What is a Postpartum Doula?Laura Marsh Seattle Postpartum Doula
Whether this is your first child or you are already parents, the addition of a new baby is a significant change for the entire family. As a postpartum doula, it is my role to nurture not only the birthing person and infant, but the family as a whole. My goal is to alleviate stress and foster confidence so you can focus on bonding with your newborn and establishing a new routine that works for you. Every family is different and I am interested in meeting you prior to beginning service to learn how to best help you after birth.

I have experience with adoptive families, single parents, LGTBQIA+ parents, families of color, families with different countries of origin, and families with a history of loss or fertility struggles. Ultimately, I understand that every family is incredibly unique and I am curious and open to learning how I can best support you. If I am not the best fit for you and your family, please let me know and I will do my best to connect you with another local postpartum doula who can support your needs.

My primary focus in the past decade has been overnight support and I find that parents benefit greatly from a little extra rest. I also occasionally work days where I am able to collaborate more with parents and help with household support. In the past, I was available for travel with clients but I am not currently as I have my own small child at home

Services I can provide include:

-overnight support with infant feeding, infant sleep, and helping parents establish feeding/pumping/sleep routines

-promoting well-being of parents with time to rest, shower, and eat healthfully

-answer questions or demonstrate methods for soothing, bathing, baby-wearing or other babycare skills

-assist with breastfeeding/bodyfeeding, pumping, or formula-feeding

-offer emotional support as a nonjudgmental listener, provide personalized suggestions and referrals to local groups and experts

-identifying signs of postpartum mood disorders and providing appropriate resources and referrals

-recommend products, local resources, classes, and groups

-household support including basic meal prep and snacks, dishes, and laundry

-sibling care and adjustment

-basic errands including the grocery store and pharmacy

-accompanying families to medical visits if requested