Erica the Doula LLC

Richmond, VA [email protected] @ericathedoula

Postpartum doula support and In-home lactation help

Postpartum Doulas

I am a certified postpartum doula and certified breastfeeding specialist. I help parents navigate the transition to life with a new baby/babies, help make sure everyone is resting and recovering from birth, answer all of your questions about what's normal and what isn't, and do light housework like dishes, laundry, and meal prep. My job is to help you feel empowered as parents, supporting you and listening as you find your footing. Let's chat!

I charge $35 per hour for weekday help and $40 per hour for weekends and major holidays (no overnights at the moment). I know you may not know exactly what you need, so I don't require you to purchase a package or a specific number of hours to secure my services. When we talk and get to know each other, I can help you figure out a schedule that will be right for you and your family, within your budget.

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About Erica the Doula LLC

Bio

I feel honored to walk this path with the families I support, coming into your home at an exciting yet vulnerable time. I believe in helping you find strategies for sleep, feeding, and parenting that feel right to you, so I spend a lot of time getting to know you and making evidence-based recommendations that will fit your unique family. I trained as a postpartum doula (DONA) in 2013 and certified in 2014, and I became a certified breastfeeding specialist (LER) in 2017. I'm also CPR certified.

Q&A

What locations or areas do you serve?

I live in Richmond, VA, and I serve the greater RVA area. I have had clients from Church Hill to Short Pump, Wyndham to Brandermill, Tuckahoe to Northside, Bon Air to The Fan, and everywhere in between!

What drew you into working with parents-to-be?

My first baby was born in 2007, and he changed my life in beautiful ways, but I was not prepared for the struggles and mental health challenges I would face as a new mom. It took me about a year to feel like myself again. When I had my second, I learned how much easier it was with support, and I realized I wanted to be that support for others.

What's your top piece of advice for an expectant mom?

During my training for my lactation certification, I loved the phrase "21st century parents, prehistoric babies." Babies have not changed, even though we have so much access to information that our ancestors didn't have. If you can get in tune with your baby, learning their cues and behaviors, they will teach you so much of what you need to know.

How do you answer the question: "I want your support but my partner feels like they'll be replaced"?

I see it as one of my top priorities to make sure partners, grandparents, and any other family members feel supported through this transition you are all undergoing! I love getting to know partners, and for clients with a partner, we will have a group text for scheduling, questions, tips/articles, etc., so we're all on the same page as a team.