Special Circumstances

Spending time in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or welcoming a baby with special medical needs pairs the joys of new parenthood with confusion and fear of the unknown. I first experienced doula care after my own NICU experience, and the most meaningful work I can do is to pay forward the care that was given to me in such a vulnerable time.

Trauma-informed doula care during and after a NICU stay can include:

  • Special attention paid to parents’ needs

  • Trauma-sensitive infant care

  • Running errands for you

  • Light housekeeping

  • Meal and snack prep for NICU trips

  • Designing a ritual for leaving the NICU at night, and for that special homecoming day

  • Baby massage instruction

  • Development-friendly toy consult and shopping trip

Additional care after bringing home a baby with special medical needs can include:

  • Design (or redesign) of nursery and home spaces

  • Help navigating state Early Intervention resources

  • Help compiling resources for siblings and family members

Note: I am not a medical professional and do not provide medical care or advice

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