The Gentle Art of Newborn Family Care: A Guide for Postpartum Doulas and Caregivers

by Salle Webber

Vulnerable new mothers are often left to fend for themselves. Is it any wonder that so many struggle? It doesn’t have to be this way. Postpartum doula Salle Webber gently explores the many aspects of new family support. The Gentle Art of Newborn Family Care is a complete manual for the aspiring professional doula, and for anyone helping a family after the birth of a child. It is offered with an attitude of reverence for new life, a willingness to offer service, and an understanding of the importance of the newborn family’s earliest experiences.

Genres: Nonfiction

262 pages, Paperback

First published October 24, 2012

About the author

Salle Webber was born and raised in rural New Hampshire, and attended Hampton Institute, now Hampton University, graduating with the class of 1969. She has been involved for many years with the work of Oscar Ichazo and the Arica Institute, as well as being an active parent at the Santa Cruz Waldorf School. All of these experiences, along with motherhood, have helped to shape her views of the importance of the earliest weeks of life. Her work as a postpartum doula began in 1988, and has culminated in this book, "The Gentle Art". The goal of her work is to increase the harmony in early life and parenting, hence nourishing humanity to open to the possibility of cooperative and peaceful planetary existence...one family at a time.

Reviews

[Katherine Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was such an easy read! I loved the sweet disposition of the author as she included some personal stories, lessons learned, and insight in every aspect of the family dynamic of a family with a newborn. My favorite chapters included the postpartum father (it’s so easy to overlook dads in this season, but they often are also sleep deprived and trying to figure out how to parents. The adoption chapter—-it never even crossed my mind that an adoptive mom could consider a postpartum doula, but I LOVE that idea and think it is so important as they are going through the exact same thing as biological parents so they need the same support! And of course the sibling chapter——navigating how to make sure the eldest still feel seen, loved, and tended too.

some of my favorite quotes:
“birth is holy”
“the doula has no agenda but to serve”
“the art of being a doula lies in a compassionate and nurturing heart, a willingness to serve others, love of family life and babies, and a healthy respect for the work of the home.”
“this is holy work”

[Sandy Lindblom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drank in every word of this book. I have much respect for Salle Webber. ONE of my favorite paragraphs is:

"When a woman first becomes a mother, she is brought to her knees; she is humbled, tested, burned in the fires of love. Her self-centeredness, a healthy thing in a growing organism, is transformed, by necessity, into self-sacrifice for the good of her child. It becomes second nature. At first, the ego may fight and squirm in tremendous discomfort. As Doulas, we remember this state from our own initiation into Motherhood, and are able to compassionately witness the same transformation in the families we serve. Our new Moms need our understanding of how unsettling this rite of passage can be. Her life has been changed forever."

Thank you, Salle, for articulating this feeling I've had and couldn't find the words for. This book is a gift. A confirmation of my personal convictions and passion.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear but never dull, Salle Webber's book is a must have for new moms, and for friends and family of anyone with an infant. Filled with down to earth advice given with a respectful, spiritual attitude.

Ms. Webber gives helpful case histories, and plenty of ways for pros and novices to support a new family.

I know what I'll be giving at the next baby shower I attend.

[savanna]

Read for my doula certificationnnn. Was good I liked it!!