What is a Doula?
“Doula”, is a Greek word meaning “woman’s servant”. A postpartum doula is someone who is professionally trained to help support a woman and her family in the transitional period of welcoming a new baby.
What would be my role as your Doula?
I work “alongside” the mother and her partner to offer support, companionship and guidance. My primary focus is on “mothering the mother” as she heals from birth and transitions to the persistent demands of caring for a newborn. Through my dedication to you and your family’s needs, I hope to help you find balance and to strengthen your intuitive ability to parent and nurture your baby.
How is a Doula different from a nanny or “mother’s helper”?
A nanny or “mother’s helper” is not trained in breastfeeding education, integrating the baby into the home and his/her primary focus is geared towards infant care. A Doula is professionally trained to provide non-medical support and companionship, advises and helps with newborn care and the adjustment for older siblings, provides evidenced-based information on feeding, emotional and physical recovery from childbirth and other concerns related to the “4th trimester” as well as be able to make referrals to appropriate specialists if necessary. As a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), if there are any concerns you are having I would be able to address these immediately. Again, for me it is all about “mothering the mother” and making sure she is feeling confident and empowered!
What Does a Postpartum Doula Actually Do?
- Help the mother to feel empowered by allowing her time to rest, to feel supported and by teaching various strategies and coping skills and so she can be the mom she wants to be
- Feed and hydrate mom which may be by bringing her healthy snacks, preparing family meals, and educating mom on nutrition and self care
- Provide a listening ear to help mom to process her birth experience regardless of whether it went “as planned”
- Offer breastfeeding support and guidance including: latch, positions, pumping, alternative feeding and referrals if necessary.
- Help set up nursing stations and diaper changing areas throughout the home
- Home organization through various household tasks in order to take some pressure off of the family
- Provide evidence-based information on various newborn care issues
- Help the mother and/or partner get rest
- Be available to the partner to help find concrete ways to support the mother and nurture the baby
- Provide a calendar of all “Mama and baby” events happening in your area
- Sibling care and transition for growing families
- Run errands, which may include going to the grocery store or accompanying the family to the pediatrician or other appointments
- Make appropriate referrals to specialists such as: support groups, mental health providers, chiropractors, acupuncturists, babysitters, pediatricians, community events, household services, classes, etc.
How Long Does a Postpartum Doula Spend with a Family?
This is determined on a case by case basis. For some families, it may take up to three months to fully feel comfortable with the natural rhythms of their infant and in other cases, families only need a few weeks. Other factors that are involved are the families budget and my availability. However, my goal is to work myself out of a job! Not a very good business model, I know! I hope that when we end our time together, I have been able to equip you with the skills and referrals you may need but most of all I hope that I have allowed you to become the mother and family that you have envisioned.