If you're familiar with doulas as support givers who assist with the birthing process, you may be wondering: What is a postpartum doula?
Whether you're welcoming your first child into the world or you have many, the early days with a newborn in the home can be challenging. Bringing home a new baby changes family routines and requires added effort from everyone in the household.
Postpartum doulas can be a huge help during this transitional period. They provide educational information and personalized support to help each member of the family in the most needed ways. Learning more about the duties performed by postpartum doulas and the benefits they provide can help you decide if hiring one is the best option for your family after bringing home a new baby.
The Role of a Postpartum Doula
So, exactly what is a postpartum doula?
A postpartum doula is an educated support person who helps provide information and support to a new mom in the days following the birth of a new baby. Their responsibilities and services align with your family's changing needs as you heal and the entire family adjusts to having a new baby around.
Services can include newborn care assistance, such as breastfeeding assistance and help with diaper changes, naps, and feedings. However, postpartum doulas aren't only dedicated to newborn care. They can provide you with physical support after a complex delivery, play with older children as you tend to the baby, and take care of light household chores. A postpartum doula can also offer advice and techniques to help all family members become accustomed to interacting with the baby. An overnight doula can give new parents the priceless gift of a good night's sleep so they can be more alert when taking care of their new responsibilities.
Postpartum doulas take on a very personalized role to give new moms, infants, and their families the support they need during the transitional time of welcoming a new baby into the family.
Benefits of Hiring a Postpartum Doula
Often called the 4th trimester, the period following birth can be very challenging. In the weeks after pregnancy, moms experience extreme hormonal shifts, and everyone is facing new responsibilities (typically with less sleep). During the first few days or weeks of bringing home a new baby, assistance from a postpartum doula can provide many benefits.
- Recovery is made easier when postpartum doulas help take care of various responsibilities.
- Some doulas work at night to help parents get a good night's sleep.
- Doulas are a great source of information and referrals for various needs, ranging from baby care to lactation specialists and postpartum care.
- Postpartum doulas are trained in newborn care and can offer advice about taking care of various concerns.
- Doulas can also help dads and siblings become more comfortable in bonding with the baby.
- Support and information provided by a postpartum doula can help the whole family build confidence as they learn their roles in caring for the baby.
Fourth Down's Postpartum Doulas Are a Valuable Resource for New Parents
With so much focus on preparing for labor and birth, transitioning from the hospital to home can leave parents feeling isolated. As moms, we've experienced firsthand how having a strong local support system in the weeks or months following birth creates a joyful and transformative experience. Sometimes, a postpartum doula is the final link in the strong support system you need to welcome your new baby.
A postpartum doula from Fourth Down can act as an additional support person who provides information and services in the ways that are most helpful to meet your changing needs. Learn more about personalized postpartum support provided by our certified postpartum doulas.