What is a Postpartum Doula?
You leave the hospital or birth center with more precious cargo than you arrived with. Your partner drives down the highway with their hands precisely at “ten and two” while averaging about 5 mph under the speed limit. You pull into the driveway, unload the car seat, and walk through your front door. Now what?
We want to share with you the invaluable benefits you receive when you decide to hire a postpartum doula.
Postpartum doulas fill in the gaps for new and even seasoned parents as they adjust to life with a new baby. Just like a labor doula, we are here for your physical, emotional, and informational needs. The difference is that we come after baby is born!
Postpartum Doulas are Your “Baby 411”
There are so many questions new parents are faced with that first week home. Is my baby sleeping too much? Shouldn’t my baby be sleeping more? Will we ever sleep again? You may be craving your favorite meal but are overwhelmed by the thought of cooking. Your partner may be wondering how they can help. You may still be processing your labor and birth- and that’s ok! A postpartum doula can support you through all of this and more.
We are experts in baby sleep techniques and baby calming techniques. We stay up to date on all types of parenting styles. We will support your wishes even if you are still discovering what your parenting style is! Postpartum doulas can educate you on anything pertaining to newborn care including umbilical cord care and bathing your baby.
It Takes A Village
It is ingrained in us from family, friends, and our fast-paced American culture to “get back to life” as soon as possible after having a baby. As a culture, we miss a key element to the healing process and the important task of bonding with your baby (and let’s be honest – for some, bonding with your baby DOES feel like a “task” at first – and that’s ok). In many cultures, family members surround new mothers and take care of their every need in the weeks and months following the birth of their baby. As postpartum doulas, we seek to restore that element of family type support, truly becoming your “village” as you rest, heal, and bond with this precious new life.
What Does a Typical Day with a Postpartum Doula Look Like?
Postpartum doulas help with breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and pumping. We can hold your baby while you shower, take a nap, or go on a short walk down the street. Postpartum doulas can tidy up around the house, throw in a load of laundry, or whip up a delicious meal for you while you bond with your baby. We can help you meal prep and fill your freezer with yummy easy meals to nourish your body for those first few weeks. Postpartum doulas can help your partner discover their role in all of this! We love helping dads tap into their abilities to soothe their babies too.
Even if you are so sleep-deprived when your postpartum doula arrives that you don’t know what you need her help with, she will ask you a few questions, send you to bed, and start whipping things into shape! If need be, we even provide 12-24-hour care following a home birth, or on your first night home from the hospital.
Postpartum Doulas Help You Grow Gracefully into Parenthood
All in all, we are here for your needs. Even if you just need an unbiased ear to listen while you process your birth story– we will be there for you. If you are new to the mommy scene and want recommendations for postpartum yoga, massage, or even play groups, we can find those resources for you. You are transitioning into new territory- parenthood! This is a fun and exciting time for you and your growing family! We want to help you transition as smoothly as possible. You should have an extraordinary first few moments and weeks with your new bundle of joy.
For a free consultation to learn more about hiring YOUR postpartum doula, contact us today!
