What Does a Postpartum Doula and Lactation Consultant Do?

Being an IBCLC is more than making sure that babies get their mama’s breast milk. There’s a very nurturing side to many of us that are in this profession. Someone asked me what I do as a postpartum doula and Lactation Consultant. It didn’t take me long to write a list of the things I do. I dedicate this to all the mama’s and babies I’ve worked with…

I massage the feet of an exhausted mama desperately needing a gentle touch

I hold a straw steady for a mama breastfeeding her twins to quench her thirst because her hands are occupied

I catch falling tears from faces of new mamas that don’t think they can make it through the night

I give reassuring glances to nervous fathers and encourage them to stay present

I listen, without judgement, to the woman that explains why she stays in an unhappy relationship

I defy culture in the context of parenting and teach mothers to use instinct rather than google

I help women make peace with their vaginas and not be ashamed of their womanhood and femininity

I latch the baby’s mouth to its mothers’ nipple when her hands are too tired to do it on her own

I grieve with women that have had undesirable births

I rejoice with women that have ecstatic births

I facilitate the bonding process for baby and their family

I giggle with mamas in the wee hours of the night when she tells me silly stories of her past

I soothe the overwhelmed infant of the overwhelmed mother

I am an advocate to women, men, babies, and families regardless of race, religion or social status

I teach, I learn

Secrets will die with me