Welcome to Nurturing Traditions Postpartum Doula Services!  My name is Leah Segura and I provide in-home support to new mothers and their families in Midland, Michigan and surrounding areas. 

The role of a postpartum doula is to provide professional assistance and nurturing care to families while they adjust to life with their new baby.  The first weeks and months after the birth of a baby have a huge impact on the long term emotional and physical health of the baby and mother.  In countries and cultures throughout the world, communities traditionally care for new mothers for a specified amount of time (weeks and often months) after the birth of the baby.  New mothers are cherished and supported.  They are fed nourishing food, allowed to rest, and given lots of support and pampering. 

America offers some of the least support in the world during the postpartum period.  The United States is one of the only places in the world where women are expected to bounce back quickly after giving birth.  Women are pressured to return to work promptly, keep a clean house, and entertain guests.  Extended family living near by and close knit communities who offer support and guidance are no longer part of our culture.  This can all lead to a stressful and unpredictable postpartum period.  Mothers are left feeling unsupported, isolated, and full of mixed feelings.  Society can also portray parenting as something that will just come naturally to mothers after they have their baby.  While it is important for women to trust their instincts, much of parenting is learned.  The postpartum period should be a time to bond with your baby, rest, and learn.  It can be a sacred, beautiful time.  As a postpartum doula, I help meet the needs of new mothers by providing in-home education, emotional support and reassurance, healthy food and drink, needed rest, and other practical support during the postpartum period.