Portal Birthwork's FAQs

What is a postpartum doula? 

Think of a postpartum doula as the best mother-in-law ever. A postpartum doula is there to help ease the transition to life with a newborn by supporting full body healing, cooking, newborn care, lactation support, birth processing and more. When things get tricky (as they often do in those first few weeks) we're there to help troubleshoot, lend a listening ear, and refer out to amazing providers in the community. I incorporate healing modalities like belly binding, mother roasting (Moxa), herbal baths, medicinal meals, and Abhyanga massage, just to name a few. I also incorporate my training as a certified lactation counselor in my postpartum doula care, working with clients to help them meet their nursing goals.  

What is an Ayurvedic postpartum doula? 

An Ayurvedic postpartum doula is a professional who supports new mothers using the principles of Ayurveda, an ancient system of holistic health. Their care focuses on nourishment, balance, and deep recovery in the first 42 days after birth, which Ayurveda views as foundational for long-term well-being. They provide warm, easily digestible meals to support healing, guide self-massage with herbal oils to calm the nervous system, and encourage rest and gentle routines to restore balance. Ayurvedic postpartum doulas may also offer herbal remedies, lactation support, and emotional care, creating a deeply nurturing experience that helps new mothers recover fully and enter motherhood with strength and vitality.

Why is postpartum nutrition important? What types of food should be emphasized after birth?

​Proper nutrition during the postpartum period can help speed up physical recovery, support lactation, and promote milk production. Getting adequate nutrients during this phase also helps replenish the body’s mineral stores, 10% of which are lost during pregnancy according to nutritionist Lindsay Taylor. Minerals, in addition to general nutrition, are essential for promoting mental health, gut health, and energy levels. Some ingredients to emphasize are seeds/nuts, rainbow veggies, whole grains, and organic meats. In addition to this depletion that occurs during pregnancy, digestion tends to slow down in the postpartum period and constipation is common. Rekindling your digestive fire is a crucial part of the postpartum process, and relies on promoting nutrient dense, warm, and mushy. Prioritize broths, soups, stews, and oatmeal for the first 42 days postpartum. I offer postpartum meal delivery services that help take the guess work (and... all work!) out of making sure you're getting enough nourishment during your immediate postpartum.

What is a birth doula?

​A birth doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, spiritual, and informational support to a birthing person and any partner during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. A birth doula's role is to help the mother have a safe, memorable, and empowering birthing experience. A birth doula is there to be an added layer of support throughout pregnancy and create a safe container for birth to unfold within. Birth doula's integrate seamlessly with out-of-hospital and hospital staff. My practice is currently focused on postpartum doula care and out-of-hospital birth doula work.

What's Ayurveda and Abhyanga?

​Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that originated in India over 3,000 years ago. Ayurvedic medicine focuses on bringing the body into balance based on a person's unique constitution and its relationship to the natural world. Ayurveda offers a deep well of wisdom when it comes to the postpartum time with specific practices, foods, and herbal suggestions focused on healing from and integrating the power of birth. Abhyanga is one of these practices. Abhyanga is a full body oil massage that aids in lymphatic drainage, grounding, and warming during the postpartum time. 

Do I need a birth doula if I'm having a home birth? 

​You can absolutely benefit from a doula at your home birth. A doula is not a midwife, and as such, we can focus all of our attention on you, your little one, and any additional support people, without having to address any of the medical side of birth. Just ask your midwife - I bet she'll be thrilled to have another birthworker in the picture.​

Why is prenatal and postnatal yoga beneficial?

Prenatal yoga is a great way to help prepare your mind and body for a healthy pregnancy and empowering birth. From movement designed to target common pregnancy-related symptoms to practices that can be taken into the birthing room practicing yoga during pregnancy is highly recommended.  It's also a great way to meet other expecting mom's in your community. Postpartum yoga helps new mother's gently recover from delivery, regain strength and mobility, and manage stress levels through the postpartum transition. It can also be a hugely beneficial time to share tips, tricks, and struggles with other new moms.