The ‘Good Morning’ Doula!
What is it like to have a Doula at Dawn?
Good morning! Stay in bed with baby, enjoy the soft sunlight streaming in as you snuggle your new one close. Would you like to nurse or have me bring you a bottle? Let me open a window, breathe in this calm and peaceful moment before the world is wide awake. Stroke their face, take your time, knowing I’m here. Don’t worry, I’ll quietly tip toe to the kitchen and let the aroma of fresh coffee, tea, golden milk or hot chocolate waft softly to you. Smell that? Fennel, banana, oats, an interesting but inviting scent, a breakfast to nourish your postpartum body, help milk production, ease digestion, heal body and soul.
BREAKFAST
Mornings are special; with fresh sunlight comes a fresh day, a fresh start and fresh perspective! The previous day and the potentially rough night are in the past, and now a new day with Doula Support is ready to begin.
Often when I first arrive, everyone is still in bed, sleepy, feeding baby, snuggling, calm and peaceful. I quietly let myself in and head for the kitchen. I love to start my day cleaning up the dishes and bottles/pump parts from the previous day, then making everybody my fan favorite oatmeal for breakfast. This is usually accompanied with postpartum tea, golden milk, or hot chocolate for the birther and tea or coffee for the partner. I take care in the ingredients and presentation of the oatmeal, using this as a chance to show them care in the details. I set the table nicely, letting the aroma fill the home and the sight to spark joy when they come in. I hold baby as they take their time over the meal.
We often hear breakfast is the most important meal of the day, I like to use this time as an opportunity to start the day off bright for postpartum parents. A filling breakfast, a supportive time. How did the night go? What are your thoughts on the day? What can I do to make today extra bright?
AFTER BREAKFAST
I make sure everybody feels well rested and showered. Does baby need to eat? Is there laundry to be done? What would the family like to get done that day? Sometime it’s organizing baby products or clothes, sometimes it’s breaking down all the boxes from baby gear or letting the birther take a long postpartum sitz bath. I can help prep food for dinner, get the next size of baby clothes ready, give love and attention to pets, and sit and chat! Before the sun gets too warm, let’s all go on a walk around the neighborhood, just a small one. After a few hours with me, it’s time to go and for them to start the day without me. I hope to leave the family feeling refreshed, positive, and taken care of. I’ll be back in a day or two!