What exactly is a Postpartum Doula?
You may have heard of a Birth Doula, someone who provides support during the labor and delivery of a baby, but a Postpartum Doula provides support to the mom. baby and whole family in the days and weeks following the birth. Here are a few key areas they can be most helpful in:
Physical Recovery
After 10 months of growing a baby and then going through labor, a vaginal delivery, or a c-section, the body has been through A LOT. A healthy and smooth physical recovery can help mom feel like herself again sooner and allow her to get back to the things she loves - all of which help keep postpartum depression at bay.
Newborn Care & Feeding
Every newborn is different but the one thing they have in common is that they don’t come with a manual! Learning to read baby’s cues can help mom, dad and partners feel confident and connected to baby. And whether baby is breast, chest, or bottle-fed, knowing how, when, and how much to offer can help everyone get into a comfortable routine.
Emotional Support
Parenthood is the most physically and emotionally demanding job in the world. Sometimes you just need someone to listen and help you navigate your new role - with your baby, your partner, your other children, your parents, your in-laws, your friends.
An extra set of hands to do…anything!
Many people ask what a Postpartum Doula does, but the better question is - what DON’T they do! They are there to support the mom, baby and family. It could mean holding baby while mom takes a shower, prepping dinner for the family, helping figure out the baby carrier or stroller so mom can get out for a walk, the list goes on!