What is a postpartum doula?
A postpartum doula is someone who offers physical, emotional, and informational support to families during the period immediately after birth. Oftentimes families are just trying to make it through the birth and have a safe delivery that they forget (or never get informed) of what life after birth is truly like. We live in a world where women are not used to going to each others births and taking care of women postpartum like they used to. Because of this, some women have no expectation of what their "new normal" will really be like. It can be scary and challenging juggling all of this change by yourself. Not only in your own body, but in relationships, your home, your dreams, your marriage, your work life, and the list goes on and on... That is why having a postpartum doula to help navigate you and your family through this exciting yet scary season, can be such a weight lifted off your shoulders. Just to know that you are not alone and there is someone else who can take on the load you carry and let you rest and enjoy time with your baby and family.
(Source: Childbirth International)
What to expect...
Here is a list of what a traditional role of a postpartum doula would look like. Of course there will be several other things to which support will be given, but this is just my list that will give you a good overview of what you can expect of me during our time together.
Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding support is a big part of postpartum doula care. Feeding baby can be a real challenge at times. But sometimes all it takes is a friend to confide in, a fresh perspective and trusted resources that can make all the difference for you and your little one(s).
Night Support
Sleep support is something that is very appreciated by new parents. There can be so many challenges that arise within the postpartum period but sleep, or lack of it, is definitely one of the hardest adjustments. As a postpartum doula I am available for a scheduled overnight time to watch baby in order to let you and your partner get some much needed rest! Or even taking over during the day to let you nap for a few hours. Sometimes just a few hours of uninterrupted sleep makes a world of difference!
Postpartum Meals
Sometimes its easy to forget with all the craziness of birth and newborn care that you will still have to prepare three meals a day every single day! As your postpartum doula I can help organize a meal train with family and friends while still maintaining your need for space and quiet time. I will take note of some of your favorite recipes that can be prepared fresh for that day or in advance so all you have to do is warm it up! I also have a variety of postpartum meal options here on my website where even when our scheduled time together has ended, you will still have access to good home-cooked meals brought straight to your door!
Caring for Older Siblings
It can be challenging for young kids who can't understand why mommy can't help them with their homework or play with them like she used to. They might become jealous of baby and act up in order to get attention. As your postpartum doula I will jump in to help your children feel included and valued during this time. I will support the children with mealtime, schoolwork, playtime, chores, bedtime, driving them to activities, and maybe even taking baby for a bit so mom and dad can have some "special time" with them!
Light Household tidying and organization
Cleaning is about the last thing a couple wants to worry about after bringing home a new baby. It's my job as your postpartum doula that basic everyday chores like (pickup after children, washing dishes after meals, food prep, baby laundry, feeding pets) gets taken care of. This is very helpful for families who just need a few weeks to rest and enjoy their new baby without worrying about everyday household tasks.
Community Resources & Referrals
As a postpartum doula I am committed to building trusted relationships within my community in order to give you resources from those who can offer specific support that may be outside of my scope of practice. It is important to me that you feel comfortable and safe with those whom you are entrusting both yourself and baby with when I am not there.
A postpartum doula is there to support new parents in caring for their newborn and providing them with the care and information they need to navigate their way through the early weeks of parenting. There are a few things a postpartum doula is not. They are not acting as a nurse or midwife so they do not provide clinical care such as monitoring a baby’s growth or administering medication. A postpartum doula is not a nanny who only looks after older children, nor are they a cleaner. The postpartum doula is there to help parents develop and build new skills to enable them to develop confidence in their new role. Doulas do not make decisions for you, or speak for you. This is your postpartum, your baby, your life! A doula supports you by providing information and explanations you may want about your choices, but it is always you who decides what is best for you.
(Source: Childbirth International)