RACHEL PHELOS

LACTATION CONSULTING

There is lactation and there is breastfeeding. For both of these categories, there are many variations on the expected Flow of the experience. A baby may struggle with latching on to the breast for a variety of reasons. A body may produce little to no milk. Sometimes it is as simple as a positioning issue or lack of understanding about how often the baby needs to eat. When these processes meet a challenge or vary from the norm, there is a breakdown in the supply and demand function. We arrive at a situation where a lactation consultant's help may be useful. 

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  If you need support, you can call me for a home visit or virtual visit. I will typically spend one to two hours with you. We will also have a follow-up visit if necessary and I will offer other resources if needed. 

BIRTH DOULA

The flow usually looks something like this: We will have one virtual prenatal visit where we discuss hopes, fears, concerns and answer questions. Then we will have an in-person prenatal visit where we will practice birthing positions, comfort measures and whatever else shows up. I will then be on call for you 24/7 from 36 weeks of pregnancy on until arrival. When labor begins, I will be there for support over the phone and if appropriate I will come and labor with you at home. If we are transferring to another facility I will meet you there and be with you throughout the labor experience until up to two hours afterwards. Then we will have one postpartum visit to follow-up and address needs for additional support. I bring my lactation skills to my doula clients.

POSTPARTUM SUPPORT

I offer this service on a two-week contract basis. We determine the expected needs and go from there. This is not a nanny or housekeeping service though I will sometimes provide light housework and occupy siblings. This is about assisting in the transition from pregnancy to new life in the home. It always looks different. Services are generally for a couple of weeks up to a couple of months.