WHAT IS A POSTPARTUM DOULA & WHAT DOES SHE DO
Postpartum doulas are knowledgeable professionals who assist families during the critical period immediately after the birth of their baby. They nurture the mother so she can nurture the baby. A postpartum doula will offer physical, emotional and informational support to the family as well as practical help. The doula's expertise in mother/baby care enables her to assist with postpartum comfort measures, breastfeeding support, non-judgemental guidance in infant care techniques, information for normal postpartum restoration and family emotional assistance through this major transition.
WITH A POSTPARTUM DOULA IN THE HOME - THE MOTHER FEELS MORE SECURE AND IN CONTROL. THIS LOWERS THE CHANCE OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION - THE FATHER IS ABLE TO RETURN TO WORK SOONER WITH LESS ANXIETY ABOUT LEAVING HIS PARTNER AT HOME ALONE WITH THE BABY!!
WITH A POSTPARTUM DOULA IN THE HOME - THE MOTHER FEELS MORE SECURE AND IN CONTROL. THIS LOWERS THE CHANCE OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION - THE FATHER IS ABLE TO RETURN TO WORK SOONER WITH LESS ANXIETY ABOUT LEAVING HIS PARTNER AT HOME ALONE WITH THE BABY!!
WHAT A POSTPARTUM DOULA WILL PROVIDE:
PHYSICAL SUPPORT
*help mother care for her postpartum body and provide information regarding postpartum comfort measures
*makes sure mother gets enough nourishment, fluids and rest
*assist the mother while breastfeeding - help her understand breastfeeding principles like "supply and demand" and the importance of a good latch
*cares for baby while parents eat, shower and rest
*"insulates" the family by handling constant telephone calls and visitors
*help mother care for her postpartum body and provide information regarding postpartum comfort measures
*makes sure mother gets enough nourishment, fluids and rest
*assist the mother while breastfeeding - help her understand breastfeeding principles like "supply and demand" and the importance of a good latch
*cares for baby while parents eat, shower and rest
*"insulates" the family by handling constant telephone calls and visitors
INFORMATIONAL SUPPORT
*guides the family through infant care techniques - giving them an "introduction to their baby" explain/show step by step how to bathe, dress, feed, burp, change, swaddle, swing, rock and lay down to sleep
*give information about infant development, illness and injury prevention
*educate family members on how to "mother the mother" through modeling, demonstation and explanation
*make suggestions for resources and referrals and provide a comprehensive list
*guides the family through infant care techniques - giving them an "introduction to their baby" explain/show step by step how to bathe, dress, feed, burp, change, swaddle, swing, rock and lay down to sleep
*give information about infant development, illness and injury prevention
*educate family members on how to "mother the mother" through modeling, demonstation and explanation
*make suggestions for resources and referrals and provide a comprehensive list
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
*listens to the birth story and documents the events for the family
*sit and really listen to the mother as she describes her day, feelings and concerns
*encourages, reassures and validates the challenges of the family during this emotionally vulnerable time
*listens to the birth story and documents the events for the family
*sit and really listen to the mother as she describes her day, feelings and concerns
*encourages, reassures and validates the challenges of the family during this emotionally vulnerable time
