What is a Postpartum and Infant Care Doula?

A postpartum and infant care doula is someone who provides emotional and physical support to parents in the comfort of their own homes, specifically during the postpartum period. This can include non-biased, evidence-based information, general infant care, and various tasks that provide a helping hand where you need it most, so your focus is on bonding with baby and recovering.

Who could benefit from a Postpartum Doula?

Anyone and everyone! Doulas are here to support! 

Whether you're experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety, whether you're a new or experienced parent needing a guiding hand to navigate those crucial early days, or if you have older siblings that could benefit from assistance with the transition, doulas are here to listen, provide unwavering support, and prioritize your needs.

Many studies show doulas can:

• Help lower the risk of postpartum mood disorders

• Increase Breast/chest feeding success

• Promote rest and the general wellbeing of the birthing parent to prioritize a successful recovery

• Create a smoother, happier overall experience for the birthing parent, partner, and baby through this new major change.

• Raise parents confidence in their abilities in this new role
  

What is the Postpartum timeframe?

The postpartum period, also known as the fourth trimester, is a crucial phase that occurs generally during the first 6 weeks after birth. During this time, the birthing person and baby undergo significant emotional and physical transitions. It's a period that demands time, patience, and understanding from those closest to them. 

What does a Postpartum Doula usually do? 

Since the postpartum phase comes with many unpredictable moments, flexibility is important. You can count on having convenient help with day or night options. 

 During the night care might include: 

• Identifying safe sleep spaces

• Establishing consistent sleeping and feeding routines

• Provide plenty of restful time for the birthing parent. This can look different for everyone!

• Washing and sterilizing bottles and pump parts

• Quietly folding baby laundry in the nursery

• Waking for pumping and/or feeding times if desired

• Empowering parents to maintain a consistent routine that works best for them

Day time may look like: 

• Processing the emotional and physical aspects of birth or cesarean, recovery, and postpartum

• Providing product recommendations

• Infant feeding education and assistance

• Newborn care

• Sibling care

• Washing and sterilizing bottles and parts

• Baby nursery organization 

• Baby laundry 

• Sleep support 

• Soothing techniques

What is the difference between a Postpartum Doula and a nanny?

A nanny's primary focus is on nurturing, fostering the well-being, and promoting the growth of children of various ages. This can include organizing scheduled activities, managing mealtimes, nannying during date nights, and other child-centered responsibilities.

On the other hand, a doula dedicates their time to the birthing person's recovery, attending to their physical and mental well-being, assisting in establishing healthy feeding and sleeping routines for the newborn, provides a wide variety of evidence-based information, and is trained on general newborn care.

This wholesome and well-rounded support person plays a vital role in enhancing bonding time with the baby, advocating not only for the baby, but for the birthing person and their partner. They empower parents to identify the needs of their baby and family as a whole, creating an environment where everyone can thrive.