Prenatal & Postpartum Doula Support
“A Doula is a caregiver of non-medical support. Healthcare professionals such as doctors, midwives, nurses, and others are responsible for the health and well-being of mother & baby. The non-medical support of the doula meets the physical, emotional, and social needs of the family.” (DONA)
A prenatal and postpartum doula is a quiet presence in your home who is there to provide you with assistance during your pregnancy or just after childbirth. She can provide you with information about newborn care and gently guide you in meeting the needs of your baby. The doula supports the whole family; fathers, siblings, partners, and other family members. Information on normal changes in pregnancy, signs of labor, physical comfort, breastfeeding, pumping, bottle feeding, baby wearing, and attachment parenting can be provided by your doula. A doula is well equipped with referrals to resources within your community that may be of benefit to you or your family.
For pregnant women who are on bed rest, a prenatal doula can help the mother to maintain her bed rest restrictions and provide emotional support during a stressful time. The support provided by a doula eases the stress of bed rest for both the mother and her family.
The first few weeks with a new baby are intense, to say the least. A postpartum doula has been where you are. She's an experienced mother who is there to help with the details of keeping a household running smoothly while mom, dad and baby are bonding and getting to know each other. She's there to carefully listen to you, respond to your questions and assist you in a non-judgmental way. As no two babies are alike, there are many answers and many ways to work with your baby.
Will you be unsure about how well breastfeeding is going or about how you can deal with problems? A postpartum doula's job is to watch and help you with positioning baby onto the breast, achieving a good latch and avoiding soreness. She is trained to screen for problems of a more difficult nature and to make appropriate referrals for finding solutions to those problems. What about bottle-feeding? Cloth diapers versus disposables? What will work better for you and your baby? There are so many questions and a doula can help you work out your concerns through gentle guidance, demonstration and appropriate referrals.
The decision you make to have a doula will make a huge difference in your recovery from childbirth. Research has proven that doula support can reduce the incidence of postpartum depression, increase breastfeeding success, and enhance bonding. Being well rested and feeling nurtured is an important component to gaining confidence as a parent and a mother!
