Surviving After Baby
How a Postpartum Doula Can Help
It is a known fact in the world of Motherhood that getting pregnant, attending the recommended parenting classes and over twenty OBGYN visits, reading all of the best-selling motherhood books, and finally giving birth to your beautiful baby still does not fully prepare you for the task at hand of coming home with this new little person. The first days and weeks at home with a new baby are anything but easy. This is a crucial time for bonding with your baby and establishing a healthy feeding and sleeping routine for the entire family. Years ago, families lived near one another and when a new baby was born a grandmother or aunt would stay in the home to support and teach the new mother about caring for the baby. In recent years families have become much more transient and do not have the biological support that once would have been easily provided to them. We also have many more instances of single women having babies and singles and couples adopting children. Every new mother deserves this personalized type of care and this is where a Postpartum Doula can be the answer to your prayers.
What is a Doula?
A Postpartum Doula is the non-biological mother to the mother. They have a gentle approach to educating the mother in all areas of parenting including breast-feeding support, infant care and postpartum care. They will provide reassurance as you and your husband gain confidence in your parenting skills. They will make sure all of the practical chores around the house are attended to so that a new parent has one less item to worry about. They will make sure the mother and baby are provided with nourishment and sleep so they can both easily make the transition into this new world that surrounds them.
Choosing a Doula
When choosing a Postpartum Doula make sure they are insured, Postpartum Doula certified and CPR certified. They should provide documentation of experience and references to clients you can speak with directly. Postpartum Doulas do not offer any medical advice or perform any medical or clinical procedures, but instead can offer parents referrals to appropriate studies and published books. Postpartum Doulas should be good with children, patient, non-judgmental, and knowledgeable about newborn care and breastfeeding. A Doula should pledge their support and dedication to the new family and exude the utmost confidence in their abilities. By profession they should remain confidential and promise to uphold high ethical standards in the performance of their duties. A Doula should remain loyal to the philosophy of Doula care to ensure the success of each family they work with.