9 benefits of hiring a postpartum doula
Working with a postpartum doula can be an incredibly beneficial experience for a new mom. Here are 9 benefits of working with a postpartum doula:
Support and guidance: A postpartum doula offers expertise and support to new moms as they navigate their new role. Postpartum doulas are highly trained birth professionals. Our training includes a wide variety of subjects including postpartum healing for vaginal and cesarean birth, basic breastfeeding and formula feeding education, newborn care techniques and soothing and more.
Assistance with newborn care: Postpartum doulas can help with breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, as well as basic baby care like bathing, diapering, and swaddling. We are up to date on the latest evidence based support when it comes to things like reheating a bottle and how to store breastmilk.
Emotional support: Postpartum doulas can provide emotional support and understanding during this often-challenging time. One of the key parts of being a doula is companionship. Sometimes this is the main motivation for my clients when they hire me. They want a listening ear and an extra set of hands around the house, especially if their partners have a demanding job.
Connections to resources: Postpartum doulas can help link families with resources in the community, such as support groups and networking opportunities. I have gathered a long list of outside resources like lactation support, chiropractic care, mommy and me classes and baby-wearing clubs for the Lawrence and Topeka area.
Education: Postpartum doulas can help educate new mothers about infant development, self-care, and parenting strategies. I love teaching clients about holistic postpartum healing, nutrition and baby care techniques. It rounds out my role as a doula and helps parents transition out of the postpartum care I provide.
Help with household tasks: Postpartum doulas can help with laundry, meals, and cleaning, giving new moms more time to rest and bond with their baby. The meat and potatoes of what I do. No task is too big or too small. If there is ever a concern with what is in or out of my scope of practice as a doula we can discuss the task and what resource might be available to help you complete it.
Postpartum planning: Postpartum doulas can advise on postpartum planning, such as establishing sleep patterns, creating a schedule, and selecting childcare. This is why I encourage people to hire their postpartum doulas before birth! We have so much to offer when it comes to postpartum planning.
Establishing parent self-care: Postpartum doulas can provide time for you as a parent to get a little time to yourself to shower or perform your skin care routine. I've even had clients take time to complete a virtual postpartum yoga class while I cared for their newborn. It can take awhile to feel like yourself again after you give birth, but those small moments of self care can at least make you feel like a human.
Help with the transition to parenthood: Postpartum doulas can help families adjust to the transition to parenthood and offer advice on how to navigate the changes. My job is to help you replace me by providing you with the confidence to parent as a newbie.
Book a virtual support session today!