We provide support, not only to the person who gave birth but to partners, siblings, and other family members. This period of time can come with many unexpected challenges and having someone around to provide support and guidance can be especially useful. The concept of a postpartum doula is not new.
Even as recently as the past century, it was typical for families to live near each other and be there to provide hands-on support when a new baby came. They played the role of the doula. When family is not around, a professional postpartum doulas steps in to fill this void.
The work of a postpartum doula can be broken down into three categories as defined by DONA International ; practical, informational, and emotional. The practical work includes things like helping the family meal prep and get one-handed snacks ready for nighttime feedings. It can entail light house cleaning and spending time with a sibling so the baby and parents can nap.
Another important piece of this is also discussing with the family what things will look like once the postpartum doula is no longer there who will cook, grocery shop, etc.
The idea is for the family to feel empowered once that postpartum doula leaves. In regards to information, postpartum doulas are knowledgeable about newborn and infant care. We provide information on diaper changes, feeding including light breastfeeding support, bathing, and other needs your baby may have.
We also provide resources as needed. For instance, if a mother is experiencing mental health concerns, a postpartum doula will provide them with a list of local referrals who work counsel on postpartum mood and anxiety disorders.
The emotional support of a doula includes allowing the person who gave birth time to tell their birth story, sitting with them when they feel overwhelmed and need to talk to someone, and knowing when to provide additional resources for support as needed.
According to information on DONA International's website, the cost of a postpartum doula can vary state by state and depend on their certification and experience level. It's important to note that a postpartum doula is not a nanny, babysitter, or a baby nurse sometimes called a night nurse.
While a baby nurse is a childcare professional who helps parents get a good night's sleep while assisting with childcare needs through the night, the role of a postpartum doula is to help parents figure out how to balance their life with this new addition.
Whereas a baby nurse will take over childcare, a postpartum doula is there to give information so that parents can care for their babies with support and the proper instruction. While some postpartum doulas will do overnight shifts with families similarly to how a baby nurse works, there is an emphasis on teaching parents how to manage on the nights the doula is not there and after the doula is no longer working for the family.
Most commonly, postpartum doulas work daytime or evening shifts of about four to five hours. The doula's shifts depend on the needs of the family and the schedule of the doula. Some families like to have support five days a week in the beginning and then decrease it as they get more into a rhythm. Other families may find it helpful to have the postpartum doula come two or three days per week as an additional support.
A doula typically works with a family within the three months following birth, however, this timeframe again is very individual to the family and their needs.
Some new parents may want a postpartum doula during that whole three-month period while others may find it helpful to have them for just a week or two.
Though more research is needed, additional information on this topic suggests that moms who have postpartum doulas have a higher satisfaction with breastfeeding and may even continue the nursing relationship longer. Postpartum depression impacts 1 out of 8 new moms. Risk factors include things like having:. A postpartum doula is a key person to have in your support network — easing some stress and empowering you in other ways.
Beyond that, a postpartum doula can also identify early signs of depression and give you resources so you get the help you need as soon as possible. Portland-based doula group ABC Doula shares that there are even more potential benefits of postpartum doula care. They include things like being able to pump more milk resulting from higher oxytocin levels a benefit from having a support system.
Moms may feel more confidence with their abilities and instincts. Families who have doula help may be able to better understand the communication and needs of the new baby, which means — you guessed it — less crying. Related: Help! Baby nurses provide in-home care for newborns during the postpartum period. They may be either licensed nurses or laypersons.
Some even work with babies who have special needs. Postpartum doulas, on the other hand, are mostly focused on the mother, partner, and overall family. While doulas do provide care for babies, their primary goal is to support the emotions of the mother and provide different expertise and infant education to parents. Ask around. There are also a variety of resources you can find online for doulas of all sorts.
Consider the answers to the questions and the confidence you see in the person. Related: Everything you need to know about caring for a newborn baby. I encourage other mothers to utilize doulas, pandemic or no pandemic.
Whatever path you choose, be sure to think ahead about surrounding yourself with support during the transition to becoming a new mom. What is the difference between a doula and a midwife? Do I need to choose? Read on to learn more about the similarities and differences.
Black women are more likely to experience complications in pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Can doula care improve outcomes in black maternal health? Birth Doulas A birth doula assists a woman and her family before and during childbirth.
Postpartum Doulas Postpartum doulas provide families information and support on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from childbirth, infant soothing, and coping skills for new parents. Questions to Ask a Doula If you are looking for a birth or postpartum doula, ask them if they have had training or experience in pregnancy or postpartum mental health.
You are not alone and you are not to blame. Help is available. You will get better. HelpLine: 1.
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