The Home Page Network

Feeling a little down this Monday morning? “Mom-fails” already today? Momma, you are not alone! Let this encourage you and start your week on the right path. Today’s broadcast features a vulnerable interview with Rachel Heitzenrater. If you need help or encouragement in the areas Rachel discusses, Michelle Delp may be able to help.

Michelle Delp of East Smithfield loves helping mothers and mothers-to-be.

“As the mom of four grown children, I appreciate how much energy it takes to parent and I am passionate about sharing the gift of help and rest!” said Delp.

Delp is a Registered Nurse with certifications in childbirth education, lactation counseling, and as a birth and bereavement doula. She has worked with birthing families for the past 20 years.

She opened a home business in September 2021, offering postpartum doula care and mother’s helper services in and around the Bradford county area.

“People always say ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ but where is the village? So many families are bringing a new baby home with zero support.”

“What do I do as a Postpartum Doula? To put it simply, I ‘mother the mother,’” she said. “Plus, I bring the most up-to-date info you need to transition from pregnant to parent at no extra charge.”

“Picture this: you are leaving your birth place with your new bundle of joy. Junior hasn’t slept more than ninety minutes in a row since your all day labor. The kind nurses stuffed you full of ‘going home’ information that mostly went into that part of your brain that you can’t currently access. Your body hurts, your baby is unsettled, your partner (if present) is exhausted. Everybody’s hungry including the baby, and all the household chores plus any siblings who were left behind with the baby sitter are waiting for your return,” said Delp.

“This is where I come in. When you schedule a few postpartum doula service hours you’re going to go to bed or lay in a chair watching TV and I’m going to bring you drinks and meals and make sure you’re comfortable. While you’re resting with your baby at your side, any siblings are going to be fed, dressed, and supervised. I’ll throw a meal in your crock pot or a casserole dish for later, fold the laundry, tidy up, and wash the dishes. If you’d like to shower I’ll hold baby so you don’t have to rush.”

She also brings one-on-one lactation support to your home!

“Need a little help with breastfeeding? I’ve got that covered. Not sure what’s normal and not normal for your postpartum body? I’ll help you with that, too. Need some tips on getting baby settled? Done.” said Delp.

In addition to postpartum doula services, Michelle also gives the more seasoned parent a hand as a Mother’s Helper. While labeled for moms Mother’s Helper time is available to anyone in a parenting role and includes child care with some light housekeeping. “We all need a break, a few minutes to catch our breath in the midst of the demands of child raising.”

Delp has recently introduced Childbirth Connect, a 60-minute one-on-one birth-related call or video chat with her in the role of childbirth educator.

“This is a really great way for you and your partner to explore ways to have a positive birth experience without leaving your home,” said Delp.

The service can help you:
• Have the skills to advocate for yourself during pregnancy and birth especially if you have a trauma history.
• Reduce your anxiety by learning what to expect and how to cope.
• Process a previous negative birth experience or pregnancy loss by sharing your story.
• Have an hour just for you and your partner to ask labor/birth questions.

Special rate for May is only $35 and spaces are limited.

Michelle has current child abuse clearances, a criminal background check completed, and CPR certification. Positive references are available upon request. She currently serves Bradford County and surrounding areas.
​
For more information on A Servant’s Heart Pregnancy & Parenting, go to www.facebook.com/A-Servants-Heart-Pregnancy-Parenting-103124933119247 or her website at aservantsheartpregnancy.weebly.com.