Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Arsenault.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Becoming a postpartum doula was many years in the making even though I didn’t realize it at the time. At the start of the pandemic, I gave up my job as a nurse to stay home with my sons when their school closed. Quarantining provided plenty of time for me to reflect on my next move, career-wise. I wanted to find something that felt personally meaningful within the helping professions, which I’ve always worked in. I was also interested in starting up my own business.
Having my children had a profound effect on me, as it does on most mothers. I experienced postpartum depression and anxiety with my first son. I hadn’t thought much about postnatal mood issues before experiencing them myself. It wasn’t something I was prepared for since women don’t often talk about it. I was naive to think I’d be immune to it as I’d worked in the mental health field as a social worker and nurse for years. Knowledge is power, right?
Knowledge may be power, but not powerful enough to break through my denial. I knew something was wrong with me after the birth of my son but I couldn’t see how serious it was. I just figured all new moms kept their babies at home for the most part and were tearful a lot. In reality, I had developed agoraphobia and cried literally all day, every day. I stopped eating and lost 50 pounds without trying. I thought my baby would be better off without me. It wasn’t normal.
Luckily my family intervened and I got the help that I needed. I went on to have a second baby without any postpartum depression. Although it was hell at the time, I’m glad to have experienced a perinatal mood disorder because it opened my eyes to the issue. It’s a serious condition that’s underreported to professionals, rarely discussed among friends, and, like in my situation, poorly recognized in oneself.
I decided to become a postpartum doula because I could’ve really used one after I had my babies. Although my husband and parents were amazingly supportive and concerned about my mental health, having a postpartum doula there to assess the situation and facilitate getting the help I needed would’ve been invaluable. Also, my husband and I could’ve used the hands-on assistance and newborn care education that postpartum doulas offer. We didn’t know what the heck we were doing at first! Bringing home, a new baby is really overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. I’m there to help those new parents feel less stressed and build confidence in their new role.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road, thanks to Coronavirus. I did my doula training a few months into the pandemic and was raring to go but the pandemic kept dragging on and on. I guess it still is. I didn’t feel comfortable going into people’s homes, especially with their brand-new babies, with the risk of spreading the virus to them. I also didn’t want to bring it home to my own family. I felt ready to launch my business once I got my second vaccination in the spring of 2021. Since then, the road has been smooth thanks to the amazing birth community we have in Charleston. I’ve really enjoyed networking with local professionals who have the same goals as me – to support new parents and their babies.
We’ve been impressed with Jenna Arsenault Postpartum Doula, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
When prospective clients ask me what I do as a doula, I always say, “Whatever will make your life easier”. First-time parents often ask for newborn care education or what I call “Baby 101”. I teach the basics: diapering, feeding, bathing, soothing techniques, learning baby’s cues, etc. I also provide breastfeeding guidance, help with postpartum recovery measures, emotional support for all family members, and assistance with household tasks. Sometimes parents just want some sleep so I’ll tend to the baby while they recharge.
What sets me apart from other postpartum doulas is my specialization in perinatal mood disorders. Pairing my personal experience with my professional background as a psychiatric social worker and nurse lets me bring a lot of knowledge, skill, and empathy to my doula work. I help new mothers who are struggling with their mental health, even when they don’t recognize it in themselves. I screen for signs and symptoms, provide empathic listening, teach coping skills and assist with referrals to wellness providers in the community.
Although I do not provide medical care or therapy as a doula, I still draw on my education and past experience in helping clients. My personal mission is to get the word out about postpartum depression and anxiety. Women need to be talking about it!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
My favorite blog is Charleston Moms, a local parenting resource. I’m a contributing writer for them but loved reading it even before I became involved. The blog posts are written by local moms who boldly share their personal stories, parenting advice, and relationship issues. It’s honest and entertaining. It’s a great resource for community events, local businesses, and things to do around the low country.
Contact Info:
- Email: jennadoulamtp@gmail.com
- Website: www.jennadoula.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/jennadoula
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/jennadoulamtp
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