Infant & New Mother Solutions
Postpartum Care Services in Houston

Thank you, for considering Infant & New Mother Solutions, to care for your families needs before, during and after the arrival of your new infant.

The need for postpartum doula care has grown with the changing times in which we live. Mothers of the past had a large support group in close relatives, friends, and neighbors. Because many families are transplanted, due to job relocation or other circumstances, that support no longer exists. Perhaps mothers of the past did not breastfeed and do not now have up-to-date care information of mother or baby, to be of assistance to their daughters.

The best time to prepare for postpartum care is prenatally. We are very proud to offer in-home, one on one childbirth classes, as well as breastfeeding education by a Certified Childbirth Educator. Many childbirth classes often fail to focus enough on the postpartum period, the physical needs, proper nutrition, rest, emotional and physical support, and continued education in breastfeeding, postpartum care, and infant care. The large number of Cesarean sections being preformed, as well as the early hospital discharge (2-3 days) following birth, also necessitates professional postpartum care.

The doula’s basic role is to provide non-intrusive, non-judgmental support according to the family’s needs and wishes. She will provide non-medical, physical and emotional support for the entire family. The services may include breastfeeding education and support, bottle-feeding support, new mother care and pampering, mother and/or baby massage, preparation of nutritious meals, light laundry for mother and baby and siblings, infant care and instruction, pet and plant care, errands, transportation to doctor appointments or for siblings to and from school or daycare. Doulas also recognize that Dads need physical and emotional support, helping him gain confidence in caring for his newborn, supporting and caring for mom, and getting the rest he needs also.

Each Professional postpartum Doula is trained in postpartum recovery, current newborn care, breastfeeding and bottle-feeding education, has experience working with multiples, and has ongoing additional training through classes and workshops. Each doula is infant CPR/first aid certified, carries liability insurance, and has a current negative TB test.

While you are nurturing your newborn, you need someone to nurture you with words of recognition and encouragement. Your doula can be there to relieve the overwhelming anxiety those first days home from the hospital.

Shifts and Fees

• A minimum of 7 days of service with no more than 2 successive days off in a 7 day period
• A minimum of 6 hours per day up to 12 hours per doula
• A minimum of 8 hours per night up to 12 hours per doula

• In-home consultation fee: $50.00
• Antipartum or Postpartum care
  • Day-time care per hour: $25.00
  • Nights, week-end, or holiday care per hour: $28.00
  • Multiples are $3 extra per hour
  • Mileage may have to be charged if the closest doula is not available.

The in-home consultation fee is due at the first consultation with the representative of Infant & New Mother Solutions, and can be included in the amount of the total service agreement if done at the same time. This fee includes interviewing prospective doulas so that they can become familiar with your household organization and enables you to get to know one another better. We realize each family’s circumstances vary and so we try to be as flexible as possible.

We require a non-refundable deposit (the exception being tragic, unforeseen circumstances) of 50% of the total estimated service amount at the time of signing the service agreement. This reserves the doula you select for at least 2 weeks before your due date. The balance of the service agreement is due 2 weeks before your due date or commencement of services, which ever is sooner. You will receive an invoice approximately 3 weeks before your due date from Infant & New Mother Solutions.

In the event that unforeseen circumstances prevent the doula of your choice from being available Infant & New Mother Solutions will make every effort to provide a suitable replacement to your liking.

Your doula is someone who will be intimately involved with you and your family during a very personal, intense and emotional time in your life. For many women, the relationship with their doula becomes an intimate and lasting one. We, therefore, make every effort to match the particular skills and personality of a doula with your families’ needs and personalities.

Postpartum Doulas provide support in four general areas

Mother care and nurturing

• The new mother is the doulas # 1 priority
• helping mother to care for herself to promote postpartum healing by providing:
  • massage for the new mother’s shoulders or feet
  • encouraging mother to eat, drink, shower & rest
  • helping the mother cope with Breastfeeding concerns or problems
  • preparing baths (or herbal bath) for mother or mother and baby
  • bringing mother breakfast tray, lunch, tea, water in bed
  • care for baby while mother rests

• Emotional support for the new family
  • listen to the story of  the birth
  • validate concerns and questions with words of recognition and encouragement
  • watch for signs of postpartum depression
  • support the father through his transition to a new role
  • help siblings adjust to the presence of the baby

Feeding Support

• breastfeeding guidance and education
• bottle feeding information and guidance
• helping mother cope with nipple care
• supporting her needs through physical & emotional comfort

Guidance in newborn care

• demonstrate & share up-to-date infant care techniques
• guidance in infant massage
• aid parents to develop their own style of nurturing with baby

Household assistance

• prepare meals and snacks for the new mother and family
• may do light laundry for mother and baby or light cleaning up
• run errands, groceries, siblings to school, to Dr. appointments etc.

Postpartum Doulas DO NOT:

• evaluate mother’s or baby’s medical condition (doulas are not medical personnel)
• take over care of baby
• give opinions or advice, but share knowledge gained through professional training and many years of experience
• do general heavy housecleaning (mopping, bathrooms, ironing, etc.)

 

For more information, contact Infant & New Mother Solutions at:

Phone/Fax: 281-399-8723
Email: Infant & New Mother Solutions
Website: www.newmothersolutions.com