ABOUT
Get to Know Me and Postpartum Care
ABOUT ME
Jamie Hawkins, M.S. (she/her)
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Hello! I have over 15 years of working with children and families in some capacity: as a preschool teacher, a nanny, and birthing and raising my own little babies (now 7 and 4!?). I also have a masters in Human Ecology with a focus on Child and Family Development. I am trained as a postpartum doula through DONA International. Since starting Mosaic Postpartum in October 2021 I have supported over 30 postpartum families in the Madison Area!
In my role as a postpartum doula, I strive to support the whole family in welcoming a new baby into the home. New babies bring big changes. My goal is to ease the transition of a new or growing family. I provide evidence-based and judgement-free care and resources to support families throughout the fourth trimester (0-12 weeks) and beyond. I will work with you to support the creation of a space to nurture the whole family- whatever that looks like to you and your unique family!
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My husband Zack and I relocated to Madison from San Francisco, CA nine years ago. Since then I've completed graduate school and given birth to two awesome babies with the help of an amazing home birth midwife. When I am not supporting families through postpartum care, I am a core member of Families for Justice and the Wisconsin Abortion Support Network (WASN). During my free time (what is that?) you can find me reading, watching my favorite tv shows, practicing yoga and dreaming up our family's next travel adventure.
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I look forward to hearing from you!
​MY APPROACH
What is a Postpartum Doula?
Postpartum is more than depression or hairloss, it is a phase in the lives of all families with new babies. The person who carries and births the baby experiences the postpartum phase most deeply however, everyone in the family goes through the postpartum phase in their own way. ​The postpartum phase has no exact end date, but the first 12 weeks, or the fourth trimester, is understood to be a period of adjustment for all members of the family. As the newborn rapidly grows and changes and everyone settles into their new roles in the growing family, during this time.
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I believe that for many, in American culture, the postpartum phase is not given the space and care it deserves. Many are encouraged to 'bounce back' to who they were before the birth of their child or children, both physically and mentally. I believe there is no bouncing back, only moving forward with care and support. I believe in finding ways to achieve radical rest in the early days post-birth. Space to get to know your baby and heal.
Most people going through the postpartum phase get a six week checkup and nothing to check in with them before or after that. Sometimes extended family can feel too complicated to rely on for support. I believe that postpartum doulas can fill the role that many new families are lacking in our society. I aim to support the birth parent and newborn and to nurture a strong bond in the new and transitioning family.
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Services
What Does a Postpartum Doula Do?
Birth Parent Care
Having a baby is hard work! The birth person needs nurturing just as much as the new baby does. I am trained in providing emotional and practical support. I can bring you some tea and a snack, make sure you are able to get a nap and a shower. I am here for you! I can answer questions and provide support with feeding (breast/chest, bottle, formula, pumping). Most importantly I can provide a judgment-free listening ear.
Newborn Care
Babies don't come with instruction manuals- but a doula is pretty close! I am trained in basic newborn care and can help parents find evidence-based answers to their newborn questions. I can support in feeding, bathing, cord care, diapering, and baby sleep. I can help you understand newborn characteristics and development.
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In addition, I have knowledge in cloth diapering- usage, storage and washing- and newborn baby wearing.
Household Support
While there are some household tasks that can be ignored, others just can't. That is where I come in. I can provide light household care, nourishing meal prep, pet care, grocery shopping, or run small errands. Laundry, dishes, taking out the trash- the list goes on. Having someone to think about these tasks means that you don't have to in those first few weeks with a newborn.
Transition Support
A new baby is a transition for everyone in the family. I can support partners, siblings, or extended family in navigating the new reality of a newborn. I aim to understand everyone's needs so that the whole family can settle in.