The transition from being pregnant to having a newborn is not always an easy one, and it is essential to have the right support to ease the journey. What’s amazing about hiring a postpartum doula is that they support the whole family and make a huge impact on the well-being of Mom, Dad, baby, and older siblings.
What is a Postpartum Doula?
A postpartum doula is a trained professional that supports and assists new mothers in the weeks and months after childbirth. They are able to help with things like breastfeeding, newborn care, and generally adjusting to life with a new baby. Postpartum doulas are a great source of information and support for new parents and can make all the difference in those tough early days and weeks. A postpartum doula will also provide emotional support and advice on parenting – whereas many after-birth specialists cater to the newborn, a postpartum doula’s main focus is on helping ease parents ease into parenting.
What Does a Postpartum Doula Do?
In general terms, a postpartum doula provides support to families during the postpartum period. This support can include physical, emotional, and practical support.
Physical support can include things like:
- Helping with breastfeeding
- Providing light housework like tidying or vacuuming
- Making meals for your family
- Taking over general newborn care while parents rest
Emotional support may include:
- Providing support and understanding during rough times
- Being (quite literally) a shoulder to cry on
- Advocating for the mother and her needs
- Promoting self-care and making sure parents are adjusting
- Watching for warning signs of postpartum depression and anxiety and suggesting ways to get help
Practical support include things such as:
- Helping families establish a routine for baby – feeding, sleeping, etc.
- Providing information on all things newborn and postpartum
- Assistance with meal planning and grocery shopping
- Helping siblings adjust to the new addition
Essentially, you can consider them your personal guide to this time in your life! They’ll be able to walk you through all the necessary steps and make sure you feel comfortable along the way.
Do You Need a Postpartum Doula?
There are a few key signs to look for that may indicate you need a postpartum doula. First and foremost, if you are struggling with baby blues or postpartum depression, a doula can offer great support and help to ease any struggles so you can focus on your recovery. Not only can they give you emotional support and guidance, but can also help with everything from breastfeeding and putting your newborn to sleep so you can get some rest.
If you feel like you are constantly exhausted and are having trouble keeping up with the demands of a newborn, a doula can help. They can take things off your to-do list such as laundry and meal prep, and even provide general care to your newborn while you take a minute to sit and relax.
If you are just feeling overwhelmed and like you could use some extra support, a doula will be a lifesaver. They can provide that much-needed education, guidance, and support so you can feel more confident and capable as a new parent.
There are no rules to decide which parent needs a postpartum doula and which parent is okay without – it all comes down to you and your family’s needs. If an extra set of hands would make life much better and easier, then a postpartum doula is an amazing option.
Hiring a Postpartum Doula
Do your research! As with anyone taking care of your newborn and your health, you’ll want to make sure you’re hiring professionals you can trust. Ask friends and family for referrals, or request a referral from your current healthcare provider!
Once you’ve made contact with a potential match, don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’ll be building a strong relationship with this person, so it’s important that it feels right. Ask where their training was done, and what their specialties are. Do they line up with your goals and needs? Finding the right fit isn’t always a quick task, so make sure you start looking as soon as you can.
Between helping you bond with your baby, providing you with valuable information, and helping you rest, there’s not much a postpartum doula can’t do! They’ll take care of the background and be your shoulder to lean on while you’re able to focus on this special time in your life! Reach out to Boston Baby Nurse and Nanny for all your newborn care support. We offer Postpartum Doulas, overnight Newborn Care Experts, and more!
