First post training PP Client

[everydaymiracles]

Hey there! Just wanted to share my exciting news! I received a call from a couple I met when interviewing to be their birth doula. (They hired another doula but asked me to be their back up.)

I received a call from them on Sunday asking me if I was free to help them as a postpartum doula. Not good that they need the support, but good for me as I attended my CAPPA PP training about a month ago - They are such a wonderful couple too - completely overwhelmed though with the reality of a new baby and dealing with an unplanned c-section (after 2.5 days of labour - poor peanut was trying to come out sideways! She has quite a hematoma on the side of her little head!

I have worked as a nanny before, have three little ones of my own and have worked with other families postpartum, but this is my first 'official' postpartum client! My youngest is almost 2 now - haven't had a two year old before without a new babe in arms - this little angel is filling the baby fix I was needing! Have a great night! Robyn

[MyDoulaStacia]

That is wonderful Robyn. I hope it is a good first client experience!

[DL]

Congratulations on your first "official" PP client!!

[PostDoula]

Congratulations!!!

[Matrescence]

Yay Robyn! Congrats!!!

[fearlessbirth]

That's great!!! You will be wonderful!

[HamiltonBirthRevolution]

Woohoo!

So, can you tell us some of the services you ended up providing?

[AussieDoula]

So, how did it go? Please give us all an update!
Hopefully your first Postpartum Clients were as fun as mine were (what a couple of characters! It was a pleasure to work with them, and I will always remember them!).

[everydaymiracles]

Sorry hbr - meant to get back to post a reply!

AussieDoula - thanks for the (btw I am also a transplanted Aussie!)

I have been spending three afternoons a week with these clients - 3 hours per visit. As mom is feeling better and able to do more, I am doing less! I have shown them how to bathe the baby, given suggestions about diaper rash, encouraged a call or two to their midwife about concerns beyond my knowledge and scope and helped out with laundry. I have also helped by preparing the odd salad here or there for their supper.

Three hours goes quickly but I leave knowing that they have been able to spend time getting to know their dd rather than stressing over household tasks. Of course there have also been times where I have held or entertained the litttle one so mom and/or dad can rest and that has been wonderful too!

This couple has family visiting from overseas in a week or two so I am unsure whether I wil be needed then or after then but I feel content knowing that I have helped to smooth their transition to parenthood and that is really what PP doula-ing is all about isn't it? R

[HamiltonBirthRevolution]

Very cool! It's great to feel satisfied by your work, isn't it?

[AussieDoula]

Quote:

Originally Posted by everydaymiracles Sorry hbr - meant to get back to post a reply! AussieDoula - thanks for the (btw I am also a transplanted Aussie!)

That's me... the prodder, LOL! Where in Aus are you originally from? Always nice to see another Aussie Doula around!

Quote:

Originally Posted by everydaymiracles As mom is feeling better and able to do more, I am doing less! ... ...I feel content knowing that I have helped to smooth their transition to parenthood and that is really what PP doula-ing is all about isn't it? R

So wonderful to hear! It's really fulfilling to know you helped new parents find their role! I'm so glad you enjoy your work (such an important part of doing this)!
P.S. I say "doula-ing" too, and my Hubby just about cracks up every time I say it LOL!

[everydaymiracles]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AussieDoula That's me... the prodder, LOL! Where in Aus are you originally from? Always nice to see another Aussie Doula around!

I grew up in Sydney - moved to Canada 9.5 years ago after marrying my dh - who was a Canadian doing a postgrad degree in Oz. Went back home for a visit last year and went to a doula 'school' in Sydney as a special guest - if only I could have submitted my airfare as a business expense! And you? R