Q&A with Fairhope, AL Postpartum Doula

A postpartum doula and a newborn care specialist provide essential support to new parents during the early days after childbirth. The role of a Fairhope, AL postpartum doula is to offer emotional and practical assistance, helping families navigate the challenges of the 4th trimester. This includes providing guidance on infant care, offering time to rest to tired parents, and ensuring a smooth transition into parenthood. In addition, as a Fairhope, AL newborn care specialist focuses on creating a comforting and organized environment for newborns, assisting with tasks such as feeding, diapering, and establishing routines. By combining these services, Michelle Lloyd helps parents feel more confident and supported during this transformative period.

It’s my goal to provide as much value to my mama clients as I possibly can, so I hope you stick around long enough to learn about Mrs. Michelle and the services she offers to you during your postpartum journey. Below, I will go over the questions I asked Mrs. Michelle, and provide the valuable information she shared with me.

What services do you provide as a Fairhope Postpartum Doula?

When I met Michelle, I had no idea what a postpartum doula did or what a newborn care specialist did. I knew these were terms that were not used regularly, so one of the first things I asked was “what do you do?” Here is what she said:

“Firstly, I offer 4th trimester classes to help prepare new parents for the big life change they are about to have.  I currently offer in-home classes and will be offering group classes starting 28th September.

Secondly, I offer in-home personalized postpartum care.  We offer a day shift with a minimum of 4 hours or an overnight shift which is a minimum of 8 hours.  A shift can include holding the baby while mom has a shower and a nap, meal prep, laundry, anything baby related, sibling care, and more.  The goal of an overnight shift is to allow mom to get as much sleep as possible.  Lack of sleep is one of the biggest contributing factors to postpartum depression. “

What are some common challenges new parents face that you help address? 

New parents face challenges, regardless of how many babies they are blessed with. Each new baby brings on its own set of challenges. Here is what Michelle had to say about how hiring her as your Fairhope, AL postpartum doula helps:

“Many families are unprepared for the postpartum period. In the past, people often lived near extended family and grew up around babies, which provided natural support and experience. Today, couples frequently relocate for work and often have little experience with newborns. That’s where we step in to help. We work with parents as soon as their baby arrives, offering tools and guidance to ease the transition into life with a newborn. We encourage moms to rest and let their bodies recover after childbirth, while supporting both parents as they embark on this new journey.”

How do parents benefit from hiring a postpartum doula? 

If you are like me, you are probably wondering how parents benefit from hiring a Fairhope, AL postpartum doula which is why I asked Michelle to shed some light on this for us. Here is what she had to say:

“Sleep, Support and Education are probably the three areas most people are thankful for.  So many of my moms have talked about how they are better moms when they can get sleep.  Both parents feel supported, and they appreciate the education piece I offer which is specially catered to each individual family.”  

Can you share a success story or memorable experience where you know you made a positive impact? 

 

“I am fortunate enough to have worked with wonderful families.  I have received many glowing references but being included in a book as a “Guide” in a bestselling authors book has to be the most memorable reference.  People all over the country/world would read about how I helped this family with their newborn in the book by Donald Miller ‘Hero on a Mission’. “

Are there any misconceptions about postpartum doulas that you would like to clarify? 

Michelle’s answer was straight to the point with this one, and I know it rings with truth. As you read earlier, I had no idea what a postpartum doula was when I met Michelle.

Here’s what she had to say:

“Most people have not heard of postpartum care. I usually have to explain what I do.  When I do clarify what I do I always get comments about how wonderful that is and how most people wish they could have had that support when they had their babies.”  

I 100% wish I would have had the support of a local postpartum doula when I brought my babies home. Although I thought I was prepared to become a first-time mom, that newborn rocked my world in ways I didn’t know it could rock. Make sure you read more about that in the blog post about my first year of motherhood, which is listed below.

Do you have any local groups or classes that you suggest new parents join?

“I am in the process of creating something for new moms. We have plans to start this in the new year. Amie hosts Zumbini,  Bump and Babies in Foley, The caffeinated therapist has a meeting once every other month in Mobile”