At MothersCare we look for women who are nurturing, intelligent and who love being mothers themselves.  We also have doulas who are not mothers and these often excel with helping with other children in the family.  All doulas are capable of running a household which includes meal preparation, laundry and light housework.

We believe that women come to us as doulas.  It is not something we train a woman to be.  A large part of being a doula is instinctive.  A doula needs to be able to know how to be helpful without being intrusive.

She needs to be able to see when to give advice or encouragement without pushing her own view.  She needs to “win over” the other children so that she can keep them occupied so mom can rest.

A doula is non-medical.  She is trained in what is normal. She will encourage parents to check with a medical professional if there is any question concerning  the baby or mother’s health.

The doulas also are trained extensively in breastfeeding issues. They can help a mom with problems that may arise as well as tips on feeding schedules and pumping, if needed.  The doula can refer  a mom to resources for help with nursing problems that may be beyond her expertise.  Our doulas are trained by Breastfeeding Resources*, a group started by Dr. Tina Smillie, MD, who began her practice of “breastfeeding medicine” in response to the lack of current information and support for breastfeeding moms in CT.

• Current information on the care of newborns
• Teaching parents about how to "read" their baby's cues
• Intensive Breastfeeding including:
  • How it Works
  • Latching Issues
  • Pumping and Storage
  • Weaning
• CPR certified in child/infant CPR and first-aid

We also hold bi-yearly classes that include topics such as:

• Car-seat safety
• Postpartum depression
• Preemie Babies

• Trained through DONA or ALICE
• Will meet initially to go over birth plan with couple finding out preferences, needs, specifics of birth plan

• Couple can determine compatibility of doula to their needs
• Payment holds doula for delivery
• Doula available for phone or email contact up to delivery to answer questions or provide reassurance as needed

• Doula meets couple at home or at hospital as desired by couple as soon as needed at onset of labor
• Doula will provide emotional and physical support during entire length of labor
• Doula does not take the place of partner during delivery.  Supports the desire of partner to be involved as much or as little as he is comfortable.
• Doula will provide clarification of information of hospital staff as well as discuss any options offered to help couple determine choices.
• Doula will not interfere with medical decisions of hospital staff.
• Doula will help a breastfeeding mom establish nursing as soon as possible after delivery.
• Doula will stay with mom until she is comfortable in the recovery room.
• Doula will take notes during the delivery  to  be shared at a later time.
• Doula will take pictures, if requested.
• Doula will stay with parents until both feel comfortable.
• Doula will make a postpartum visit to go over delivery, sharing notes and pictures to provide positive closure to the birth.

Click here to learn more about our Labor Support Doulas.

• May meet in advance for a prenatal visit or have a phone visit for client to determine compatibility
• Payment in advance for specific amount of contracted hours holds doula for family
• Doulas role is to provide emotional and physical support of mother and family.
• Newborn care - including instruction and advice as needed.
• Breastfeeding support – advice on latching, schedules, pumping.
• Sibling care – including feeding, entertaining, rides to and from school
• Laundry for the whole family
• Meal preparation and cleanup
• Grocery shopping,
• Light housework – may include vacuuming of open areas, sweeping of kitchen, wiping down of bathroom sink and fixtures.

Click hear to learn more about our Postpartum Doulas.