The Benefits of a Postpartum Doula
Helping a New Family by Providing Information and Assistance
May 5, 2009
A postpartum doula is a trained and supportive woman who comes into the home after a woman has had a baby in order to ease the transition between pregnancy and motherhood. The exact duties her role will entail vary from family to family, but usually include breastfeeding support, baby care instruction, helping with light housework, laundry or cooking while mom gets some much needed rest, or helping older siblings adjust to the arrival of a new baby.
Who Can Benefit From a Postpartum Doula's Services?
A postpartum doula is a great resource for families who are living a great distance from their extended families and need some extra help in the first couple weeks after a baby is born, for new parents who are unsure of their ability to breastfeed or care for a new baby, for moms who have experienced complications during birth such as a cesarean or episiotomy, or for parents of twins or triplets who need an extra pair of caring and knowledgeable hands to give the parents a chance to rest.
How to Choose a Postpartum Doula
Choosing a postpartum doula is something to think about during the middle of your pregnancy. Many postpartum doulas meet with the mother during her pregnancy to share information about breastfeeding or the postpartum period before the baby arrives, so there isn't so much to learn when mom is already overwhelmed and tired from the birth. Ask prospective doulas about their training and qualifications, and listen to your gut instinct about whether you trust a doula to give you the kind of support you will need. The standard for doula training is certification by DONA International, which trains both birth and postpartum doulas.
Postpartum Doulas Help Prevent Depression
By providing support and relieving stress, a postpartum doula can help reduce the risk of a mom experiencing postpartum depression. A postpartum doula can help mom find the time to get adequate sleep, eat nutritious meals and will provide information and emotional support. Postpartum doulas also support partners and siblings by giving partners a chance to rest and teaching them how to help mom, and helping older siblings adjust by teaching them about babies and giving mom some one-on-one time with her older child by caring for the baby. All of these services help a family integrate a new baby into the family in a healthy way, which provides protection against postpartum depression for the mom.
How to Find a Postpartum Doula
There are several ways to locate postpartum doulas in your area, but one of the best places to start your search is with your doctor or midwife. Recommendations from friends and relatives are also a good way to find a great doula. If you can't find any personal recommendations, the DONA website also has a doula search to help you find a certified doula in your area.
By teaching, providing emotional support and a helping hand, a trained postpartum doula will reduce the stress of the early weeks postpartum and help a new family gain confidence and independence after the birth of a baby. Whether your own family is too far away to help immediately postpartum, you're at risk for postpartum depression or you simply want someone to come by your house when you come home from the hospital, a postpartum doula provides valuable support for parents.
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