HomeBabyDo you need a...

Do you need a postpartum doula?

Little babies are something I’ve always loved. I love the smell of them, their warmth and the way they are able to drift off to sleep regardless of what’s going on around them. I was a nanny for many children in college, graduate school, as well as during career transitions. Most of them were between 4 and 3 months old when I began caring for them. As a nanny, I wasn’t only there to care for the children but also provided emotional support to the mother. I was there to support parents as they transitioned into parenthood. This included helping them navigate the complexities of returning to work after having children.

My sisters had their own children over the years and I was again able to help new parents. It felt more personal than ever. After becoming a nanny and aunt, I discovered the importance of postpartum doulas and decided to pursue a career as one. Although I did my research on the training and what it meant, I was unable to afford it. I continued my education in graduate school in mental healthcare counseling, and I worked towards getting my license. I made the decision to become a doula postpartum in March 2019.

What is a Postpartum Doula?

You are not the only one who is unfamiliar with the idea of a postpartum support worker. People are only just starting to talk about postpartum doulas, and the work we do. Doula is a Greek term that means one who serves. Historically, the term “doula” was used to describe a support person who helped friends and families during labor. Many people today work as birth doulas, helping clients through labor and birth. Some people can be both a birth and postpartum doula.

Costs and services of a postpartum doula

DONA International defines the three types of work that a doula does as a postpartum doula: informational, practical and emotional. Practical work involves helping to prepare meals for the family and preparing snacks for evening feedings. This can include light housecleaning and time spent with a sibling while the baby and parents nap. It is important to discuss with your family how things will be once the doula has left (who will cook, who will grocery shop, etc.). It is important for the family’s to feel empowered after the postpartum doula goes.

The Postpartum Doula vs. the Baby Nurse

A postpartum doula does not work as a babysitter, nanny or baby nurse. A baby nurse is a professional who assists parents with their childcare needs throughout the night. However, the postpartum doula’s role is to help parents balance their lives with the new addition.

A baby nurse will provide childcare while a doula for postpartum mothers is available to help parents with information and support. Postpartum doulas may work overnight, just like a night nurse, but the emphasis is on teaching parents how they can manage the times the doula cannot be there.

Postpartum Doula Training

Although there are many certifying agencies, I was certified through DONA International. The training is three days long and covers everything related to infant and newborn care, breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, family dynamics, as well as both mental and physical health warning signs. Doulas will be able to start working with families after the weekend training. They will need to work with three families in order for them to earn recommendation letters and get certified.

Doulas receive a list of books to help them with the certification process. This includes topics such as family bonding, attachment, newborn care and development, and how doulas can support families. To be certified, doulas must also complete a breastfeeding course. A comprehensive local resource list must be created by postpartum doulas in order to be able to assist clients with any other needs.

Do you know who should hire a postpartum doula?

I believe that any person who has recently welcomed a baby to their family can benefit greatly from the help of a doula postpartum. It can be difficult to adjust to a new baby in your family. This is a time when routines are being broken down and new ones begin to emerge. It can be very daunting for those who aren’t prepared. Even if you believe you are ready, it can feel overwhelming. It is helpful to have someone to help you navigate this transition.

Find a Doula for Postpartum in Your Area

The postpartum period can be chaotic and confusing for parents. However, it is also a time when there are joy and love. A postpartum doula’s job is to help parents make the transition easier so they can get to know their new partner. Doula Match is a great resource for finding doulas and doula services near you.

Follow Us

1,000FansLike
1,000FollowersFollow
1,000FollowersFollow

Follow Google News

Most Popular

More from Author

Understanding the Enigma: “Bizarrap Baby Hello Lyrics” Uncovered

Who would've thought that a seemingly random phrase like "bizarrap baby...

Adoptive Families: The Love and Commitment of Adoptive Parents

How many ways can love manifest itself? Love isn't merely a...

The Ultimate Guide: How to Get Your Baby to Sleep through the Night

Ah, the age-old question for new parents: "How do I get...

Tips to Stay Cool While Baby Carrying

Tips to Stay Cool While Baby Carrying Baby Carrying: There are many...

How to find the best baby-monitoring device

How to find the best baby-monitoring device You can see and hear...

How to test baby monitors?

Avoid baby monitors that may have blurred or cutout images, poor...

Natural Baby Products Have Many Baby Care Benefits

Natural Baby Products Have Many Baby Care Benefits There are many decisions...

Natural Baby Products Offer Baby Care Benefits

Natural Baby Products Offer Baby Care Benefits There are many decisions you...

Mary Janes Baby Shoe: Little Feet Shoes for Infant and Toddler

Mary Janes Baby Shoe: Little Feet Shoes for Infant and Toddler Tiny...

The Truth About Baby Shoes

The Truth About Baby Shoes Already, I can hear the moms asking...

What are the best baby toys for your baby?

What are the best baby toys for your baby? It isn't easy...

- A word from our sponsors -

spot_img

Read Now

Adoptive Families: The Love and Commitment of Adoptive Parents

How many ways can love manifest itself? Love isn't merely a biological connection; it's an emotional bond that transcends DNA. The story of adoptive families is an ode to this unique kind of love - a love that chooses, commits, and nurtures. Adoptive Families: The Love and...

Five Steps to Fix Your Newborn’s Night-Night Confusedness

Are you a parent of a baby who is prone to sleeping all day, but wakes up at night? You are not the only one. It is very common for newborns to be confused at night. Must Read: best tool to generate new born names Let's discuss why day-night...

WHAT TO CHOOSE AS A GIFT FOR A 2 YEARS OLD BABY GIRL?

To pick the correct toy for your 2-year-old young lady, it is significant for each parent to think about the formative advantages of the toy to the youngster. The formative needs of a 2-year-old incorporate language and relational abilities demands engine aptitudes, individual and social aptitudes just...

3 TIPS TO IMPROVE DOCTOR VISITS WITH YOUR LITTLE ONE

Taking young children to the doctor can be challenging, especially if they’ve developed anxiety about appointments. Even excellent primary care North Tonawanda NY can still be intimidating for kids. Fortunately, you can take small steps at home to prepare your child for an upcoming doctor visit. This...

I am a mom and a priest: This is the deal with Jewish circumcision

My home life is filled with many rituals. We try everything. We offer blessings and celebrate Shabbat. My husband and I decided when I was pregnant that we wouldn't want to perform a public circumcision. This is a Jewish tradition. While we didn't find out the gender...

Multiples and Baby Sleep

This blog is for parents of multiples who have recently found out they are expecting twins, triplets or quadruplets. Let's talk baby sleep and multiples. Must Read: mystery or spy party for kids Can you get good sleep with multiple people? YES! I believe that multiple parents who have the...

Mary Janes Baby Shoe: Little Feet Shoes for Infant and Toddler

Mary Janes Baby Shoe: Little Feet Shoes for Infant and Toddler Tiny feet and tiny toes are precious moments that parents treasure when it comes to babies. Parents often neglect to take care of their little ones' feet. This is especially true when it comes footwear. Healthy feet...

There’s something to smile about

Smiles are contagious, and these smiling children from all over the globe will put a smile on you face. Find out what made them smile this year. Above: Franky (3 years old) was separated from his parents at the crossing of Darien Gap. This dangerous jungle separates Colombia...

COMMON ISSUES ADDRESSED DURING PRENATAL CARE

When you’re expecting a baby, you’ll quickly learn that your body is no longer your own. When health issues arise, a mother naturally wants to do whatever it takes to keep the baby healthy. One way she can do that is through Prenatal Care Berkeley CA. Here...

In the midst of war in Ukraine, music brings comfort

Maksym, nine years old, says that "when I play the piano I forget about war." As the conflict escalated in Ukraine, Maksym fled Eastern Ukraine with his brother and mother. He has been hiding in Lviv in western Ukraine since then. Must Read: 3 tips to improve doctor...

There are foods to avoid while breastfeeding.

Your nursing baby is what you eat. You want him to get the best nutrition possible and to avoid any foods that could cause harm. With so many contradicting information, it is not unusual for new mothers to avoid whole food groups because they are afraid. Also Read:...

How to throw a mystery or spy party for kids

The secret world of spies has been a fascination for generations, both adults and children. No surprise that children often ask for mystery parties when they turn one. These are some ways to make your child's birthday memorable by having a mystery or spy theme. Mirago Media...