Do you need extra support while your baby is in the NICU or when you bring them home?
For most of us, the NICU was not in our birth plan and can be shocking. You are likely overwhelmed by a premature or sick infant who needs a variety of medical interventions. Having an experienced doula by your side can transform your NICU journey during and after your hospital stay.
I am the mother of a NICU graduate, a grandmother, seasoned social worker, certified breastfeeding counselor, and a trained NICU and Postpartum Doula.
I am available to help families currently in the NICU or those who will go home soon.
DID YOU KNOW?
10% of births require a NICU stay
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Within 14 months post birth, almost 70% of NICU moms experience a mental health challenge.
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Up to 33% of NICU dads/partners experience depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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In the NICU, I can help you:
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Find ways to feel less stress and more joy during what can feel like an emotional roller coaster.
Navigate the new landscape of the NICU, understand the different players and machinery, and establish your role as the main caregiver.
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With breastfeeding and bonding with your baby amidst the medical interventions happening in the NICU.
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After the NICU, I can help you:
With the transition of caring for your baby on your own. We can develop sustainable systems, schedules and routines together.
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Troubleshoot decisions, answer questions, and remind you of effective research-based, practical ways for you to bond with and care for your baby.
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By providing emotional and practical support with baby care, breastfeeding, as well as household chores and even sibling care.
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After birth, my baby stayed in the NICU for a month while his little body slowly learned how to eat and manage his blood sugar. The trauma of his birth, the NICU stay, the world shutting down, and learning how to care for a newborn preemie while recovering from surgery myself was overwhelming. But then came COLIC! And it was just too much for me, someone who thrived when in control.
Amanda showed up for me and dedicated herself to improving my wellness, selflessly and intent on supporting me to get back to myself. Over weekly and sometimes daily calls (couldn’t visit in person) Amanda helped me focus on myself, release my stress, and anxiety and process the emotions and struggles of everything I was experiencing, and get through one day at a time. Eventually, I returned to strength, health and joy with Amanda supporting me along the way. Her genuine care, desire to help, and profound emotional support saved me.
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— Chuan
To learn more about me and my NICU story, you can listen to this episode of The NICU Translated Podcast that I did with Mary Farrelly:
Me with my daughter in the UCSF NICU
September 1995