Postpartum Meal Planning and Preparation

Doula Information

Name: Heidi Pyper
Email: heidipyperdoula@gmail.com
Phone: 385-505-4082

Periods of Service

This meal planning service is included in postpartum packages or may be arranged as a stand-alone service. Meals are prepared in the client home (unless other arrangements are made) and are meant to nourish the mother from the first moments after birth through the "First Forty Days" or "Fourth Trimester" according to individual needs and preferences. Pantry stocking and meal preparation may begin during pregnancy or during postpartum visits. Individuals may inquire about meal planning and nourishing support during pregnancy where extra support is needed (i.e. first trimester, hyperemesis gravidarum, periods of bed rest, etc.).

Length of service is determined by individual and family needs with visits lasting a minimum of 4 hours during daytime hours for an agreed amount of total hours/span of time. One visit per week is guaranteed during contract period, but additional appointments may be added according to client needs and practitioner availability.

The practitioner's top priority is the mother's well-being and centering her needs during visits. If meal preparation, shopping, or food preparation is arranged to be the sole focus of a visit, the same hourly rate is applied ($55/hr for postpartum clients or $45 for birth and postpartum clients).

It is recommended that the client anticipate meal preparation needs ahead of time and request a number of weekly meals in this contract so the practitioner has adequate time to prepare menus and shopping lists. Client and practitioner will communicate at the end of each visit about upcoming week and needs and make adjustments if needed. Practitioner agrees to provide grocery lists a week before appointment wherever possible or at least 2 days in advance in special circumstances.

Practitioner will keep track of hours worked and update the client at the end of each week. The client is also encouraged to track hours and communicate any questions or concerns if they arise.

Meals and Preparation Methods

Meals and preparation methods follow traditional (or ancestral) food practices and may draw upon traditions from multiple cultures, all of which are rooted in physiolocal and biological needs during the postpartum time. Foods are meant to be warming in nature, to rebuild digestive fire, support digestion and deep nourishment, and support lactation and breastfeeding. Recipes build week by week and follow the needs and the recovery timeline of the MOTHER. Meals may be prepared for the mother or the mother and her family at request. Meals and recipes may include beverages including teas or broths, snacks, breakfasts or lunches/dinners.

Foods are prepared with fresh, whole ingredients from plant and animal sources and may include fresh meat or fish (slow cooked), bones, organ meats, cooked vegetables and fruits, seaweed, herbs, raw milk, cultured foods, soaked or fermented grains, etc. Recipes may easily be adapted to be gluten or dairy free. Please inquire about other dietary needs.

The beginning weeks may include more broths, soups and stews, curries, and soft cooked grains and poridges with cooked fruits and vegetables and slow-cooked meats. Raw fruits and vegetables, spicy peppers, cold, processed, or more difficult to digest red meats are discouraged and avoided during this time.

Clients may recommend family or traditional recipes or request the practitioner to prepare meals from readily available ingredients in the home.

Kitchen Tools and Other Food Preparation Needs

The practitioner will gather information from the client about their space and the tools and appliances available. The client may choose to purchase additional equipment or the practitioner may bring additional items to visits if needed/desired.

Glass mason jars in various sizes are recommended for easy food storage options and may be used to freeze certain foods. Ziplock bags are also recommended. Meals will be prepared and batch stored in the fridge or freezer unless the client requests individual portions be separated and stored.

Meal Planning and Grocery Lists

The traditional practitioner will create meal plans, shopping lists, and prepare food according to the needs of the mother and family that evolve over time.

A list of recommended grocery items may be made during pregnancy that are easy to store such as grains, legumes, spices, etc. to simplify postpartum shopping.

After birth, grocery lists may be provided each week to be purchased by the family before appointment start time.

If you desire purchases to be made or picked up by the practitioner during work hours this must be explicitly communicated and agreed upon in advance by both parties.

Except for herbal remedies included in postpartum recovery box, the client is responsible for ALL grocery costs.

Scope of Practice, Limits of Service, and Indemnity

The practitioner is not a medical provider or licensed dietician and does not provide medical advice. The practitioner may prepare nourishing meals during visits and keep space tidy and organized during visit. Deep cleaning of kitchen areas or home is not included. The practitioner will follow recommended and up-to-date protocols for safe food handling and preparation.

The practitioner will gather information regarding allergies, sensitivities, dietary restrictions, and preferences for the client and their family (if applicable) prior to contract start and it is the client responsibility to communicate their needs. Client agrees to indemnify and hold the practitioner harmless from any allergic reactions, illness, or adverse effects resulting from food consumed during contract period. The client agrees to not hold doula liabile for any issues, medical or otherwise, and indemnifies practitioner against any claims, damages, or liabilities. The practitioner is not responsible for food costs if the client of family does not like a certain flavor or food that is prepared or provided and does not guarantee any refund for any reason.

The practitioner may decide not to include this service in complex situations if she does not feel qualified or comfortable meeting the individual needs of the mother or family. The practitioner may place limits on meal planning and number of meals prepared and will communicate with the client needs and expectations as is appropriate.

Client Information

Client Full Name

First NameLast Name

Email

example@example.com

Phone Number

Please enter a valid phone number.

Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Number of people who will be eating the meals? Number of adults (including the mother) and number of children and ages.

Please describe ALL allergies, sensitivities, dietary restrictions, and preferences. Are you open to consuming organ meats if the flavor is masked well (or apparent), seaweed, fish roe, sardines, raw dairy, cultured foods to support the microbiome (such as kefir or other fermented dairy or foods), herbal beverages, etc. On a spectrum how adventurous do you feel when it comes to food and trying new things? If you are open to consuming these foods it does not guarantee that they will be included or prepared. Please let me know if you have traditional or family recipes that you would like to share!

Please do your best to describe your food needs during pregnancy (if applicable) and/or postpartum. Are you interested in pantry stocking or meal preparation during pregnancy (including freezer meals) or just postpartum? How do you envision food support being a part of your postpartum recovery? How many meals would you like prepared each week?

How many weeks do you anticipate on having support (as agreed upon in postpartum service agreement)? How many meals per week would you like to request? Are you interested in snacks and beverages? Batch cooking may include recipes/meals that may be eaten for at least one (or multiple) meal(s).

Do you prefer to shop and pickup grocery items before practitioner arrives or do you prefer practitioner to shop during contracted hours? Grocery pickup for pre-ordered items may also be coordinated.

We prefer to shop for foodWe would love to arrange for you to shop and pickup before you comeWe prefer to place a grocery pickup order and have you pickup on your wayWe would like to decide on a week-by- week basis in coordination with you

Please mark any of the following you have (these items may or may not be used):

If you are able please upload a simple photo of your pots and pans to give an idea of quantity and size (include a dollar bill or other item for scale)

Do you have any questions or special requests?

Once this form has been completed, the practitioner will review responses and send an initial suggested shopping list. Client and practitioner agree to open communication during contract period to ensure a smooth and satisfying experience.

Client Signature

Date