Meet Jennifer Postpartum DC Metro

Postpartum doula dc metro newborn care

Postpartum Doula, Lactation Consultant, MPH

My path to becoming a postpartum doula and lactation consultant was paved with a series of serendipitous events: A standardized patient playing the role of a breastfeeding mother who found that pediatricians were looking to me, the actor, to answer complex questions about breastfeeding. Enrolling in a Master’s in Public Health program at George Washington University, where I dived into my women’s and children’s health classes with vigor and passion. Becoming a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist. A full-time lactation consultant career at a local hospital. A spark of desire after working with families in the postpartum unit to become a postpartum doula.

Being a postpartum doula stems from a deep desire to provide families with comprehensive and holistic support during the transformative postpartum period. I believe that our society has abandoned the essential and crucial process of allowing birthing people to heal after childbirth and I want to contribute to revitalizing this practice. The fourth trimester is undoubtedly an interlude in the lives of families that should be cherished and navigated with empathy and care. As a postpartum doula, I believe that I can assist in empowering families to embrace this period of transition.

My experience as a Lactation Consultant has provided me with invaluable hands-on experience in supporting breastfeeding mothers and newborns. I am proficient in assessing latch, positioning, and milk transfer, and I am knowledgeable about various infant feeding methods. I am also adept at addressing common breastfeeding challenges, such as breast refusal, sore nipples, and low milk supply, while providing compassionate emotional support and guidance to new parents.

My MPH has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the broader context of maternal and child health. I am particularly interested in the public health implications of postpartum care and the importance of providing holistic support to families during this crucial period. My academic background, combined with my practical experience, allows me to approach postpartum care with a unique blend of evidence-based knowledge and empathetic understanding.

I believe the best support I can offer families is by providing personalized care tailored to their specific wants and needs. This encompasses physical support, such as newborn care, meal preparation, and light household tasks; emotional support, including active listening, validation, and encouragement; and informational support, offering evidence-based resources and guidance on topics such as infant development, sleep, and postpartum recovery. It's about empowering families to make informed decisions while

honoring their cultural practices, beliefs, and family dynamics. I hope that you will think of me as a friend who happens to have skills and knowledge that can help you in your postpartum journey.