Bringing a baby home can be overwhelming. If the mother had a cesarean section  or other complications, it can be even more challenging. If you need help and support through the first few weeks, a postpartum doula can help. Postpartum doulas help families who are bringing a baby home either through adoption or birth.
 

 

What is a postpartum doula ?

 
A postpartum doula is  an experienced woman  who provides evidence based information on things such as feeding, newborn care, emotional and physical recovery from birth, mother-baby bonding and infant soothing.

These doulas are there to help families when they bring the baby home during the first few weeks.

What types of services does a postpartum doula provide ?

 
A postpartum doula offers many help but her  main job is the help the mother and nurture the entire family as they transition into life with a newborn. She will work with each family individually to discover their needs.

Some of the duties of a postpartum doula include the following :

• breastfeeding support
• light housekeeping and laundry
• assistance with newborn care such as changing diaper, bathing, feeding and comforting
• sibling care
• running errands
• help with emotional and physical recovery after birth
• referrals to local resources such as parenting classes, lactation support, pediatrician and support group

 
Working with a doula can range from 3 to 5 days a week and as long as 1 to 3 weeks. These doula may also offer night time services to help families transition smoothly into the challenges of night  time parenting.  Each doula offers different services. It is therefore important that  each family decides what their needs are  and find a doula who meets their needs.

What is the difference between a postpartum doula and a baby nurse ?

 
A doula is there is support  everyone in the family including the mother , father, siblings and baby. However a baby nurse focuses solely on the baby.
 
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