What is a postpartum doula?
A postpartum doula is usually hired to help the family adjust to life with a new baby, to help siblings adjust and make sure the family are coping well.
The last thing new parents want to do is the grocery shopping or cooking meals. A postpartum doula can do your errands and chores for you.
We can also provide breastfeeding support (I am also a breastfeeding counsellor), occupy siblings as you feed baby or bond with baby or even take a shower or a nap.
It is hard to say exactly what a postpartum doula does because it changes with every families needs.
What qualifications do I have to help your family?
I have a number of qualifications to assist with helping families.
I am a birth doula, breastfeeding counsellor, placenta encapsulation specialist, bereavement doula and also a trainee postpartum doula (with current working with children's check) and am only 1 client away from qualifying and I am also a trainee childbirth educator.
What can I offer your family?
I provide meals for families with new babies, I also do light housework and laundry.
I can run errands such as go the post office, pick up groceries and organise referrals to other health care providers.
I have knowledge on breastfeeding, babywearing, cloth nappies, multiples, circumcision, extended rear facing of car seats, natural parenting and remedies and much more.
Why do I believe a postpartum doula is important?
A postpartum doula is there to mother the mother, make sure she is well fed, relaxed and enjoying being a mother. It is also my job to make sure dad is not overwhelmed and feels involved and comfortable in his role. My job is also to educate families about things such as breastfeeding, baby care, helping a sibling cope with a new addition. Instead of mothering the mother however I like to refer to it as nurturing the family, I believe it is very important to include all family members.
I am there to look out for signs that mum may not be coping and help to make things easier and refer to a GP or health nurse is postpartum depression is suspected.
An entire difference to a families day can be made by knowing a healthy meal is made or prepared, mum has showered and rested and baby is fed and relaxed.
A postpartum doula is also fantastic because we provide in home care and one on one support.
Who might use a postpartum doula?
Absolutely ANY family with a new baby can use a postpartum doula, many people assume since I am also a breastfeeding counsellor and often mention breastfeeding support that only breastfeeding families can use my services, this is NOT true at all. Our services are more common with:
First time parents
Parents with other small children
Families with little or no other support
Families who have just had or expecting multiples (twins, triplets etc)
Families prone to depression
Families who want to learn more
Why dads love postpartum doulas
Dads have mentioned that they love postpartum doulas because:
- The pressure is taken off of them to do everything while mum recovers and bonds
- They too have time to bond with someone there to help out
- They can return to work guilt free knowing they aren't leaving mum alone to cope of with a family member she maybe uncomfortable with
There are many more reasons but these are the most frequent responses.
So what are you waiting for? Book a postpartum doula for yourself or a friend today!
