What do Postpartum doula's do?
Yay! Your baby is finally here! Now what?
A Postpartum Doula works in the fourth trimester, just after
pregnancy. The role of the postpartum Doula is to provide support,
advice, and assistance in the weeks following birth.
In the
past, the family of a new baby could rely on their family members or
friends to assist them. After giving birth women are often surrounded
by caring family members who have a great deal of experience and wisdom
to offer.
While these resources are available today, they may not
always be provided due to increasing distances between family members
and their loved ones.
The postpartum Doula provides:
- Education
- Breastfeeding support
- Non-judgmental support
- Companionship
- Assistance with newborn care and family adjustment
- Assistance with meal preparation
- Assistance with light household tasks
Postpartum Doulas offer evidence-based information on:
- Infant feeding
- Emotional and physical recovery from birth
- Infant soothing
- Coping skills for new parents
- Safe infant sleeping
- Referrals for more education on these topics when necessary
The Doula may also be a buffer to parents who may have received
outdated advice. The Doula can help friends and family to foster and
support the parenting decisions of the new parents. By modeling a deep
respect for the wisdom and decision making abilities of the new
parents, she makes clear that supporting them in their own choices will
have the best results.
