and sibling support
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Help create a nurturing & restorative environment for the family
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Support in navigating decisions
About Me
Motherhood did not come easily or naturally for me! My transition to motherhood when my first child was born was filled with joy and beauty. It was also honestly a story of bewilderment, exhaustion, loneliness, and guilt. I understand firsthand that the struggle is real.
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I received increasing amounts of help just after the births of each of my four children, and experienced healing that led me to know deeply that we are not meant to do it alone.
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I am now passionate about all things babies, from breastfeeding to baby-wearing. I love babies, and I love mothers. Mothers keep showing up despite the difficulties in doing so in modern culture. The commonality of doubts and fears and love of mothers everywhere is universal. And yet, it doesn't feel this way as we are isolated in our individual homes and families much of the time. I believe that support for new mothers is both sorely lacking AND essential for women to be the best parents that they can be.
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I am certified as a postpartum doula through DONA International, and trained as a Birth Story Medicine® listener. My comprehensive experience includes in person and virtual support for families from birth through two years of age.
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I live on a farm in central PA with my husband and our four children. Other than holding babies, my favorite things are singing, flowers, and traveling.
Testimonials
Mothers and their children are in a category all their own. There’s no bond so strong in the entire world. No love so instantaneous and forgiving. ~Gail Tsukiyama
