I Need a What?
You need a postpartum doula!

Congratulations, you’re expecting a baby! Those exciting words set your mind to planning for the next eight to nine months. The list is long and gets longer and is sometimes overwhelming. But have you considered what you are going to do that first day home from the hospital and for the next few weeks while you are trying to recuperate? You suddenly find yourself alone with a crying newborn that is either hungry or wet or both and you can’t remember a thing that the doctor or nurse or classes told you about the care of a newborn. You may feel completely overwhelmed and exhausted.

Many childbirth classes often fail to focus enough on the postpartum period, the physical needs, proper nutrition, rest, emotional and physical support, and continued education in breastfeeding, postpartum care, and infant care. The large number of Cesarean sections being preformed, as well as the early hospital discharge (2-3 days) following birth, also necessitates professional postpartum care.

The need for postpartum doula care has grown with the changing times in which we live. Mothers of the past had a large support group in close relatives, friends, and neighbors. Because many families are transplanted, due to job relocation or other circumstances, that support often no longer exists.

The doula’s basic role is to provide non-intrusive, non-judgmental support according to the family’s needs and wishes. She will provide non-medical, physical and emotional support for the entire family. The services may include breastfeeding education and support, bottle-feeding support, new mother care and pampering, mother and/or baby massage, preparation of nutritious meals, light laundry for mother and baby and siblings, infant care and instruction, pet and plant care, errands, transportation to doctor appointments or for siblings to and from school or daycare. Doulas also recognize that dads need physical and emotional support, helping them gain confidence in caring for their newborn, supporting and caring for mom, and getting the rest they needs also.

Each professional postpartum doula is trained in postpartum recovery, current newborn care, breastfeeding and bottle-feeding education, has experience working with multiples, and has ongoing additional training through classes and workshops. Each doula is infant CPR/first aid certified, carries liability insurance, and has a current negative TB test. They also have experience working with newborn health challenges.

When and how do I choose a professional postpartum doula? What qualifies her as a postpartum professional? What questions should I ask?

The best time to prepare for postpartum care is by scheduling your postpartum doula well in advance of your due date.

• Always request a personal in-home interview with prospective doulas so that they can become familiar with your household organization. Every family’s circumstances and personalities vary. Meeting and talking with your prospective doula will assure you that her skills and personality will match your families’ needs and personalities.
  
  
• Since breastfeeding is a major concern of most new mothers, ascertain what background she has in breastfeeding education. If you decide to combine breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, find out what education she has about this. Your doula should be willing to support you in whatever decision you make concerning the feeding and care of your infant.
  
  
• Make sure that her credentials in liability insurance and infant CPR/first aid certification are current. The company she works for has the responsibility to make sure that all education and credentials are current and valid, but ask to see a copy of the credentials if you feel that would give you more confidence in her.
  
  
• Discuss any personal needs that your family has, such as transportation of a sibling to or from daycare or school, to doctor appointments, errands, special health concerns or allergies.

Your doula is someone who will be intimately involved with you and your family during a very personal, intense and emotional time in your life. For many women, the relationship with their doula becomes and close and lasting one.

While you are nurturing your newborn, you need someone to nurture you with words of recognition and encouragement. Your doula can be there to relieve the overwhelming anxiety those first days home from the hospital.

Editorial provided by Pam Weinzel, a Postpartum Doula who runs Infant and New Mother Solutions, in Houston TX.