WHO IS A POSTPARTUM DOULA?

A postpartum doula is a skilled professional who provides postpartum care to the newborn and the mother. She’s practically a birth doula with additional training to help you transition through the stressful initial days of parenthood.

They receive proper education concerning emotions and mental health and help women find supplementary resources to get through postpartum with ease. Their ultimate aim is to make families, particularly the new mothers, feel supported and informed through the postpartum period.

WHAT DOES A POSTPARTUM DOULA DO?

In short, postpartum doulas nurture new mothers, who in turn nurtures their babies. They work to provide full emotional and practical support. Plus, with today’s busy schedules and friends and family members being unavailable to care for the baby and the mother, doulas support new parents and get them back to their daily lives.

Talk and listen

It is one of the fundamental tasks of a postpartum doula. She understands you do not rest enough, have ups and downs, and are going through a lot. So, your postpartum doula will listen to you deeply, without any judgment, especially when others expect you to be perfect, whereas, in reality, you may need help. They answer your questions, help you figure out ways to manage postpartum life, talk about recovery, educate you on baby products, and offer resources. They’re of great help to help you transition into this new phase of life.

Provide hands-on help

Every postpartum encounter is unique. Thus, the postpartum doula’s goal is to optimize your experience and do whatever it necessitates for good.

She may be well versed in providing hands-on help to heal and ease your postpartum period. You can expect postpartum advice, breastfeeding support, latch and positioning aid, bottle feeding, diapering, bathing baby, babywearing assistance, sibling support, helping with at-home cures, and other necessary guidance.

Give you a rest

Doulas help give your mind and body a rest. You’re able to have your “me time.” There’s someone to care for the baby while you shower or nap. Besides, it allows you to reconnect with yourself and your partner.

Household assistance

Doulas can also help you organize your household stuff and significantly reduce your stress. They can make your bed, do the dishes, catch up with laundry, make you a meal, and do any extra stuff you may need help with. They’re more than competent to provide non-judgmental support for the entire family.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

Postpartum doulas can do a range of tasks to help new parents adapt to their new life. They can troubleshoot feeding issues, calm a cranky infant, help older kids, coordinate doctor visits, set up a family routine, and even introduce pets to the newborn. They’re an extra set of hands every new mother wishes to have by her side. However, it is must to consider a few important things before and after hiring a professional postpartum doula.

They come with you.

No matter where you’d be staying after hiring a postpartum doula, they’ll come with you. This place can be your home, your friend’s house, or elsewhere. They see you in various states of undress, household chaos, and through everything during this phase.

You needn’t host them.

They’re comfortable getting themselves whatever they need, and you shouldn’t have to worry about hosting them through and through. Besides, we advise not prioritizing food and drinks over caring for your little one.

They’re available for day and overnight.

A doula can offer either or mix of both times to work with you for your support. But it’s challenging to find a doula who can provide support for both daytime and overnight shifts. Thus, hire one for the day, and appoint another for overnight support.

They aren’t medical professionals.

This is true unless they hold a license and may be called a baby nurse. Although they understand in-home care and may be qualified as per universally recognized standards, they may not be certified professionals. If that’s your requirement, look for a doula with a license. Moreover, they may not be medical professionals; but they’re well versed with normal newborn behavior and can point out any problems right in time.

They’re all different

Every postpartum doula that you come across holds a different experience and services to provide. Some offer education and problem-solving assistance, whereas others may only offer household care. So make sure someone you hire is a good fit for your needs.

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER A POSTPARTUM DOULA?

Mothers who feel they’d need a little extra help after giving birth to their child can benefit from the services of a postpartum doula. Their services are particularly advantageous for first-time parents, couples expecting multiples, mothers who’ve had a complicated delivery, or just anyone with challenging previous experience.

HEALTHY MIND AND HEALTHY BODY – PRIORITIES OF A POSTPARTUM DOULA

Postpartum doulas are more of a luxury, and you don’t necessarily need them when you have your baby home. But they make life easier and help you conveniently get through the postpartum healing phase.

A healthy mind and a healthy body are their only two priorities for their clients.

Besides, you can always talk to a C-Section Recovery Center professional to find you a learned and competent postpartum doula and understand how you’d benefit from this.

If you think postpartum doulas sound like a significant resource and other parents must know about them, help get the word out as they get ready to welcome the new member of their family.

No one should have to do it alone – postpartum doulas can help. Have any questions or doubts about postpartum doulas you think we didn’t answer? Contact us at 972-630-4855 today, and let’s discuss how we can help you.