FAQs About Postpartum Doulas | Northwest PA Doulas

October 30, 2017 Christine Dougan

Postpartum Doulas are totally new to Erie, Meadville and surrounding areas. Postpartum doulas help with a myriad of things including emotional support, practical hands on help and education for families.

Postpartum? Doesn't that have to do with postpartum depression?

Nope! The word postpartum refers to the postpartum period which is defined as the first year after you have a baby. Postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety and other mood disorders are common among modern parents. Our doula teams are experts at recognizing normalcy in our clients. If PPD or PPA become apparent, we are happy to talk with you and refer you to a professional who can support you well.

When I Chose to Breastfeed | A Personal Story | Northwest PA Doulas

September 1, 2017 Christine Dougan

Nursing my newborn while my toddler slept next to us ❤️

When I was pregnant with my first baby, at some point I decided I wanted to breastfeed.

I decided I wouldn't breastfeed past 1 year or when the "baby could ask for it", whatever came first. Little did I know, I would go on to nurse for 3 years. I don't remember there being a distinct reason I wanted to nurse, necessarily. I just remember planning on doing it, checking the breastfeeding option on my birth plan and not really preparing from there. I bought a book that I read maybe 5 pages out of and that was that. Looking back, there are so many things I wish I knew then.

Help! I'm Losing All My Hair! | Erie Doula | Meadville Doula

July 25, 2017 Chrissy Dougan

Can you believe that people lose 80-100 hairs everyday? That might sound like a lot, but with about 100,000 hairs on your head, it's really just a drop in the bucket. The more shocking news, is that new parents lose up to... wait for it...

The Easiest Way To Grocery Shop With Kids

April 5, 2017 Chrissy Dougan

For anyone who has ever gone to the store with kids in tow, you know how difficult it can be. I remember having a four year old and a newborn and wondering how to make it work. Trying to coordinate nap times, care for my baby while shopping, and keep my preschooler from putting more cookies in the cart was HARD WORK.

What to Expect at the 6 Week Postpartum Check Up | Erie PA Doulas

March 29, 2017 Chrissy Dougan

You gave birth to your beautiful baby! Congratulations! Pregnancy is finally behind you and you are spending those first few weeks getting to know each other. Transitioning to life after a baby isn’t easy! It can be isolating, overwhelming, and there are many unknowns. But despite it all, you made it through the first six weeks, and now it's time to visit your care provider for a check up.

It Doesn't Always Go As Planned | Erie PA Parenting | Erie PA Birth & Postpartum Doulas

January 19, 2017 Christine Dougan

Before I was a mom, one thing I always said was:

My kids will never go to daycare.

But guess where they are this morning? For the second day in a row? Daycare.

Ways to Deal with Postpartum Depression & Postpartum Anxiety | Erie PA & Meadville PA's Only Doula Agency

December 28, 2016 Christine Dougan

Postpartum Depression and

Postpartum Anxiety.

Not many want to talk about it. As doulas, we see it often. As moms, many of us have experienced it ourselves.

Since we're not afraid to talk with our clients and audience about hard things, here are some helpful tips on...

Ways to Deal with Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Anxiety

What is a Postpartum Doula? | Erie PA's Only Postpartum Doula Agency

December 26, 2016 Christine Dougan

A postpartum doula is a person who comes alongside you nonjudgmentally at any point after you have a baby to make the transition easier. They provide emotional support to the mom and entire family, support to the mother as she recovers physically, help with practical tasks like dishes and provide information and expertise on newborn care, normal recovery, and feeding & sleep issues.