How can a postpartum doula help your family?

Postpartum is defined by some as the fourth trimester, and as something that lasts forever, because once your baby is born you will have always gone through the experience of pregnancy and childbirth. Postpartum is a beautiful time that isn’t without challenges. Sleep deprivation, healing, emotional and physical changes, and learning about your new baby are all happening simultaneously.

What is a postpartum doula?

A postpartum doula is trained to support your family in the early days, weeks, and months following your baby’s birth. Postpartum doulas provide evidence based information, emotional support, education, referrals to local providers, newborn care, and so much more. They also help with feeding, whether you choose to feed your baby formula or human milk.

What does this look like in real time? It might look like your baby cries when you set them down (this is common!) and you have someone who can hold and soothe your baby while you take care of yourself - so that you can eat while your food is still warm, or take a nap. Or, if you are overwhelmed by unsolicited but well meaning advice, and need a listening ear who will encourage you to do what you think is best, a postpartum doula has your back.

Emotional & Relationship Support

After having a baby, you may benefit from debriefing your birth experience with a postpartum doula, who is trained to listen and help you explore your feelings about your birth. Doulas are trained to use techniques such as active listening and assist you in managing stress.

Postpartum doulas are here to help you gain confidence in yourself as a parent, and to empower you on your parenting journey.

Postpartum anxiety and depression are common, and a postpartum doula can help you to recognize the signs and symptoms, and can refer you to local providers who can help.

During pregnancy and postpartum, partners often want to provide support but don’t necessarily know what is needed. Doulas are able to help partners support new moms to help your relationship during this time of growth and transition. Support from a doula extends to all of the members of your family, and can include helping older children adjust to having a new sibling.

Practical Assistance & Educational Support

Having doula support during postpartum also means that you have a support person for the tasks that keep your family functioning from day to day. Often, doulas help with light cleaning and household tasks, like laundry, and meal planning or preparation. It can be helpful to have someone to keep on top of cleaning bottles or pump parts, if you’re using them!

Postpartum doulas also help with newborn care, including feeding and diapering, and have tips for caring for your newborn and navigating changes in sleep and feeding as your baby grows.

Finding The Right Doula

If you are interested in having your postpartum supported by a doula, you can often check with your chiropractor, midwife, and other moms for a recommendation. You can also use social media or google to check out websites of postpartum doulas in your area and see what each offers. Some postpartum doulas specialize in overnight care, while others offer daytime care. Typically, doulas offer a consultation or a meeting to discuss what type of care you are looking for, which gives you an opportunity to decide if they are the right fit for you and your family. 

Why hire support postpartum?

You deserve to be cared for, as you care for your new baby. Hiring a postpartum doula provides care for your whole family. Having a non-biased person who can listen and provide education, hold your baby so you can care for yourself, and help with necessary tasks that keep your household running can help you to have a smooth postpartum experience and focus on your new baby.

To schedule a free consultation, click here.

Brittany is a postpartum doula and lactation counselor helping families virtually and in person in Oswego and Onondaga County in New York. She was inspired by her experience after her daughter was born and is pursuing her passion helping families during the postpartum transition.

Contact Courageous Moments to learn how she can help you.