Live-In Doula Support
It’s no secret that support postpartum is essential, and at Bay City Doulas, we are continuously striving to meet the needs of our clients. In 2020 we made it our goal to select the best live-in doulas in the nation to join our postpartum live-in team and began offering live-in support in the Bay Area and nationwide. Today our amazing live-in doula, Susanne Hansen, is here to give us the inside scoop on just what she does as a live-in doula.
Welcome Suzanne, please tell us a little bit about yourself!
I have been a postpartum doula since 2005. I started my childcare career as a live-in nanny and then began working as a labor and delivery nurse after graduation from nursing school. Once I had children of my own (I’ve been married for 27 years), I was looking for a way to continue to support new families while also being available to my children. Once I discovered postpartum doula work, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. On my very first night shift, I supported an exhausted and sleep-deprived family. I fell in love with my new role and decided not to return to hospital nursing.
How did you become a live-in doula?
Once my children had grown up, I explored the role of traveling Doulas and Newborn Care Specialists. I knew after my first travel client that this was my calling. Providing families with long-term support to set them up for success was something that I loved from the beginning. I have now been traveling all over the US doing 24/7 care for the past five years.
What is the job of a live-in doula?
A live-in doula provides round-the-clock care of the newborn while also providing postpartum support to the new parent. Being in the home 24/7 offers a unique opportunity for parent education. Often times want reassurance as to what is normal and to be expected during this period. Their questions range from breastfeeding and feeding issues to normal newborn behavior to mood changes in the postpartum period. Being a constant presence in the home allows me to answer questions and share my experience. I see my live-in role as a listening ear and a trusted resource to help both first-time and experienced parents welcome the new member of the family into their home.
Why would a family choose to hire a lice-in doula?
There are a variety of reasons. Some clients don’t have family who live nearby as previous generations were fortunate enough to have. They may be looking for assistance in learning about soothing techniques for a fussy baby because they have spent very little or no time caring for a baby. A family may be having a planned C-section, so they seek a postpartum doula’s support during the recovery period. A family expecting multiples may know they will benefit from an experienced set of hands and are looking for guidance as they learn to care for more than one baby at a time.
How long do you stay with each family?
My positions can range from four weeks to six months with a family. It depends on each family’s individual needs for education and emotional support. About fifty percent of the time, families request to extend their contract because they are finding the support so valuable.
What is your favorite thing about live-in positions?
It brings me great joy to see a well-rested parent enjoying their new baby. I know how important sleep is to the recovery process. I love knowing that my role helps a family make a smooth transition into new parenthood or introduce a new sibling into the family.
What benefits can this care model bring to a family?
Live-in postpartum doula support offers new parents the ultimate level of support as they recover from childbirth and begin caring for a newborn. Families with older children already at home often worry if they will have both the physical and emotional energy to meet the needs of their new baby and older children. Having a postpartum doula in the home allows families the flexibility to spend time with their older children while the new baby’s needs are also met.
Thank you, Suzanne!
Thank you Suzanne for joining us on this week’s blog, and talking about your passion for postpartum live-in care. Suzanne is a wealth of knowledge, has years of experience, and is an incredible resource for new parents! For more information on live-in postpartum doula care, and postpartum support Suzanne provides visit the Bay City Doulas website today!
Thank you for reading this week’s blog, ” Live- In Doula support.” For more helpful tips on all things pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood visit our weekly blog.
