Michelle Ellenger Michelle Ellinger

Madison Doula Service

When I first became a postpartum doula, my main goal in the beginning was to help women and babies learn to breastfeed. I was in for a surprise! I learned there was FAR more to it! In my work with families postpartum, I have spent anywhere from a few hours to several weeks helping with the adjustment of adding a new person to the mix. Some families will hire me so that they may take a nap for a few hours, and know that their baby is well taken care of in the next room. I have been hired by families with twins, triplets, special needs babies, closely spaced children, first babies, sixth babies. I have been hired several months before when a mom is anticipating possible adjustment difficulties or has had a history of postpartum depression. I have been hired weeks after baby is here, with the ability to schedule a visit to help out sometimes the very next day. I've served as respite and a resource for parents of colicky babies. I've helped mamas who need physical support while recovering from unplanned (and planned) c-sections. I've rocked babies in chairs, sat on mama's beds while they gaze at their newborns, ironed clothes for a baptism (really!), made lunches, learned to use many-a-dishwasher and washing machine, fed two babies at once, helped latch a baby on, cried with mamas, and cried with papas. It is so important to me to honor this period of time and give the support that's so needed. I love to see the family emerge and parents' confidence build. I have been with many different families through this transition and would be honored to do the same for your family.

Services / Skills

  • One free 45 min. meeting (or phone conversation if the need is urgent) to get to know each other and decide if we are a good "fit"
  • Non-judgmental support as needed from immediately to 12 weeks postpartum
  • Scheduled visits in your home, at times that work best for your family
  • Assisting and observing early breastfeeding; answering questions, helping with latch and positioning, and referring to a lactation consultant if needed.
  • Bottle-feeding support, if needed.
  • Help establishing a support network and finding other mothers/families to connect with
  • Answering routine non-medical questions ("Is this normal?")
  • Phone and email support
  • Caring for your newborn in your home while you rest, take a shower, or spend time with your other children/partner
  • Caring for other children in your home while you rest, take a shower, spend time with your partner, or newborn
  • Support while learning to care for your newborn (diapering, organization, sleep, etc
  • Help with household organization, baby's laundry and/or light cleaning and meal preparation
  • Listening to and assisting in processing of your birth story
  • Referrals to local resources when appropriate
  • Overnight care

Education

DONA basic doula training April 2008, childbirth, several breastfeeding and infant care classes, early childhood/childcare certifications.

Experience

Postpartum doula since spring 2006; Birth Doula 2008-2010; active member of Doulas of South Central Wisconsin since June 2006; a wide variety of experiences with breastfeeding including tandem nursing, multiples, low milk supply and special needs infants; past childcare and special education experience; Birth Healing group facilitator; Pregnancy support group facilitator, Fertility Awareness teacher; La Leche League member; mother to three young sons. I have served 27 families as a postpartum doula.

Births attended

Self, three; as doula, 20; other, one.

Michelle can be reached at 608-577-8611 or m_ellinger@hotmail.com or view madisondoula.com.

-- October 29, 2010


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