What is a postpartum doula and why do you need one?
The Importance of Having a Postpartum Doula for Mothers
Bringing a new life into the world is a beautiful and miraculous thing, but it's also a time of great change and adjustment for new mothers and families.
As they navigate the challenges of caring for a newborn, many may find themselves feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, isolated or unsure of what to do. It becomes particularly harder when the mother cannot rely on the presence of her own mother or family members and caregivers close by to assist her. Our generation has lost its “village” and it’s becoming increasingly harder for mothers to be and feel supported during this intense transition period following the arrival of a new baby. In these situations, a postpartum doula can be an invaluable resource for families in need of support.
What is a Postpartum Doula?
A postpartum doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to new and veteran mothers and families during the early postpartum period, i.e. the early days or weeks after childbirth. Unlike a midwife or obstetrician, postpartum doulas do not provide medical care, but instead focus on supporting the new mother and her family in non-medical ways.
Postpartum doulas offer a range of services, depending on the needs of the family. They can assist with breastfeeding, provide practical support with tasks like laundry and meal preparation, help with baby care, and offer emotional support and reassurance.
And you don’t have to be a first time mum to hire a postpartum doula. If anything, you might know more certainly that you want this kind of support as you recover from childbirth while having other kids to care for.
Why Do New Mothers Need a Postpartum Doula?
Virtually every new postpartum mum experiences physical and emotional changes during this time, and may need extra support to help her navigate these unfamiliar and uncharted waters. Some mothers come back home with a baby in their arms and an additional C-section or an episiotomy scar to recover from, which brings these first days and weeks challenge up a notch!
What Are the Benefits of Having a Postpartum Doula?
Having a postpartum doula can provide many benefits to new mothers and families. Here are some of the ways that a postpartum doula / I can help:
Emotional Support
As new mothers adjust to their new roles and navigate the changes that come with caring for a newborn, they may sometimes feel isolated and lonely facing this new season of life, fresh motherhood.
In my role of postpartum doula, I can provide emotional support by offering a listening ear and reassurance, and helping new mothers to process their emotions and concerns. I offer birth story debriefs as well. Furthermore, I am able to refer mothers to resources and signpost them to the relevant professionals for additional support when needed.
Practical Support
Caring for a newborn can be physically demanding, especially in the early days and weeks after childbirth, and many new mothers and families may need extra help with everyday tasks.
I can provide practical support by helping with tasks like laundry, meal preparation, and light household chores, allowing you to focus on your recovery and bonding with your baby.
Breastfeeding Support
A common challenge faced by new mothers is difficulty with breastfeeding, which can be a major source of stress and frustration. Breastfeeding can be a challenging and complex process, especially for new mothers who are experiencing it for the first time.
As postpartum doula and breastfeeding specialist, I can provide guidance on proper latch and positioning, offer troubleshooting tips for common issues, and help you to build confidence in your ability to breastfeed successfully. I can equally direct you to further resources or relevant professionals should the need for their opinion arise.
Baby Care Education
New parents may feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for a new baby, and may have many questions about feeding, sleep, and other aspects of newborn care.
As postpartum doula, I can provide education and guidance on a variety of baby care topics, including nappy changing, bathing, and baby wearing.
Partner Support
The postpartum period can also be a challenging time for partners, who may be feeling overwhelmed or unsure of how to support their new family.
A postpartum doula can provide guidance and support to partners, helping them to feel more confident in their role as a parent and caregiver.
Referrals to Resources
If you're struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety, or if you need additional support beyond what I can provide as your postpartum doula, I can refer you to a variety of resources in your community or signpost you to the relevant professionals.
From naturopaths to chiropractors/osteopaths to lactation consultants, there are many professionals who specialise in supporting new mothers and families, and I can help you to connect with the resources that will best meet your needs.
Non-Judgmental Support
As your postpartum doula, I am here to support you and your family without judgment. Whether you're struggling with breastfeeding, feeling overwhelmed by the demands of caring for a newborn, or just need someone to talk to, I am here to listen and provide support without judgment or criticism.
How to Find a Postpartum Doula?
If you're interested in finding a postpartum doula to support you and your family during the postpartum period, there are a few ways to go about it.
One option is to ask for recommendations from your midwife or obstetrician, or to reach out to local childbirth education classes or parents coffee-groups. You can also search for postpartum doula organisations online, to find postpartum doulas in your area.
If you’re currently in Auckland (New Zealand), you can book me for in-person Postpartum Doula Support Package which includes a minimum of 18 hours of in-person support, or a one-off Mama Lying-In service helping mamas settle back in their home with their babies on their return from the hospital or birth centre.
The postpartum period may not be easy for new mothers and families, but it doesn't have to be a lonely or isolating one. With the support of a postpartum doula, you can receive the emotional, practical, and educational support you need to navigate this transition with confidence and ease.
If you're a new mother without a support network, or if your partner is unable to take time off work to support you, or if you live away from your family, a postpartum doula can be an invaluable resource.
I hope this post has provided you with some insight into the benefits of postpartum doula support, and I encourage you to reach out to me here or via instagram if you have any questions or would like to learn more about how I can support you and your family during this special time.
