What is a sibling doula?

Sibling doulas are on-call specialists that are often versed in childcare as well as postpartum/birth support. We are there to provide emotional support and care to your child as they transition into their role as a big sibling; and give you peace of mind that your older children are taken care of while you do the immense work of having a baby.

Many of us do not have family close by, or childcare that is available to be on call for us as we go have a baby. Older siblings’ lives change dramatically when a baby is born, and it can be a difficult transition for them. Sibling doulas can help ease this transition, and help normalize it for families, so that you can focus on taking care of yourself and your baby. Sibling doulas are helpful regardless of where you are having your baby, whether that it is at home, at a hospital, or at a birth center. If you and your support person/parter leave for the hospital/birth center, I can make sure to be there for your children within an hour. If I cannot, then I will pick them up at the hospital and help ease the transition in that way. If you are giving birth at home, I can be there with your child at the birth and stay by their side during the process.

This can look like:

• Helping to maintain a normal routine for your children, including bedtime, meals, pick up and drop off from school, etc.

• Caring for their needs

• Cooking a welcome home meal together for the parents

• Creating art projects together around transitions to big sibling-hood

• Talking about what to expect as a big sibling

• Education to siblings about what to expect postpartum for the birthing parent, as well as what living with a newborn may be like

• Explain to them what is happening during the labor process

• Providing trauma-informed comfort and care, based on consent, bodily autonomy of each child, and gentle presence and support based on the specific needs/wants of each young person.

• Supporting your child in gaining emotional balance if they are feeling scared, nervous, or anxious. Being with them in their joy and excitement. Allowing them space to feel whatever they need to feel and process as needed.

With my extensive background as an early childhood education teacher, a middle school & high school youth support group leader, a consent and healthy relationship educator, a summer counselor, and a kiddo from a big family myself, I have extensive background working with young people from ages 0-18 and supporting them in navigating all sorts of difficult scenarios. It is one of the honors of my life to be in community with children & youth, and to build trust and safety as we work through big life transitions together. It is a privilege I do not take lightly!