In other times a new mother learned to nurse her baby by watching sisters, other relatives and friends. Her family cooked nutritious foods for her during the 6-week postpartum period. Her own mother was on hand to explain newborn behavior and soothing techniques. The baby was passed around and his need for motion and attention was fulfilled while his mama caught a nap. But we live in a world where we are often separated from family. These are times when a professional postpartum doula can be an "on-call grandma". The doula is trained and certified and has experience teaching new moms how to bathe a baby, clip nails and teach age-appropriate calming methods for what used to be thought as colic. She is familiar with the needs of premature babies and the complications of their care.
As a lactation consultant Vicky York also understands how to address breastfeeding issues and, being in the home, helps from one breastfeeding session to the next. This forestalls challenges before they become more serious problems. Vicky also specializes in perinatal mood disorders and understands the kind of practical, emotional and informational support a woman with depression needs. She is familiar with the local resources so helpful to a new mother in this situation. Hire a doula for as long as is needed or you can benefit from even a one-time session.