NORA SANCHEZ

ABOUT

I am married with three adult children and four wonderful granddaughters, ages 9-16. I recently retired my license as an RN but wanted to continue caring for others in some way. Over the past 40 years I have cared for and supported mothers and their families during the postpartum period. Two years ago I was able to help a new mom and her husband who were struggling during the first six weeks postpartum. I witnessed and experienced firsthand how having a postpartum doula can make all the difference in a new young family’s life. I attended a Postpartum Doula Workshop offered through DONA International in Summer of 2019 and am currently an apprentice Postpartum Doula with Spokane Professional Doula Association (SPDA) as I work toward my certification.

It is my desire as your postpartum doula to provide the necessary support firstly to the mother, baby and significant others in the household during the weeks and early months after giving birth. Whether it is emotional or practical support, I want to help ease you during this “fourth trimester”.

The Role of the Postpartum Doula

“The Doula cares for the mother and her family in the home in the first three months following birth. She provides non-medical support and companionship, assists with newborn care and sibling adjustment, meal preparation and household organization. The doula offers evidence based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from childbirth and other issues related to the postpartum period, and can make referrals if necessary. The role of the doula is to be NEAR clients offering support.”

- Dona International Workshop manual 2017

Our guiding principles are to Nurture ( with a loving heart and hands ), Educate, Assess and Refer, as well as respect the clients’ privacy by maintaining confidentiality.

As your postpartum doula my goal is to uphold these principles to the best of my ability.

Some things I will do as your doula:

- Create a plan with you that will best meet your needs

-Ensure that Mom is getting adequate rest and nourishment

-Breastfeeding support

-Assist with infant care: feedings, diapering and bathing

-Assist with siblings in adjusting to new baby(ies) and provide them with some individual time

-Assist with planning or preparing meals for your family

-Help with light household duties, shopping or errands

-Listen to concerns and provide resources as needed

WHAT IS A PORTPARTUM DOULA?

What is the role of a Trained and Certified Postpartum Doula?

The role of a Trained and Certified Postpartum Doula (TCPD) changes from day to day, as the needs of the individual family changes. They do what is necessary to help the new family with the transition and care for their new baby and mother. A large part of their role is to “mother the mother”. They assist with breastfeeding education, as well as ensuring that the mother is getting plenty of rest, good nutrition and hydration.

Is there a specific timeframe that a Postpartum Doula works with a family?

Postpartum support from a TCPD can last anywhere from one or two visits to more than three months. Every family is supported in the way that best suits their individual needs and the length of time needed is determined by them.

What hours do Postpartum Doulas work with the family?

Some doulas work full time, several days a week. Others work two to five shifts during the day when the need is greatest for support or until the partner or another family member gets home. Some doulas work evenings for a few hours and some work overnights for up to 9 hours. Some doulas work every day, some work one or more shifts per week, all depending on the need.

Is there a difference between a Postpartum Doula and a Baby Nurse?

A TCPD’s role is to nurture the mother and the family through the postpartum period. Unlike a Baby Nurse, a doula’s focus is not solely on the baby, but on fostering independence for everyone in the family. The doula is as available to the entire family unit: partner, older children as well as the mother and the new baby. Nurturing the family is the key.

What is the goal of a Postpartum Doula?

The goal is to nurture the parents and older children into their new roles. As the new family succeeds and their knowledge and self-confidence grow, the need for the Postpartum Doula support will diminish.

Where can a family find a Postpartum Doula in our community?

Trained and Certified Postpartum Doulas can be found locally through the Spokane Professional Doula Association (SPDA), as well as on doulamatch.net and through individual doula certifying agencies.

How does a Postpartum Doula nurture the parents/family into their new role?

The TCPD uses a non-judgmental, encouraging approach of support in the family’s individual parenting style. They build self-confidence and encourage involvement of all family members in the new transition of bringing baby home. As the family becomes more confident in their new role, the Doula’s role decreases. The Doula will provide educational resources to the family if requested.

Do Postpartum Doulas help mothers who may have postpartum depression, anxiety or OCD?

TCPDs are not therapists or psychiatrists and are not authorized to treat postpartum depression at all. However, they can help by creating a physically and emotionally safe place for the mother. By “mothering the mother”, a doula can make sure that the mother feels supported, nurtured and cared for, which can help diminish the feelings of depression and anxiety.

The TCPD respects the role of each family member and supports active involvement by all members with the new baby. The involvement of all family members in the early weeks and beyond will create a loving and positive effect on the entire family.

-Used by permission and written by Tammy Huguenin, CPD

FEES

As an apprentice Postpartum Doula, I am offering a reduced rate until I become more experienced and certified.

First consultation and meeting is no charge.
Base fee: $20/hour for shifts 4-8 hours.
Overnight fee: $25/hour for minimum of 6 hours.
I will customize a discount package (10-20%) according to number of days and hours needed.

*Due to the StayHome/StaySafe order that is currently in place, I would like to offer my support through phone calls, Facetime, or texts until the order is lifted. I know it can be a trying time, especially when we are not able to have someone to talk to or answer questions and concerns. I will offer this service pro bono but would appreciate a written evaluation of my service.

CONTACT

Serving the greater Spokane area!

Spokane, WA
509-638-7966
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