Skip to main content

So what's the deal with postpartum doulas?



    After nine wonderful years as a postpartum doula, the question, "A postpartum doula, what’s that?" still echoes in my ears. It's a journey filled with heartwarming moments, sleepless nights, and an unwavering commitment to supporting new moms. This blog isn't about tooting my own horn; as I hope to demystify the role of postpartum doulas for those who may not have encountered this invaluable resource yet.


 A Night in the Life of an Overnight Postpartum Doula

 Picture this: I arrive at the homes of usually very sleepy parents, ready to embark on a night of care and support. We have conversations about their baby, nightly routines, and feeding habits. Together, we plan the night—deciding whether the baby will be bottle-fed by me or nursed by mom and I offer to tackle tasks like folding baby laundry, sterilizing bottles, or preparing snacks for the tired mother.


 Adaptability is key; I set up wherever the parents feel most comfortable, be it the nursery, living area, or a guest room. As the parents retreat to bed, I step into the role of caregiver, ensuring a smooth night for the baby. A detailed log capturing wake-up times, feeds, and diaper changes is kept throughout the night, and in the morning, after a debriefing session, I send mom a text with my notes.


 Educational Support and Resources 

Beyond the practical assistance during the night, my role extends to providing resources and evidence-based education on newborn care, sleep, and breastfeeding. I become a listening ear, offering moms a safe space to process their birth story and discuss any concerns about their new role. Utilizing my expertise as a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, I assist mothers in navigating challenges, providing support to help them reach their breastfeeding goals.


 Building a Network of Support 

Over the years, I've cultivated an expansive referral network. When faced with situations beyond my scope, I happily connect my clients with other professionals who can provide the specialized assistance they need. Additionally, I love lending out books on various topics like infant sleep and breastfeeding, creating a comprehensive support system for new parents.


 In short, a postpartum doula is more than a caregiver; many refer to us as "professional baby whisperers"  It's not just about the baby; It's about creating a cocoon of support, knowledge, and empathy during those critical early days of parenthood.  


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Nurturing the Journey: Becoming a Postpartum Doula

A Guide to Becoming a Postpartum Doula  For many women, welcoming a new life into the world is a miraculous and transformative experience. The birth of a baby marks the birth of a mother. Across diverse cultures globally, the postpartum period, also known as matrescence is a time of transition in nearly every facet of a woman's life, as beautifully noted by Kelsey Borresen in Huff Post. It holds profound significance, casting a sacred light on a woman's journey. As a postpartum professional, your role is crucial in supporting her. This blog post will guide you on how to embark on the rewarding journey of becoming a postpartum doula, providing holistic care and empowering mothers on their breastfeeding journeys. Understanding the Role of a Postpartum Doula: A postpartum doula is a trained professional who extends physical, emotional, and informational support  to mothers during the postpartum period. Beyond the essential newborn care, your role encompasses aiding a mother in ...
Post a Comment
Read more

How to Choose the Right Postpartum Doula for You

So you've decided to hire a postpartum doula, but now you are wondering how to find the right one for you. You might start by asking your healthcare provider for recommendations. Many postpartum doulas have networks of local providers they work with. Your obstetrician, chiropractor or pediatrician might know of a great doula or have heard of one through their professional network.  Another option is to search online for "postpartum doulas in the Houston area", or wherever you are located and look over their websites. Doulamatch.net is a directory for parents to find a doula in their area, listing their years of experience and relevant certifications such as doula training, breastfeeding education, and CPR certification. You can also consider doula agencies, which often have teams of experienced doulas and handle the vetting process to ensure you receive quality care. The most important factor when choosing a postpartum doula is how comfortable you feel with them and whet...
Post a Comment
Read more

Ways to know if your baby is getting enough milk

One of the most common concerns for new mothers is wondering if their baby is getting enough milk. In the early days of breastfeeding, babies’ tummies are tiny—about the size of a marble when they're born, holding 1-1.4 teaspoons. During the first few days postpartum, babies take in smaller, more frequent feeds of colostrum , (Mom's first milk), which arrives in small amounts weeks before delivery and is the perfect food for babies.  Colostrum has been referred to as baby’s first medicine, or “liquid gold” since it is packed with nutrients and antibodies that will prime their immune system those first few days earth-side.   Breastfed babies typically eat between 8 and 12 times a day, sometimes more! Responding to their cues is important and will help establish a good milk supply. Babies tend to feed more frequently during growth spurts or when they're not feeling well.  Here are some ways to know if your baby is getting enough:  Feeding Cues  Signs of Satisfacti...
Post a Comment
Read more