Postpartum Support 101
So many times, when I introduce myself as a Postpartum Doula, I hear the questions “what do you do?” or “what does a postpartum doula do?” so I thought this would be a great topic for the blog today!
What is Postpartum Doula Support?
I like to introduce the idea of postpartum doula support as the concept of having someone compassionate and super educated about pregnancy, delivery, recovery & infant care supporting your postpartum journey by supplying information, being available for questions, providing resources, offering hands on support, serving as a new parent sounding board, etc.
Research shows that both parents and babies have an easier time with this transition if a good support team is in place.
What types of services do I provide as a Postpartum Doula?
My main goal as a postpartum doula is to support and help to cultivate your new family, which includes “mothering the mother” and nurturing the entire family through the transition of a new baby. This often focuses on helping new parents grow their confidences, adapt to new schedules, and address their unique needs as individuals in a new family unit.
Postpartum doulas provide families with evidence-based information and support on things such as:
Physical & emotional recovery after birth
Assistance and support with newborn care such as diapering, bathing, feeding and comforting
Breastfeeding, pumping, and/or formula feeding support
Baby soothing techniques
Support with mother-baby boding
Coping skills for new parents
Postpartum doulas can also offer in person support such as:
Light meal preparation or fixing snacks for new parents
Sibling care, including helping siblings adjust into the schedule of a new baby
Light housekeeping and infant care while new parents rest or practice self care.
Referrals to local resources including parenting classes, pediatricians, lactation consultants, & new parent support groups
When should I hire a Postpartum Doula?
Anytime! Many clients search for, interview and hire their postpartum doula during their second or third trimester of pregnancy. This enables us to work together to plan the postpartum period for both new parents and the new baby, anticipate any challenges that may arise, and begin working together as soon after delivery as desired. Other clients learn after navigating the first few days or weeks with a new baby that a postpartum doula can be so helpful to their families adjustment, and I’m happy to jump right in for support at that time too. Postpartum support can include anytime from pregnancy to a year post delivery, and is customized for every family individually.
What should I ask when interviewing a Postpartum Doula?
I always tell potential clients to trust their intuition when meeting with or interviewing myself or others for the postpartum doula role.
I like to start interviews asking clients to tell me about themselves and their pregnancies, and then I share an introduction of myself and my experience.
These are common questions I encourage clients to ask when interviewing a postpartum doula:
Have you had training or experience? What type?
Are you versed in pregnancy or postpartum mental health?
What do your contracts or packages look like?
How does invoicing and billing look?
Is there anything you’re not comfortable helping out with?
Currently: What precautions are you and your household taking for COVID-19 to protect me and my new baby?
What ways can I specifically support you as you plan for and navigate the postpartum period?
Together we’ll create a Postpartum Plan. During a 30 minute consultation, we’ll discuss everything from the physical and emotional needs of you, your baby and your family. Based on the current COVID-19 social distancing regulations, we’ll develop concrete ways your family, friends and village can support you. After our conversation, your plan will be available to you for download.
Postpartum doula services includes in-person support and advice using evidence-based information on things such as infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, mother-baby bonding, sleep schedules, infant soothing and basic newborn care. Currently, I am also available to offer the advice and connection portion virtually in accordance with COVID-19 regulations.
The first year postpartum is a huge time of growth for you, as parents, both individually and together. Allow me to connect you with other new parents navigating the same space so you can find community support and a safe place for questions and conversation. Support groups will take place for 1 hour a week for 4 concurrent weeks. Currently, all new moms support groups I’m facilitating will occur virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions, meaning you can join us from wherever you’re located!
How can you learn more about hiring me as a Postpartum Doula?
Click here to schedule a complimentary 30 minute consultation!
Let’s connect on the phone or over Zoom, where I can learn about your pregnancy journey & postpartum hopes and provide initial ideas on support, recommendations and future plans.
