Doulas are important resources for mothers. When you’re pregnant, a doula acts as a coach, advisor, and guide to all things birth related. Doulas offer emotional and physical support as you plan your pregnancy and prepare for your new baby.
But your relationship with your doula doesn’t have to end after the baby arrives. In fact, many women find that having a doula postpartum is just as valuable, if not more, as it was while planning the birth.
A doula who offers postpartum services can ease the experience of having a newborn. After giving birth, many women have emotional or physical difficulties adjusting to their new life. The right doula can make a big difference, because she’s there to mother you while you focus on your new role and new baby. In many ways, then, postpartum doulas fill gaps in the U.S. healthcare system when it comes to the so-called 4th trimester.
Every postpartum doula is unique. Some offer lactation consulting and other hands-on services, while others provide emotional support. When choosing a doula to begin your pregnancy journey, be sure to ask about her postpartum doula services. You may find that because a doula was present at your birth, you feel innately comfortable having her provide additional care.
Here are some of the benefits of a postpartum doula:
Assistance with newborn care
Many postpartum doulas also offer newborn care. Although every doula’s services will be unique, there are a number of basic tasks a doula may be willing to help you with. Additionally, a postpartum doula can teach you techniques for newborn care. A postpartum doula may be able to help with:
- babysitting
- diaper changing
- bathing
- nursery setup
- swaddling and bundling your infant
- babywearing
- stroller setup
- comfort measures
For new parents, having a doula postpartum to assist with newborn care is worth its weight in gold. Not only can a doula impart all this knowledge, she can also lend a nonjudgmental hand so you can take a shower or get out of the house for a bit.
Referrals for classes and services
If you’re looking for classes, support groups, or childcare services, a postpartum doula will be able to make referrals. Because of their experience, postpartum doulas are usually well connected with mother-baby groups and other communities for new parents. They’ll be able to help you find the best resources in your area.
Light housekeeping, errands, and meal prep
Physical support can be the most valuable aspect of postpartum care. It’s easy to get overwhelmed as a new mother and let household chores fall through the cracks. A postpartum doula can assist with this. Many offer services that include light housekeeping, running errands, and meal prep. If you have another child, they can assist you with caring for them, in addition to dog walking and other pet care. Many doulas will make themselves useful around the home, as caring for a child goes beyond breastfeeding help and bathing a newborn—moms worry about so much more, and so will doulas!
Emotional support
Many new mothers are overjoyed after giving birth, but others may not feel this. It’s common to feel depressed, irritated, angry, scared, or confused after your baby is born. After all, your body has just been flooded with hormones, and you’re recovering from physical birth. If you don’t feel like sunshine and rainbows, that’s OK. In addition to feeling sad or scared, some new moms may also feel ashamed because they’re not living up to family or societal expectations placed on new mothers. This is where a postpartum doula can be a big help.
According to CommonHealth, “Social support is consistently identified as an important factor in the prevention of postpartum depression and mood disorders,” and a postpartum doula can provide unique emotional support after you’ve had your baby. Your postpartum doula can help guide you through your emotions, helping you feel like you’re not alone or misunderstood. Many doulas can also offer holistic techniques for managing your mood, like guided meditations and aromatherapy. They can also work with your partner and other family members to create a more supportive family environment.
Some women develop mood disorders during the postpartum period. A doula is not a replacement for a therapist. However, if you feel you need support for your mental health, your doula may be able to help you find a great therapist in your area.
Social support is consistently identified as an important factor in the prevention of postpartum depression and mood disorders, whether the support is provided by family and friends, professionals, or trained volunteers.
Breastfeeding and lactation support
Many postpartum doulas are also lactation consultants or trained in breastfeeding support. A postpartum doula can help you find the best nursing clothes, nursing pads, and pumping equipment. She can help you set up your pump, sterilize the parts, and even wash bottles. She can also advise you if you experience difficulty while breastfeeding.
Although we like to imagine that breastfeeding is easy and painless, this isn’t the case. Many new mothers find breastfeeding a challenge. Whether your baby isn’t latching or you experience problems such as mastitis, having a doula postpartum who offers lactation consulting will really help.
Your postpartum doula can also prepare you for eventual weaning. They’ll be able to assist with this process by offering information and support after you stop breastfeeding.
Advice on parenting styles
When it comes to caring for a newborn, there are many different parenting styles. Each one has benefits, so it can be difficult to know which one is right for you and your baby. Even if you’ve read parenting books and attended classes, you may still have questions. Where should your baby sleep? Is it better to let your baby cry or comfort them?
A postpartum doula can advise you about this. Most postpartum doulas have studied a wide range of different parenting approaches and worked with multiple families. They can share their expertise and experience with you. This will help you make decisions about how to care for your newborn.
Having a doula postpartum can make your first weeks and months as a new mother much easier. For the best questions to ask a doula in interviews, check out our guide, and visit the Motherlode for a directory of doulas in your area.