Rachel Brinker, MA
Postpartum Doula CD Postpartum (ProDoula) Proud Mama Support Services, owner 541-714-5859 rbrinker@corvallisdoulas.com ProudMamaSupportServices.com fb: Corvallis Proud Mama Support Services |
I am a certified postpartum doula with training through both ProDoula and DONA International. I have over five years experience supporting women and families through pregnancy and the postpartum period. I also have a Master's Degree in Women Studies and am a trained massage therapist (1,000 hours).
I am joyously married and a proud mama of two young boys. My partner is a woman and I have the unique life experience of having gone through the birth process of our children as both a birth partner (for our older son, carried by my wife), and as a birthing mother (for our younger son, carried by me). I believe this gives me a valuable perspective for helping both parents adjust to their new roles as they welcome a new baby to their family, and also for helping partners understand how best to support each other during this time. As your postpartum doula, I ease your transition into parenthood by helping you get answers, rest, nourishment, and peace of mind. What this looks like typically changes from day to day, but my primary role as your postpartum doula is to be present and available to help in whatever way is needed in the moment. For example, I can assist a woman who is struggling with breastfeeding, help to soothe a colicky baby, cook a meal, empty the dishwasher, or sit and listen to a mother while she tells her birth story. I can prepare breast pump equipment, demonstrate diapering and infant bathing, educate parents about normal infant behavior, talk to the mother about normal physical and emotional changes after giving birth, and much more. When an issue is out of my scope of practice, I make suggestions and referrals for professional help with the problem. Postpartum doulas fill a role that is different from a baby nurse, babysitter, housecleaner, or lactation consultant. Each of these roles have their focus and I support a mother in ways that sometimes overlap these jobs, but as a doula my focus is always on the mother. I help her get what she needs so that she can be there for her baby in the best way possible. My goal is not to displace the support she has in her partner or extended family, but rather to provide an extra layer of nurturing for her, her partner, and siblings so the family can peacefully adjust to life with a newborn. Please visit ProudMamaSupportServices.com for more information. I look forward to getting to know you! |
