[Postpartum Doulas] What They Are & Why You Should Have One
Welcoming a new baby into your life is a joyful and transformative experience. Still, it can also be overwhelming and challenging, especially if you do not have a support system and plan in place. During the postpartum period, when both physical and emotional adjustments are at their peak, having support can make a world of difference for your overall recovery. This is where a postpartum doula comes in! Let’s discuss what a postpartum doula is, what one does, and why you might want to consider having one by your side during this crucial time.
What is a postpartum doula?
When you hear the word doula, you probably think about support during childbirth. Doulas have been a valuable resource for centuries, with a resurgence of birth doulas in the 1970s-1980s. Now, doulas are becoming more mainstream offering a wide array of support in various communities. Unfortunately, the focus is often only on birth doulas, and even those who are familiar with the term doula tend to think that their support only extends to the birth of the baby. You’ve probably heard that doulas “offer physical, emotional, and informational support” but they offer much more than that! Doulas are there to help guide you through one of the most transformative times in your life. Postpartum doulas specialize in the period after birth, helping parents to adjust to their new roles and ensuring a smoother transition into parenthood.
What does a postpartum doula do?
The role of a postpartum doula is multifaceted and adaptable to the unique needs of each family. A visit with a postpartum doula will look different for each family and even change from visit to visit. The goal is to best support you in whatever way you need at the time. Here are some of the key services they provide:
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Postpartum doulas are there to listen, offer reassurance, and provide a compassionate presence during what can be a highly emotional and challenging time. You can express all of the ups and downs you’re going through without judgment. Doulas have heard it all and can help assure you that what you’re feeling is normal, can let you vent or boast, and let you know when some feelings require a more serious conversation.
LACTATION SUPPORT
They can offer guidance and assistance with breastfeeding and help you establish a comfortable and successful nursing routine. Postpartum doulas can provide helpful information about milk supply, latching, pumping, and milk storage safety to name a few.
INFANT FEEDING SUPPORT
If breastfeeding is not the route for you, a postpartum doula can still be helpful. They can help you establish a feeding routine, show you how to properly sanitize bottles and other feeding tools, and safety around storing and traveling with formula.
NEWBORN CARE
Postpartum doulas can teach parents how to bathe, diaper, and soothe their newborn, helping them gain confidence in caring for their baby. Safety around basic baby care is everchanging as new information comes out. A postpartum doula can make sure you have the correct information. They can also help you fine-tune routines.
HOUSEHOLD ASSISTANCE
They may help with light household tasks, such as preparing meals, laundry, and tidying up, ensuring the family has more time to bond with the baby and rest. Postpartum doulas can also suggest ways to make your living space work well for your new addition. Helping you make a nursery easily accessible and baby-proofing are just some of the ways a doula can help.
SLEEP & SELF-CARE
A postpartum doula can help parents get the rest they need by taking over baby care for a few hours, allowing the parents to rest, shower, or simply have some much-needed downtime. Many postpartum doulas also offer overnight care so parents can get a good night's rest.
INFORMATION & RESOURCES
They can provide parents with evidence-based information and resources on various aspects of postpartum recovery and infant care, empowering them to make informed decisions. A postpartum doula is also equipped to know when you may need to seek further professional help and can recommend people in your community. Having an extensive resource list is a way your doula can help you get all of the support you need.
SIBLING & PARTNER SUPPORT
Postpartum doulas can also help siblings and partners adjust to the new family dynamics, providing guidance and emotional support as needed. They can help you find ways to bond as a family or mind the baby while the older siblings get some one-on-one time with the parents.
Why should you have a postpartum doula?
EXPERT GUIDANCE
Postpartum doulas are trained and experienced in postpartum care and infant care, offering valuable insights and information that can boost your confidence as a new parent.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
The postpartum period can be emotionally taxing, and having someone to talk to and lean on can ease the transition into parenthood.
PRACTICAL ASSISTANCE
Juggling household tasks and caring for a newborn can be exhausting. Postpartum doulas help by providing practical help and allowing you to rest.
BREASTFEEDING SUCCESS
If you plan to breastfeed, a postpartum doula's expertise in this area can make a significant difference in your breastfeeding journey.
INCREASED BONDING TIME
With a postpartum doula handling some of the tasks, you have more time and energy to bond with your baby and enjoy those precious early moments.
PEACE OF MIND
Knowing that you have a knowledgeable and caring professional by your side can reduce anxiety and uncertainty during this important life transition.
The postpartum period is a time of profound change and adjustment for both new parents and their newborns. A postpartum doula offers invaluable support and assistance, ensuring that this transition is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Whether it's practical help with household tasks, emotional support, or guidance in caring for your baby, a postpartum doula can be a crucial ally in your journey into parenthood. Consider the benefits of having a postpartum doula by your side as you welcome your little one into the world.
