Postpartum Support
Postpartum Support
“Life, love, and purpose are threads of the same cloth — we’re just learning how to weave them.”
You don’t need to be overwhelmed to deserve help. You don’t need to wait until you’re exhausted, struggling, or wondering how everyone else seems to be managing.
Maybe you want someone to hold your baby while you sleep. Maybe you need a meal, help figuring out newborn care, or a familiar person who will listen without telling you to enjoy every minute.
Postpartum support makes room for your recovery, your questions, and the everyday work of welcoming a baby.
I offer daytime postpartum doula visits in Manistee and surrounding Northern Michigan communities. You can book postpartum support whether or not I attended your birth.
We’ll start by asking what would make the biggest difference that day. You don’t need a clean house, a list of tasks, or a plan to entertain me.
Caring for your baby while you rest, shower, or eat.
Preparing a simple meal or snacks using ingredients you have available.
Helping with baby laundry, dishes, and light household tasks.
Organizing feeding or changing supplies so essentials are within reach.
The goal is to take some work off your shoulders while keeping the focus on you and your baby.
Helping you become more comfortable with diapering, soothing, handling, and everyday care.
Exploring your baby’s cues and getting to know their patterns.
Helping partners and support people build confidence.
Identifying questions to bring to your pediatric provider.
You don’t have to know everything when you bring your baby home. There is room to learn together.
I offer basic assistance with breast/chestfeeding, bottle-feeding, positioning, and recognizing feeding cues, with respect for your family’s choices.
For feeding difficulties or concerns beyond basic support, I refer to an IBCLC or the appropriate healthcare professional.
You may want to talk about your birth, how you’re feeling, or how different this experience is from what you expected. You may prefer quiet company and someone who gets the dishes done.
There is no expectation to be cheerful, grateful, or ready to share. I can listen, help you identify support needs, and connect you with additional resources when needed.
Welcoming a baby changes the rhythm of a household. We can talk through practical ways to share responsibilities, include support people, and make room for rest.
My approach is trauma-informed and LGBTQ+ affirming. Your family structure, cultural traditions, boundaries, and preferred language matter.
I ask before offering hands-on assistance and respect your decisions about your home and parenting.
One three-hour home visit
A flexible visit for practical help, basic feeding or newborn-care support, and time to rest. You can book one visit or return for additional support as needed.
$150 per visit
Four three-hour home visits—12 hours total
For families who want consistent support across several visits. We’ll plan the schedule together around your needs and my availability.
You don’t need to use the visits in a single week. The service period and scheduling terms will be agreed upon before booking.
$570 for four visits
If you booked Comprehensive Birth Support, your package already includes three three-hour postpartum home visits.
If you booked Focused Birth Support, your package includes one two-hour postpartum home visit.
You’re welcome to add visits using the options above. We’ll review what’s already included so you know exactly what you’re purchasing.
You can arrange support during pregnancy or reach out after your baby arrives. Advance planning gives us more opportunity to find suitable dates, though you’re welcome to ask about last-minute availability.
These are scheduled daytime visits, rather than overnight care or on-call postpartum coverage.
We’ll confirm the visit dates, payment arrangements, and cancellation or rescheduling terms before you book. Payment plans are available for the four-visit package.
Travel within 30 driving miles of Wellston is included.
For homes farther away, any additional travel fee will be discussed and agreed upon before booking.
My nursing background informs my approach, but these visits provide nonmedical practical, emotional, and educational support.
They do not include clinical assessments, medical treatment, psychotherapy, specialized lactation care, deep cleaning, or general childcare for other children in the household.
Your maternity and pediatric providers remain responsible for medical care. For urgent concerns about you or your baby, contact your healthcare team rather than waiting for a scheduled visit or message response.
Recovery and the need for care continue when a baby remains in the hospital or a family experiences pregnancy or infant loss.
If this is your situation, you’re welcome to reach out. We can discuss practical support, your preferences, and whether my services are a good fit, along with referrals when more specialized support would help.
Email themanisteedoula@gmail.com with:
Your town.
Your estimated due date or your baby’s age, if applicable.
The kind of support you’re looking for.
Your preferred days and times.
Whether you’re interested in one visit or ongoing support.
We’ll discuss availability and agree on a plan by email.
If you’d like to meet first, I offer a free 30-minute meet & greet to discuss my services and whether we’re a good fit. Individualized education is provided through paid sessions or booked services.
Email to Arrange Postpartum Support