INTENSIVE POSTPARTUM SUPPORT SERVICES (IPS)

COMPREHENSIVE IN-HOME POSTPARTUM DOULA SERVICES:

(during the initial postpartum period at home)

• physical, emotional and educational support and assistance with maternal and newborn care

• modelling safe & nurturing care skills to foster secure attachment and bonding techniques

• demonstration on how to recognize and assess infant illness, concerns and how to access medical treatment

• instruction on SIDS & shaken baby prevention, American Academy of Pediatrics newborn care & safety recommendations

• breast/bottle feeding, education, support & counselling 

• perinatal mental health education with (PMAD) assessments for client and partner with referrals for intervention and treatment when indicated

• provide light housekeeping & organization to help alleviate feeling overwhelmed while learning newborn needs

• running light errands necessary for infant/maternal care

• assistance with newborn care such as diapering, bathing, feeding and comforting

• healthy maternal nutrition education with light meal preparation

• linkage & connection to community family support programs & providers

• contraception & spatial family planning education

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Example of an IPS support schedule:

(schedules are based on the individual needs of the family) 

Week one:  4 hrs day/4 days week

Week two:  3 hrs day/4 days week

Week three:  3 hrs day/3 days week

Week four:  3 hrs day/2 days week

Week five:  2 hrs day/2 days week

Week six:  2 hrs day/1 day week​​​​