To Continue Celebrating World Doula Week. . .
Here’s some perspective from Frederica Spring, one of our postpartum doulas.
Being a Postpartum Doula means the world to me. Becoming an instant
part of the family, blending in with grandmas and sisters, partners
and cousins and slowly throughout the day as family and friends peel
away to their normal life, I am honored every time to stay and bear
witness to the quiet, oh-so soft moments. Washed in night light,
kneeling next to momma’s bedside bringing her food and water and
watching her new baby get everything it needs and more from her
embrace.
Just from cuddling up to Momma’s skin babes change, they soften,
snuggle and settle a moment before they start the sweetest dance I’ve
ever known. Bouncing and pecking until they find the nipple and the
milk starts to flow, nourishing both of them just as needed. Or I get
to watch Papa or Momma’s delicate hold while baby stares into their
eyes and learns suck, swallow and breath a bottle down faster than you
ever thought possible.
I am there to cook, answer gear and feeding questions, to straighten,
clean and do laundry and assure them that they are doing so so amazing
because I’ve never seen a family that didn’t know what’s was best for
their babies. I get to spread praise because it is so deserved in
those early days. I’m there to help Dad or partners to navigate this
new world and they’ve softened! Oh, how they soften. I’m there to play
blocks with big brother or sister and chat about their new buddy and
their sweet day.
I am there to help but if I’m really honest I’m just as much there,
selfishly, to live on the intoxicating overflow of oxytocin. To see
life at its purest and most unadulterated.
Babies are SO cute and honest and wonder-filled and in those early
postpartum days, the whole family is more than ever.
To learn more about Freddie, read her bio here! She truly brings comfort to families and quickly blends right into their routines, making it easier for families to transition when welcoming a new baby (or two, or three!).