Whether you have had a baby before or this is your first, you have probably heard of a doula. In general, the role of the doula during labor and birth is to support the mother and her partner, advocate for the woman with health care staff and help keep the birth moving according to the mother’s birth plan and personal wishes for her birth experience.
But, have you heard of a postpartum doula? This group of doulas specializes in offering care for new mothers and their families after the baby is born. The general idea isn’t new. Nurses have been used by wealthier families for hundreds of years. Postpartum doulas offer similar benefits to modern families.
A postpartum doula offers help with many aspects in the transition to motherhood. A doula can help with breastfeeding support, offer parenting and newborn care advice, run errands for you and even do some cooking and light household chores. This allows you to relax, heal and bond with your baby. Women often feel stress and pressure in trying to do it all. If you are the type of person that has a difficult time letting the chores go, a doula may be a big help for you.
This help is invaluable for some women, with families being spread far apart and women often living with little support in the early days at home with the baby. If your family is far away and your partner must return to work shortly after the baby is born, a doula may be the perfect solution for your family.
You can find a postpartum doula in the same ways you would find a doula for labor and delivery. Your midwife or doctor may be a good source for getting a referral to a local doula. You can also contact Doulas of North America (DONA). They offer referrals to certified doulas in areas across the country.
Related Articles:
New Survey Offers Startling Insight into the Postpartum Period
Post Partum Depression in Men?