What Is A Postpartum Doula And Is One Right For Me?
Congratulations, you are pregnant! You have a baby on the way, maybe more than one! Maybe it’s your first, or maybe it’s your fifth. No matter how many children you have, you are starting on an exhilarating journey called parenthood. Even for experienced parents adding another baby to the family changes, routines, time spent doing other things and with other children, and healing. Many families rely purely on their friends and family during the post-partum period. But some families choose to utilize the experience and care of a post-partum doula. In this paper we will briefly discuss what a post-partum doula is, their role, and the pros and cons of having one that may make you decide if you would like to secure the services of one.
What is a Post-Partum Doula?
To start, we need to define what a post-partum doula is. The International Doula Institute gives a great definition of Post-Partum Doula. “A postpartum doula is a professional support person trained in the needs of the family in the days, weeks and months after birth or the addition of a new baby. The doula offers non-judgmental support, guidance, evidence-based education, and practical hands-on support immediately after birth through the first year. Doula originates from the Greek word meaning woman servant.” Post-partum doulas are not medical professionals, but someone who provides non-medical support in a variety of ways.
What Does a Post-Partum Doula Do?
While some families will contract a post-partum doula during their pregnancy, many find that they need more help than anticipated after they have brought their new baby home. Post-partum doulas provide a wide range of services, including but not limited to the following: Breastfeeding support, with many doulas training to be breastfeeding counselors or lactation consultants. Emotional and physical recovery after birth, birth can be a traumatic experience and no matter if our bodies are made for it, it does take time to heal. Light housekeeping, doing the dishes, some laundry, or other small chores can help the parents from feeling overwhelmed. Running errands, the last thing you want to do with a new baby is to get them all pulled together, pull yourself together, put them in the car, and run all over town. Caring for the newborn, having someone who is experienced and can be trusted to care for your newborn so you can rest or take care of other tasks can be a huge relief. Meal preparation, from making the ingredient list all the way to being ready to serve, many postpartum doulas will assist with meal preparation. This can come in very handy to ensure you and your family are getting all the proper nutrients to fuel you as you breastfeed, heal, and adjust to your new normal. Sibling care, for some families having someone who can help with the older children and sooth them into the role of big sister or big brother can be especially helpful. Referrals, having someone in the community who can give trustworthy referrals for parenting classes, pediatricians, support groups and other resources can cut down on much of the stress for new parents.
Pros and Cons of Post-Partum Doulas
Now that we know what a post-partum doula is and what they do we can look at the pros and cons of their role. Having someone come into your home during such a chaotic time can be both a relief and a stressor for many. Post-partum doulas can be a huge help during this time and can relieve a lot of pressure for parents, on the other hand though, some parents may feel like they need to entertain, their private space has been intruded upon or they may feel like they have someone judging them. If any of these are the case you may need to look for a new doula, they may not be the right fit for your family. Studies show that families who use the services of post-partum doulas have more favorable results in breastfeeding and report higher satisfaction with their breastfeeding journey than families who don’t have a post-partum doula. Even parents who don’t breastfeed studies show they are able to pump more milk due to increased oxytocin levels. Similarly, families report fewer issues with post-partum depression, and find that when they do have issues it is caught sooner. Families also have the benefit of hands-on training and tutoring. With the aid of their post-partum doula, parents are able to learn skills to care for their newborn faster and feel more confident with their abilities and instincts. Parenting can feel isolating and having someone who is always on your side and looking out for the babies’ best interest can help alleviate many stresses. Now, let’s get to the real talk. Cost. While prices vary depending on location, services provided, certifications, and more the average cost of a post-partum doula is $25 to $65 an hour. With many post-partum doulas requiring a minimum number of hours, this cost can add up quickly. However, you can always inquire about sliding scale options, payment plans, or the potential third party insurance programs. Some post-partum doulas even work with community organizations or through grants.
Time to Decide
For some the cost of contracting a post-partum doula and having someone in their home during this hectic time is too much. For many the cost related is small in comparison to all that post-partum doulas provide. Having the “extra set of hands” that every mom wishes for at some point is possible with a post-partum doula. They can provide an incredible number of services and benefits for you and your family and can ease you through this time as you truly take your first steps in the journey of parenthood. No matter your choice, what you decide is incredibly personal and needs to be right for your family.
Certified Breastfeeding Counselor
It times past, women didn't have a choice when it came to breastfeeding. And in some cultures women were forced to breastfeed for others or weren't allowed to breastfeed at all. Today, women have the choice to breastfeed, bottle feed, or to do both. The role of the Breastfeeding Counselor is to support you on your chosen path. To educate in safe feeding practices, and to help you problem solve. Breastfeeding Counselors are there to give you the confidence to continue on your chosen path with evidence based education. Our doula received an extense education to better support you in your journey.
Perinatal Nutrition
What you put in your body for fuel is important during the most normal of times. But during pregnancy and after, nutrition plays a crucial role in your health and in the health of your child.
Knowing what and how to eat it to maximize the nutrition in the months leading up to birth and after as you nurse, heal, and raise your child is indispensable. Having a perinatal Nutrition Counselor can help guide you and your family through this wonderful and demanding time.