The simplest way to describe a BirthKeeper is an Auntie or relative. Indigenous BirthKeepers provide continuous and unconditional mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual support during the perinatal period.
Whether a pregnant person enrolls in our program in their first trimester or right before their estimated due date, we offer home visits as often as every other week. During the 3rd trimester, we offer home visits as often as every week if needed. During a home visit, which is usually about an hour long (but sometimes a little bit longer), clients can discuss medical provider updates with their doula and anything else going on in their lives. We take time to honor and recognize not only their challenges but also their accomplishments.
Home visits can include childbirth education and lactation education. If clients prefer group classes, we can help them sign up for BIPOC centered group classes. During home visits, we get to discuss narratives from their families of origin regarding birth traditions and lactation histories. We can begin healing from cycles of trauma AND celebrate our relatives’ resilience and strength.
During our work together, our goal is to prepare families to know what to do as their labor approaches:
Our goal is to have our first postpartum home visit between day 3 to day 5 post-birth. Our colostrum begins to transition to mature milk during this time so clients might need extra lactation support. Depending on our caseload, our doulas usually visit the family once or twice a week. Visits can be up to 4 hours long. We can usually provide more visits if the client is recovering from a cesarean birth. We help with light household tasks: tidying up the kitchen, help with laundry, organize baby clothes and meal support. Many times, the new parent(s) want to shower or nap at some point during our visits. We’ll watch over baby so they can have that time for themselves.
We can bring all the teas, broth and traditional foods to help keep the lactating parent hydrated and nourished. During the first few weeks postpartum, home visits and phone check-ins are usually mostly about lactation support. During this time, clients can expect to practice different nursing positions and troubleshoot any difficulties about latch and milk supply with their doula. We help loved-ones understand that lactating parents need support around the clock – make sure they always have snacks and something to drink, help with additional pillows to help position baby for a proper latch and be ready with encouraging words and affection. Remember that oxytocin, the “love” hormone that fueled our labor contractions, helps our milk flow!
This care is tailored to your specific needs. If you decide to reach out to us, we can discuss your situation and formulate a care plan during our intake call. Our goal is to support you without judgment.
“I want you to know how much your care and support in this time has made a real difference in my experience. I feel more capable of caring for myself and of healing, and that is such a gift at a time when everything feels so tender.”
Abortion care client via email
Hummingbird Indigenous Family Services is a reproductive justice organization, and we support families in their right to have children, to not have children, and to raise those children in safe and healthy environments.
Coming soon!
