Do you need support at home after the baby comes? CHOICE provides experienced Postpartum Doulas for new mothers and their families. The word “Doula” is Greek for helper; servant.
What is a Postpartum Doula?
A Postpartum Doula is a woman trained to provide physical, emotional, educational, and practical support to the new mother in areas such as breastfeeding and newborn care. She is also available to assist with errands, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and child care for older siblings during the early days of new parenting, up to 12 weeks postpartum.
Who needs a Postpartum Doula?
Almost all families would benefit from the support of a Postpartum Doula. First-time mothers welcome our care during the early days of new parenting. A Postpartum Doula may be especially helpful to a woman who has several older children, or a woman who has had a Cesarean Section. This is especially true, because many of us no longer live near extended family. Even if we do, family members may not be available to help the new parents. The support of a Postpartum Doula can also be valuable when even the best intentioned family members become stressful to the new or growing family.
What does a Postpartum Doula do?
Physical
- Provides information about how the mother should care for her body postpartum
- Assists with postpartum comfort measures for both mom and baby
- Gives information about proper nutrition, rest, and fluids
- Guides the family in newborn care.
Emotional
- Listens to the birth story
- Supports and encourages the whole family
- Offers advice when asked
- Validates emotional challenges of the family
- Helps parents work through multiple points of view
- Provides support to help prevent Postpartum Depression
- Recognizes symptoms of Postpartum Depression and provides additional resources/referrals
Educational
- Offers a list of resources/referrals
- Assists family in making important, well-informed decisions
- Assists with evaluating choices surrounding feeding, sleeping, and parenting styles
- Offers information about infant development
- Provides support and information about breastfeeding
- Assists families with bonding and attachment with their new baby
Practical
- Prepares simple meals and snacks
- Provides care to the baby so parents can rest, eat or shower
- Provides care for older children
- Runs errands
- Assists with laundry and light housework
When are Postpartum Doulas available?
Postpartum Doulas are available for a free one-hour consultation/interview at the office. After that, they can be contracted for 3-8 hours per day. During your pregnancy, we can visit your home for family/sibling/home preparation and relaxation, if desired.