Nancy Lewis Holland, Postpartum Doula, CLC, CLEC
mother of 3, grandmother to 8
In our culture much is expected of a new mom and the focus is on the sweet baby. In other cultures new moms are surrounded with support, often generational. They are sequestered and cherished. Mothers are intentionally nourished physically, and more importantly, emotionally and spiritually. This support allows mothers to enjoy a more organic bonding with their little one. I hope to bring you some of that experience of being held as a new family with caring and skilled support.
For me, there is such joy in providing tender care for new moms.
I am there to “mother the mother.” Postpartum doula care is a powerful way to support women, to instill confidence and to ensure that each family bond is made stronger. I have decades of experience caring for new moms and their babies, and bring a sense of comfort and caring to any situation. Quite honestly, I am not easily flustered!
My scope of practice has been enhanced by my pursuing a lactation certification through UCSD. I have been certified and recertified through them since 2018. I continued adding tools to my toolkit to support families by completing training as a Gentle Sleep Coach through the Sleep Lady, Kim West. I have been a certified sleep coach since 2022
This is not a profession for me, it is a calling.
My personal journey as a postpartum doula.
I navigated caring for my own children alone as I brought each of them home from the hospital. I had such a flood of emotions with each child. I had a sense of joy mixed with a fear, exhaustion, and a feeling of abandonment. It was during those times I began to realize the value of offering assistance and support to moms and their babies.
Shortly thereafter, I began offering newborn care, with an emphasis on the mother.
My personal journey has continued with my eight grandchildren, ranging in ages from 18 months to 15 years! My heart overflows as I think of the blessing of supporting my own sweet daughters with their birthing experience and for what some refer to as the “fourth trimester.”
I supported my eldest daughter through her postpartum days and beyond. I’m thankful that I could be there for her. Five precious little ones enriched my life. They are now young women ranging from ages 13 to 21.
Most recently, I was able to care for my youngest daughter's three girls, now 8 and two 5 year old twins. This experience of being by her side through these years has brought us even closer together. I will always be grateful for this amazing time in my life.
All of our relationships have been strengthened by these amazing, precious times.
Lactation Educator and Consultant (UCSanDiego)
Go-Midwife trained
Lactation Certification
Happiest Baby Certification
CPR/First Aid Certification
