Deirdre McLary and Kim Collins

We’ve been there as parents ourselves, and we see hundreds of clients a year – all of whom, at some point, want to spend time talking sleep with us. If any of this resonates with you, contact us and we’d be happy to do a one-on-one consult to explore further how we may be of help in supporting your nap and night time parenting needs. It’s hard to let go and realize we are following the baby’s demands, rather than trying to make baby meet our demands (for sleep, for time, for calm). If you’re tossing your hands in the air with one child, we truly believe that when #2 or #3 comes along – you’ll find a totally different kid.

You know what I’m talking about, we’ve all had them, and they’re mmmmm, mmmmm, good! You could eat a thousand cookies a week, and you will see zero difference in your milk supply if you have a poor latch, and are not effectively emptying the breast. But words of wisdom: as an IBCLC I don’t issue any recommendation for galactagogues until I’ve assessed and confirmed what the issue is that is preventing a good milk supply. Please take this advice with you as you travel your mommy groups and FB pages, where the minute a mom mentions low supply people start throwing oatmeal and blue Gatorade at her.

When you’re at your most vulnerable, when you’re feeling unsure or needing the tender touch or wisdom of encouragement – it doesn’t matter how long you’ve known that person, but more that they’re the right person for you. We highly recommend you meet and interview several doulas, because sometimes you just know it’s right with the first person you talk to, and that’s great. If there’s something you need – we’re going to jump right on it and make it happen, even if you haven’t quite figured out what it is you need exactly. It is beyond a doula’s scope of practice to recommend medical procedures, so her role continues to be that of providing emotional and physical support, to nod, hold your hand, and help the family work through their choices and birth plan.

When you’re at your most vulnerable, when you’re feeling unsure or needing the tender touch or wisdom of encouragement – it doesn’t matter how long you’ve known that person, but more that they’re the right person for you. We highly recommend you meet and interview several doulas, because sometimes you just know it’s right with the first person you talk to, and that’s great. If we know that better outcomes mean better mother/baby bonding … which leads to greater success in breastfeeding … which means all kinds of cost savings, from formula to long-term health benefits, well, you see where we’re going. Bottom line, if you’re sold on the idea of having a doula at your side, either at the birth or postpartum, then don’t let the cost hold you back! 4.