Benefits of a Postpartum Doula
Support for the Whole Family:
Bringing home a new baby is an adjustment for everyone in the household. Mother and baby will need the most attention, it’s true, but fathers/partners will also need support, and a doula helps them feel more confident in their role. Other children at home will also be impacted by the new addition. A Postpartum Doula can help keep them entertained, show them how to safely interact with the new baby, and make sure they feel included in the transition. Doulas will also help hold the weight of house chores by performing light chores such as laundry, washing dishes, tidying up and meal preparation.
Increases Infant/Caregiver Bonding:
Newborns require months of intense, “womblike” nurturing for optimal growth and development. Skin-to-skin contact has incredible benefits for both mama and baby. Science tells us that skin-to-skin contact improves lung function, promotes growth and weight gain, stabilizes body temperature, regulates blood sugar, promotes better breastfeeding outcomes and reduces crying and even pain. Babies who receive adequate skin-to-skin are also more physiologically stable and have increased neurobehavioral outcomes. This closeness helps tremendously with bonding between caregiver and baby, which allows caregivers to learn baby’s signals sooner- including signs of hunger, signs of fullness, signs of discomfort, and so on, which improves communication, boots maternal confidence and helps babies develop a sense of trust and security. Doulas help support infant-mother bonding by facilitating skin-to-skin contact at every possible chance. We create peaceful, safe, oxytocin promoting spaces and allow mothers the uninterrupted time and space to connect with their babies. We will take care of the little things, like housework, errands and other children, so that you can have stress-free bonding time.
Sleep- Expectations vs. Reality:
The first few weeks postpartum are particularly difficult for parents because of lack of good sleep. Babies need to feed every 2-3 hours around the clock and they often have a mind of their own when it comes to sleep. Perhaps your baby will only sleep in a swing or bouncer, or only in your bed, or only in your arms. A Postpartum Doula can assist the family with safe sleep practices and work towards developing a sleep routine that works for everyone. Bonus benefit: a doula can also care for the baby while YOU sleep!
Confidence and Empowerment:
There are so many nerves, anxieties and concerns in the first weeks of parenthood. When leaving the hospital, new parents often feel overwhelmed with this new responsibility and not knowing how to care for their baby. All these feelings can increase anxiety and high blood pressure. Baby-wearing, co-sleeping, breastfeeding issues, swaddling, feeding routines- there are so many decisions and choices with a newborn. Your postpartum doula is there to help navigate, guide and empower you in making choices on how you will care for your baby.
Higher Birth Satisfaction:
Even though your birth is already over, postpartum doulas can help you to process the experience of labor and delivery in a healthy way. Postpartum doulas are professionals in the birth process and can be the safe place to process your birth story. Having a safe place to share your feelings, reduces anxiety and also increases the oxytocin hormone flow, which allows us to feel more peace and grounded.
Navigating Postpartum Emotions:
The postpartum period is a most critical time of need, not just physically, but emotionally —and this is so often ignored. Coming home means sleepless nights, the challenge of establishing a feeding schedule, fears, and uncertainties. About 80% of new mothers experience “baby blues”, which can lead to sadness, bouts of crying, irritability and anxiety for about two weeks. A postpartum doula stays by your side as you establish your new life with baby and provides a sounding board for you when you are ready to share your feelings. Doulas are trained to recognize the difference between the typical “baby blues” and something more serious, like postpartum depression or anxiety. This vigilance truly is the first line of defense against postpartum mental health issues.
Reduces Feeding Challenges:
Whether you’re choosing to breastfeed, bottle-feed, or both, your Postpartum Doula can offer information on safe feeding methods and how to establish a flexible feeding schedule according to the baby’s needs. She can address your concerns about nipple confusion, reading your baby’s hunger cues, and proper positioning. The doula can also explain the mechanics of a good latch and help determine if you could benefit from the guidance of a lactation counselor.