Ilana Pearlman

San Francisco, CA 94123
ph: (650) 208-3413

Postpartum Doula

Doula [ˈduːlə] - "One who mothers the mother..."

Why did I become a doula?


 

Having my son changed my life. I have been a strong and independent woman for as long as I can remember but for the first time in my life, postpartum, I needed support in an indescribable way:

I needed to process my long labor and birth. I needed a glass of water. I needed food, a foot massage. I couldn't sleep even though I was exhausted. I had trouble breastfeeding and nobody to help me...I needed someone there for me who was tuned in to a new mother's needs and could provide me with tailored support and encouragement.

From that point on I decided that I wanted to be the support for other women that I so desperately needed when I was newly postpartum. I know what new mothers need and every single time I am able to help a new mother I feel a profound sense of joy. This is how I wish to serve our community.

A Typical Night....
Still curious as to what an evening/overnight postpartum doula actually does? I typically come over in the early evening, sit down with your family, and ask how the birth went and if you have any questions or pressing needs.
From there I may do a myriad of things from setting up several feeding or nursing stations for the mother with snacks and beverages, to stocking the fridge with healthy snacks, making a late-night grocery run, making a sitz bath and/or compresses for the mom, changing the bed sheets, etc. all while the dishwasher is running and I've thrown in a load of laundry. When baby is awake, I can often answer most newborn-care related questions but more than anything help with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding; this means latching technique, setting up a feeding schedule, teaching different nursing positions, showing mom how to use a breast pump or manually express milk, etc. I also help teach mom simple and safe postpartum exercises so she can begin to re-gain her strength.
For the overnight portion I typically sleep in the same room as the baby. When baby wakes, if mom is breastfeeding I bring baby right to mom and get her set up comfortably, provide support and answer any questions she may have. I then typically burp, change, and swaddle the baby and put him/her back to sleep. If baby is bottle-feeding then I typically do the feeding so that mom can get much-needed sleep. I also wash all bottles and breast pump supplies. In the morning I can watch the baby while mom enjoys a shower or breakfast. 
 

 

Services: How can I help you?

  • Breastfeeding Support
  • Sleep Training
  • Bottle Feeding / Breast Pump Support
  • Newborn Care (bathing, cord care, swaddling, soothing, etc.)
  • Postpartum Recovery Support (tears, incisions, etc.)
  • Postpartum Exercises
  • Emotional Support and Counseling
  • Postpartum Nutrition (cooking healthy, wholesome, foods that support the mother's recovery)
  • Maternal and Infant Massage
  • Sibling Care and/or pick-ups/drop-offs from school
  • Pet Care (dog walking, feeding, etc.)
  • Errands (laundry, grocery shopping, bill paying, post office, pharmacy, etc.)

Qualifications:

  • Most Importantly: I am a mother :)
  • Certified through Natural Resources 
  • 12+ Years of Experience with Infants and Families
  • Trustline Registered
  • CPR/First Aid Certified
  • Experience with Multiples
  • Postpartum Nutrition Course

Availability:

  • Evenings and Overnights: 7:00pm-7:00am

*Now booking mothers with due dates from April-December 2010, please contact me for a free initial phone consultation or call me directly at (650) 208-3413

Rates: Sliding Scale of $25-$35

*Are you a new or expecting mother or know someone who needs support but cannot afford it? If so, please contact me and I will refer you to free and low-cost doula services. Every new mother needs support.
Resources:

 

 

 © www.IlanaPearlman.com All rights reserved.

 

San Francisco, CA 94123
ph: (650) 208-3413