Are you overwhelmed by information from social media, friends and family?
Preparation and knowledge are powerful tools in creating your “best” birth and postpartum period. One-on-one support from someone you know and trust is not a luxury; it’s an important part of a healthy birth experience for both the baby and the parents.
Postpartum support doesn’t need to be extensive, sometimes just a few hours a week for the first few weeks can make the transition much smoother.
Postpartum support doesn’t need to be extensive, sometimes just a few hours a week for the first few weeks can make the transition much smoother.
You were not meant to do this alone, we need a village and community
Most other cultures provide more support to expecting and new mothers during the birth and postpartum. This support is critical for healthy outcomes. A doula can help provide that support.
Birth Support and Coaching has been proven to reduce interventions and reduce the length of labour
Compassionate, knowledgeable, in-person support during birth creates an environment of calm and encourages a gentle birth.
Doula services and support for the birthing and postpartum periods include:
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This type of support can reduce anxiety about the birth process and help you understand what is normal during the first months of the postpartum period.
It will also give you peace of mind to know that you are giving your newborn the best start in life; and it will help your family to adjust to the addition of a new family member. |
Support of friends and family can sometimes be helpful, if it is available
Even though they may mean well, this type of support can occasionally lead to conflicting and sometimes judgmental advice.
It is normal to not know what “normal” is when it comes to the birthing process, caring for your newborn, breastfeeding, sleep routines, postpartum depression, and parenting expectations.
It is normal to not know what “normal” is when it comes to the birthing process, caring for your newborn, breastfeeding, sleep routines, postpartum depression, and parenting expectations.
Understanding current hospital protocols and practices around birth can be difficult
When the only resource for this information is your medical caregiver, you may not be aware of other options. You may also be wondering if your medical provider will follow your wishes for the birth.
It can be overwhelming to sift through all the information and find credible sources.
A knowledgeable doula can prepare you and help find valuable information that will help you make the best choices for yourself and your baby.
It can be overwhelming to sift through all the information and find credible sources.
A knowledgeable doula can prepare you and help find valuable information that will help you make the best choices for yourself and your baby.
You are strong, competent, and intuitive
A doula will affirm your confidence in your bodies’ ability to birth, and validate your capabilities as new parents. A doula can also reduce stress and anxiety by helping you with what to expect during the first months of the postpartum period.
Mother’s Touch Doula and Family Support
I am Susan Crump, a certified birth and postpartum doula. I have had four children of my own, and I was an active support for the birth of my five grandchildren.
I understand the mechanics and protocols around birth and postpartum because I’ve had recent experience with hospital and home births, and have supported numerous families during the postpartum period.
With my expertise, competence, tools, and resources, I help you make informed decisions. I will support your preferences and help you advocate for yourself, and your baby in a calm, loving, compassionate way.
I understand the mechanics and protocols around birth and postpartum because I’ve had recent experience with hospital and home births, and have supported numerous families during the postpartum period.
With my expertise, competence, tools, and resources, I help you make informed decisions. I will support your preferences and help you advocate for yourself, and your baby in a calm, loving, compassionate way.
What's included in my services:
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Also included:
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Consider investing in yourself, your partner, and your baby, the benefits are priceless
- Increased confidence in your abilities to birth and parent
- Healthy couple/healthy baby
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Receive physical, emotional, and mental support during this substantial life transition
- A wide array of evidence based birthing and postpartum resources
Frequently asked questions
How will I know this is a good fit?
- I offer a no cost consultation so that we can assess our compatibility
What happens if a second support person is not allowed in the hospital?
- I work with the support person to suggest how she/he can feel comfortable during the birth and how she/he can support the birthing person
Can you provide extra postpartum support if I decide I need it after the birth?
- Yes, I offer postpartum support. One of my services is helping to provide healthy nutritious food for the postpartum period when no one has the time (or desire) to cook.
- I also offer postpartum support as a separate service from birth support.
Do you offer your services separately?
- Yes, I am available to help before, during, and/or after the birth of your baby, to suit your family’s needs.
- For example, if you are only interested in receiving support after the birth of your baby, I offer postpartum support as a stand alone service.
What if it works out that you are not able to attend the birth?
- I always provide a backup doula in the event I cannot attend the birth. (It is a very rare situation when I can not attend.)
Is it expensive?
- Clients have said investing in a doula was the most important investment they made during this time.
- Compare it to the cost for a stroller.
- A doula service can also be a great shower gift from family or friends.
Can’t we do it on our own?
- A supported birth and postpartum period can give you (as a new parent) and your baby the best start possible.
I won’t feel comfortable having another person there at such an intimate time
- Having support during this time can reduce interventions that can affect your healing and health for years to come
- It can help get feeding and sleep patterns established, reduce isolation and sleep deprivation. It reassures you that you are doing what is best for your baby
My partner doesn’t see the benefit/is uncomfortable
- Having this type of support will allow your partner to feel more comfortable and rested as well as supported during the delivery
- Your partner can also resume work knowing that you are well supported at home with baby
When do you schedule your prenatal appointments?
- Generally at the end of the second trimester, and middle and end of the third trimester but it can be flexible
Will you help with advocating with my medical providers?
- I will not advocate directly with your medical providers but will talk privately with you and your partner about your options and desires before you need to make a decision
How can I help medical providers understand my desires for my birth?
- We will put together a list of birth preferences which you can share with your medical providers
How long do I stay in the hospital after my birth?
- In Red Deer, most parents will stay around 24 hours after birth if there are no complications
What can I do to encourage milk supply postpartum?
- Put baby to breast immediately after birth and as often as the baby desires
- Rest, hydration and nourishment for the mother can make a huge difference
- There are pharmaceutical and holistic products that can be used to encourage supply
You are not alone
A doula can connect you with community resources and help build your village.
Let me guide and support you through this incredible transition with knowledge, care and compassion.
Let me take care of you and your partner so that you can focus on the important stuff.
Let me guide and support you through this incredible transition with knowledge, care and compassion.
Let me take care of you and your partner so that you can focus on the important stuff.
Testimonials
Thank you so much Susan for being such a great Doula. I really appreciated your care and attention for me, and my whole family for that matter. Even though this was my sixth baby, I really wish that I could have had a Doula like you when I had my other babies, especially when I was feeling so scared and alone. I enjoyed our get togethers. You spoiled us with the delicious meals we put together. Your Calmness and reassurance was so nice when I needed someone to talk to, and to bounce my concerns off of and made my whole family feel at ease during our home birth experience. Thank you for coming with me to some of my midwife appointments and saving me when I was going to the wrong hospital for my midwife appointment lol. You are a beautiful mother that everyone needs when in a stressful situation and a great friend. We all can't thank you enough.
~Cindy
I would highly recommend Mother’s Touch Doula and Family Care. We hired Susan as our postpartum doula for our second child. After a tough postpartum period with my first, including postpartum depression, we felt the extra support would be beneficial this time around- and how right we were. Susan is kind, open and was focused on taking care of me, as the mother. I believe my positive postpartum experience was a direct result of her caring, experienced and open nature and willingness to help. It was so nice to have someone take care of me, so I could take care of my little guy. It takes a village, and in the absence of having a community and extended family to take care of the family after birth, Susan beautifully filled this role. I recommend her services to everyone, as the mother (and other family members) are often a bit forgotten upon the arrival of the little one.
~Selena
