Postpartum Support with Marlee

Life with a newborn can feel like an intense rite of passage.
I’m here for you.

If you’re parenting a newborn and you feel overwhelmed, you’re in very good company.

So many parents feel lost, confused, and just plain exhausted during the first few months of their baby’s life. My clients have shared with me time and again how hard it is to have so many unanswered questions, get conflicting information and advice from multiple sources, and to be navigating the whole experience while not getting enough sleep. That’s where I come in!

As an experienced postpartum doula, I love walking alongside parents as they navigate those tender early weeks with their little one. Often my clients view our sessions together as a chance to get some sanity and perspective back!

Whether I’m helping you navigate lactation challenges, showing you some new strategies for soothing your fussy baby, or having some deep conversations about shifting identities during this huge transition, I’m here to offer whatever you need in the moment.

I’ve supported hundreds of families on their postpartum and newborn journeys. If you’re looking for compassionate, nonjudgmental guidance during your early parenting experience, I’m here for you.

• Addressing your primary concerns. When I arrive, I’ll check in to see what’s on your mind. We will spend some time chatting about how things are going and whether there are any pressing questions that you want to discuss. These questions may range from baby carriers to postpartum healing to whether the skin on your baby’s head looks normal… whatever is on your mind, I’m here to work through it with you.

• Feeding support. If you’re nursing your baby, chances are you’ll have some questions or challenges along the way. As an experienced lactation counselor, I love supporting my postpartum doula clients in this way. Of course there can be many questions about feeding your baby if you aren’t nursing too! However you’re feeding your little one, I’m here to help.

• Sleep support. Most new parents have questions about how to help their baby fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep longer. I’m a gentle sleep educator and consultant, so this is an area of expertise! We’ll work together to create some personalized routines and strategies that can help you and your little one get more rest.

• Baby questions answered. If you haven’t spent much time around babies, there can be a lot to get used to. And even if you are experienced with newborns, YOUR newborn is unique! Most of my clients have so many questions about their little one, and it can feel overwhelming to Google each one of them. Postpartum doulas are well-versed in normal newborn behavior and appearance, and I’m always happy to talk about what’s going on with your baby.

• Conversation with someone who “gets it.” It can be so hard to find safe spaces to talk to about the heavier sides of new parenthood and postpartum recovery. I’m happy to fill that gap for my clients! Whatever is coming up for you is fair game for some compassionate conversation during our time together.

• Food food food! New parents are often so preoccupied with feeding their little ones that it can be a struggle to figure out their own meals. During postpartum visits, I love preparing my clients something good to eat. I can also assist with meal planning if needed.

• Light tidying and organization. It can be so lovely to have someone freshen up your living spaces. I’m happy to do some tidying while we talk (or while I wear your baby and you take a nap!) so your home feels a bit more peaceful. This can include folding laundry, tidying in the kitchen, organizing some baby items you’ve been meaning to get to, etc.

• Family adjustment. I have a special interest in helping all members of the family adjust to a new addition. From new parents to older siblings to grandparents or extended family to pets, I love helping to smooth the rough edges of this huge transition so everyone feels more comfortable and confident in their new roles.

• Special attention for pets. If your furry ones are feeling a bit left out, I can pay them some special attention during a visit. (I LOVE animals and this is often one of the most fun aspects supporting people in their homes!)

• Caring for your little one so you can have some alone time. If what you need most during our time together is a break, we’ll make that happen. I can take care of your baby so you can take a nap, a bath, or just enjoy some time alone.

• Referrals for further support if needed. Sometimes my postpartum doula clients need additional support. I’m always happy to offer referrals for other professionals and resources beyond what I offer if you need them.

• I thought doulas were just for labor and birth. How can a postpartum doula help after I have my baby?
  My postpartum doula work supports Pittsburgh families by:

  • helping you learn how to feed your baby (whether breastfeeding / chestfeeding or bottle feeding, or some combination)

  • validating the challenging experiences of early parenthood and providing nonjudgmental emotional support

  • helping you learn what is normal when it comes to caring for your baby, postpartum recovery, sleep, etc.

  • helping you get more sleep by reducing chaos, creating a calmer environment in your home, and offering education and strategies around newborn sleep

  • meal and snack preparation because babies aren’t the only ones who are hungry!

  • teaching soothing tips to help comfort your little one

  • encouraging parents in your new role and helping you see what is working!

  
  It’s really common to feel unprepared for the challenges that the postpartum and newborn time can bring. As a postpartum doula, I will walk alongside you during these months that feel so short and so long at the same time. My gentle, nonjudgmental support and encouragement will help you find your footing in an intense time that often feels like your whole world is off kilter.
  
  Many parents express that they didn’t have anyone they could really talk to about the more personal aspects of this transformative time. When you have a postpartum doula, you won’t have to worry about that! Whether you’re working through feeding challenges, wanting to ask “is this normal?” about a hundred times a day, or you just want some company while you process all the changes that are happening in your life as a new parent, I’m here for you.

• I thought a postpartum doula was just for people who have postpartum depression.
  This is a common misconception! The word “postpartum” just refers to the time after birth. (If you want to get technical, the postpartum period could really apply to your whole life after giving birth!) Postpartum depression refers to depression that sets in during the year following birth.
  
  For people who are experiencing any kind of perinatal mood disorder (depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or others), there can be a great benefit in hiring a Pittsburgh postpartum doula. But postnatal doula support can make a difference for anyone who feels they could use a little extra emotional support.

• Is a postpartum doula basically a housekeeper or nanny?
  No, although it can be confusing because there is some overlap between these three roles.
  
  Postpartum doulas have specific skills, knowledge, and experience in addressing the needs of not only babies (like a nanny), but also new parents and family members. And while we may tidy up and prepare meals from time to time, our primary expertise is not in keeping house. (If all you need is help around the house, there are much more affordable ways to go about that!)
  
  Think of me as a trail guide for your early parenting experience. I’m trekking with you, offering the wisdom of experience, access to resources you weren’t aware of, and specialized skills born from walking the same journey with hundreds of other families.

• What if I can’t afford your services?
  I feel strongly that experienced, trauma-informed, and nonjudgmental postpartum support should be available to everyone who needs it regardless of ability to pay (especially for members of oppressed groups). If you are having trouble meeting your basic needs financially, and/or if you qualify for Medicaid, SNAP benefits, WIC, or TANF, let me know. I am often able to provide some postpartum support on a sliding scale, so please reach out.