A doula:
- visits each family before the birth to assess what your family wants and to become acquainted with you and your household;
- answers questions about what you might need for the new arrival;
- is there for you when you arrive home from the hospital;
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provides supportive information about breastfeeding and newborn care, tidies up your home, does your food shopping, runs your errands, does laundry, helps with your other children;
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"mothers the mother" so you can better care for her baby;
- gives care with sensitivity to the needs of each mother and family;
- helps ease the transition into parenthood with non-judgmental supportive information about newborn care and feeding/breastfeeding;
- listens to your concerns and shares your joys;
- respects the privacy a new family needs and wants by being a quiet presence in your home;