Provide Doula Care To Teen Survivors

New skills for the new year! One of our priorities as birthworkers is to create a safe space for pregnant and parenting teens and their families to learn. The 5 Love Languages is a tool we share with clients to help them think about different ways to communicate care and support. 

J has a really strong partner. Her baby was fairly large, so she birthed via c-section. Collaborating with her TFF Doula, these are the ways J’s partner practiced The 5 Love Languages through her labor and, later, as she recovered at home: 

• Love Language #1: Words of Affirmation. During the birthing process, her partner offered comforting reassurance:: “You are strong. You are capable. Your body was made for this.” 

• Love Language #2: Acts of Service.  While she is nursing, J’s partner makes sure she is nourished by bringing her favorite iced prickly pear tea along with fresh fruit. Tending to household chores, like doing laundry and emptying the dishwasher, is a tremendous help to new parents who are often sleep-deprived.

• Love Language #3: Gifts.  We often think of giving gifts in the form of material items. But, one of the best gifts for a new mom is the gift of time — whether to take a long shower and do a body scrub, read a book or go for a walk with friends.. In this case, J’s partner arranged for a sitter so that they could enjoy a movie date to  see the latest  Black Panther film. 

• Love Language #4: Quality Time. Making time for connection as new parents is important for building a strong family. When the baby goes down for a nap, J and her partner watch a few episodes of their favorite anime while snuggling on the couch. 

• Love Language #5: Physical Touch. Back soreness is common for nursing moms whose  posture  changes to accommodate  feeding and carrying their growing baby. Partners can help relieve muscle tension by offering regular  massages or creating a D-I-Y warm compress from a sock filled with warm rice. With care like this from her partner, J has now been able to breastfeed for 4 months.

Your kindness has allowed us to build strong families by providing full spectrum doula care from labor support to respite care during the crucial postpartum period. Our sincere thanks!