Welcome!
Hello! I'm Renée.
If you are in need of postpartum care I just may be the support you're looking for. Scroll down for more information about my Postpartum services.
I feel very fortunate to be in a career that I love. Supporting women and empowering families is what I do best. And of course, loving babies!
From me, you will receive the support you need from an educated, compassionate, loving Doula who has been there myself. In me, you'll find a confidant and a safe place to go for non-judgmental information, knowledge, and support. You can feel assured that you are being cared for by a Doula with 30+ years of experience and education behind me.
In December of 2021, I earned my Certification as a Breastfeeding Specialist/Educator to better assist my clients.
I am happily married and the mother of an amazing 14-year-old daughter. I'm a musician, and I love roller skating!
My
Experience
35 Years Supporting Children and Their Families
Certified Childcare Professional
1989- 2018
At the age of 19, I began working in the infant room at a childcare center. I fell in love with the babies and knew it was what I wanted to do with my life. It was there I got my first education in newborn care. Back then the certification was called Certified Child Care Professional. And although my certification included education of all ages, my focus was the newborn baby. I attended night school and earned my certification as a Childcare Professional. Having this education opened up new employment opportunities for me.
While working as a professional nanny I gained valuable experience in working with newborns and young children. Guiding them through age-appropriate activities and helping them reach each milestone. I became a trusted and integral part of each family.
Certified Newborn Care Specialist
2012 - present
In 2012, after working with infants as a nanny for many years, I decided to go back to school and earn my certification in newborn care. Nurturing babies and their families has been one of my greatest joys. In 2015 I wrote and taught my own in-depth curriculum for a newborn care class specifically designed for students preparing for their certification in newborn care.
Certified Postpartum
Doula
2018-present
Being a Doula is a natural fit for me. I earned my certification as a Postpartum Doula here in Austin. Nurturing families is my passion. Creating trust and supporting a bond between parent and child is my goal. Educating parents about their babies and gently supporting mothers and fathers, helping them navigate through the postpartum period is what I love to do.
Certified Breastfeeding Specialist
2021- present
In December of 2021, I earned my certification as a Breastfeeding Specialist. I consider it a true honor to work with new parents during this fragile time, offering them tools and non-judgmental information and education. Having this certification lets me offer my clients well-rounded and highly educated postpartum care. .
Here's a sneak peek into what you will be learning in class
-Which bottles do I recommend and why?
-What is Paced Bottle Feeding?
-Why do we use this technique?
Why use this method?
- slows the rate baby is getting milk
- baby does the extra work as they would at the breast
- Helps the baby recognize fullness cues sooner
- Minimize colic symptoms (gas, distended tummy) that come with rapid feeding
Paced Bottle Feeding
How?
- Use a slow-flow nipple. It will help mimic the breast
- Hold the back of the baby’s head (ear to ear) supporting the neck and back with the pad of your hand
- Bottle feeding should take as long as breastfeeding
- Be sure to hold the baby upright (I put their bottom on my leg)
- Pause frequently to mimic breastfeeding
- The baby does not need to finish the bottle
-Elizabeth L.
My husband and I took Renee’s newborn care class a few weeks before our due date and it was amazing! Lots of great information for first-time parents such as ourselves. Renee has years of experience I’m sure even experienced parents would learn something new as well. The class setting is nice and easy to get answers to specific questions we had. She also had swaddle and baby-wearing wraps you could practice with and get help if you weren’t sure if you were doing it right. I’d highly recommend her!
-Jessica W.
Doula Renee was fabulous. We took her newborn class and highly reccomend it for first time parents. The class size was small and it really helped us to get all our questions answered. She helped us feel more prepared to take care of our first baby in the first few months of her life. Additionally the written resources she provided were referenced many times once our newborn arrived.
-Jacob P.
Great class, we took the New Born Care and I love all the things that we need to buy, no fluff. The course was insightful and feel like I am one step closer to being a better dad!
Overnight Postpartum Support
In Safe Hands
send an email
I make it a priority to provide a safe and loving environment for all of my clients. Offering dependable overnight care, so that you are able to get a good night's sleep. If your baby is breastfed I'll bring him/her to you for feedings. If he/she is bottle-fed I'll take care of feedings. Just leave the burping, diapering, and soothing baby back to sleep to me.
My goal within a 6-8 week period (3 nights per week) is to gently teach your baby to sleep 5-6 hour stretch at night and get you the much-needed sleep you need.
Night shifts are 8-9 hours
$50/hr Single
$60/hr Multiples
Daytime
Postpartum Support
Mothering the New Mother
Daytime Postpartum Care includes
Breastfeeding/Bottle feeding Support
Evidence-Based Informational Support
Newborn Education
Meal Prep
Light House Work
Holding and Comforting Your Baby
Caring for and holding space for the Whole Family
Day shifts are 4 hours
$50/hr Single
$60/hr Multiple
Mother & Baby Assessment
& Newborn Care Support
From the moment your breastfeeding journey begins, I'll be there with evidence-based compassionate care to empower you. Helping you feel confident about your breastfeeding relationship.
Your 60-90 minute Assessment Includes
How to increase or maintain your milk supply
Recognizing your baby's hunger cues
Determining a feeding schedule
Making sure your baby is latching properly
Treatment for sore or cracked nipples
Treatment for breast engorgement
Finding the best breastfeeding position for you and your baby
Making sure your baby is gaining weight
Using your breast pump to express breastmilk
Trouble Shooting Problem Areas
Breast Examination
Infant Oral Examination
Flange Fitting
Referrals to International Board Certified Lactation Consultants/and other postpartum professionals
Nursery Necessities
Swaddling
Diapering
Reading Baby's Cues
Soothing Techniques
Sleep
Bathing/Grooming
Breastfeeding/Bottle Feeding
Infant Safety
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Postpartum Doula? A postpartum doula is a professional trained to work with a new mother and their family through the period after birth. The postpartum period, sometimes called the fourth trimester, is the first 6 weeks after the birth of your baby. They provide families with information and support on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from childbirth, infant soothing, and coping skills for new parents. They might also help with light housework, fix a meal, and help incorporate an older child into this new experience. PPDs have resources and referrals to support the needs of each family. A doula or Newborn Care Specialist supports the WHOLE FAMILY in whatever way is necessary – sometimes this means baby care, especially on an overnight – but it usually means helping with other household tasks to support the bonding process, and educating and assisting the parents.
What's the difference between a Doula and a Baby Nurse? There is a big difference in the level of training and credentialing. A postpartum doula or Newborn Care Specialist is usually trained and certified by a respected organization. “Baby nurses” are rarely licensed nurses and rarely professionally trained. There is no intensive certification process for a “baby nurse”. Many are not up to date on current safety recommendations and best practices for newborns, either. A lot of people are familiar with “baby nurses” (also known as newborn nannies or night nurses) – women who also come to your home to help out when a new baby is born. The biggest difference is that a baby nurse’s primary responsibility is always to care for the baby, usually away from the parents and family. A doula or Newborn Care Specialist supports the WHOLE FAMILY in whatever way is necessary – sometimes this means baby care, especially on an overnight – but it usually means helping with other household tasks to support the bonding process, and educating and assisting the parents. A doula is able to do everything a baby nurse does, and much more!
What parenting philosophy do you follow? Yours! I offer non-judgmental, non-dogmatic support for whatever style of parenting works for you. If you have questions or want to explore your options for a particular question – for example, cloth vs. disposable diapers – I am happy to discuss and share my knowledge and experiences, but I don’t try to push anything on you. In my years doing this kind of work, I have pretty much seen it all, and I know the BEST parenting philosophy is to do what works for your family! The secret to happy, healthy babies is happy, healthy moms and dads.
Postpartum...doesn't that mean depression? Technically postpartum just means “after birth”, so Postpartum Depression happens after a baby is born, and a postpartum doula works after a baby is born.
However, doulas can be EXTREMELY helpful in cases of PPD or suspected PPD – providing referrals for services and support groups, being there to listen, and helping out with tasks she might find overwhelming. And of course, letting her get some sleep! Study after study has shown that the best way to prevent PPD is with a good support system, and a doula can be a key member of that system.
Wow! Is there anything a Doula DOESN'T do? Well, yes. While we do many, many things, postpartum doulas are not medical professionals. We do not check or assess the medical status of the mother or the baby, though we are happy to make referrals if we or the parents have a concern.
Also, while doulas are happy to help with household tasks such as baby laundry, dishes, unpacking and organizing baby gear, etc, most will not do heavy cleaning.
Really, it is up to the individual doula what she is willing to do, though versatility is the name of the game!
How it works
Kindly provide some insight into your family dynamics via email. Along with that, please include your anticipated due date, location, phone number, and let me know how you came to know about Hey Doula Renee. Once I receive your response, we can schedule a time for a phone conversation.
phone conversation
Our initial telephone conversation, usually a 15-minute call, is an opportunity for us to become acquainted. We will delve into your needs for the postpartum period and discuss the various services I provide. Additionally, I will share insight into my professional background and expertise.
Contract & Deposit
After our intital phone conversation, I will send you a contract and agreement via email for your review and signature. Subsequently, a $350 nonrefundable retainer will be required.
Hey Doula Renee 2023