Introduction
You’re not alone. As a new parent, you’ve got an overwhelming amount of things to think about: getting enough sleep, keeping your baby safe, breastfeeding (or bottle-feeding), and more. And that’s just for starters. That’s where a postpartum doula comes in. A postpartum doula provides parents with guidance during this time of transition and can help them recover from the physical effects of birth and adjust to life as a new parent. Here are “5 Reasons You Need a Postpartum Doula”
Breastfeeding support.
You may be thinking, “Breastfeeding is natural.” And it is. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Breastfeeding can be a challenge for new moms and their babies, and having someone there who knows what they’re doing will make all the difference in the world. A postpartum doula can help with positioning and latching, as well as overcoming other challenges like sore nipples or low milk supply–and she’ll do it all with compassion and love for both you and your baby (or babies).
Recovering from birth.
Recovering from birth is a process. It’s not an event, and it’s different for everyone. The first few weeks after delivery are hard work, but they’re also one of the most crucial times in your life as a new mom. Your body has been through so much, and you deserve to be treated well during this time–by yourself and by those around you!
A postpartum doula can help with recovery by providing emotional support (and sometimes physical support) for you as well as your partner or other caregivers during this time of transition into parenthood. A postpartum doula will encourage rest when needed; help set up strategies for bonding with the baby; provide hands-on care such as cooking healthy meals; offer respite when needed so parents can get some well-deserved sleep; assist in housekeeping duties like laundry or dishes if requested; provide transportation services if necessary (to doctor appointments or errands); provide education around breastfeeding/formula feeding options etc., which can be especially helpful if there was any confusion about what type of feeding method(s) were chosen prior delivery date; offer suggestions on how best care for both mother/child throughout entire hospital stay period including getting discharged home safely once ready
Navigating motherhood.
Postpartum doulas are trained to help you with all of the above, and more. They can also help with:
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Breastfeeding support and education, including latching and positioning.
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Newborn care, such as swaddling, diaper changing, and bathing.
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Baby sleeping tips that will help get baby into a good sleep routine right away (this is especially important if you’re breastfeeding).
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Tips for working through hunger pains so that mom gets enough calories without needing a snack break every three hours!
Becoming a parent can be overwhelming — and that’s where a postpartum doula comes in.
A postpartum doula is someone who provides emotional and physical support to new parents. They can be a source of comfort and reassurance, and even help with breastfeeding. Doulas can also help with recovery from childbirth — some women experience pain after delivery that may require extra attention from their caretakers.
Postpartum depression (PPD) affects roughly 1 in 10 women during pregnancy or after giving birth. A postpartum doula will offer advice on coping strategies for dealing with this condition as well as providing practical assistance like meal preparation or housekeeping tasks so that you have more time to spend caring for your newborn child instead of doing chores around the house
A postpartum doula provides parents with guidance.
You might be thinking, “I don’t need help with breastfeeding, birth recovery, and more! I’m a strong woman who can handle it on my own.”
You’re right: you are strong. But what if I told you that having a postpartum doula is more than just getting someone to provide physical support during the first few days after birth? What if I told you that having a postpartum doula means having someone who will help guide your choices as a new parent and make sure they align with what’s best for both of you? What if I told you that having this guide could save your marriage or relationship with your partner?
A postpartum doula can help you recover from the physical effects of birth and adjust to life as a new parent.
A postpartum doula is a professional trained in postpartum care. They can help you with breastfeeding, recovery from birth, and adjusting to life as a new parent.
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A postpartum doula can assist with breastfeeding: Most women who have given birth know that breastfeeding isn’t always easy–especially when it comes down to getting started for the first time. A postpartum doula’s role includes helping mothers learn how to breastfeed on their own or through lactation consultants if necessary.
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A postpartum doula helps with recovery from childbirth: The physical effects of giving birth are real (and sometimes painful), but they don’t have to last forever! Postpartum doulas provide support during this difficult time by assisting in any way possible–from massages and baths all the way up through massage therapy sessions if need be!
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Most importantly though–a good one will make sure you’re eating right too because let’s face it: You’re going need those nutrients after giving birth!
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about hiring a postpartum doula, we hope these reasons have convinced you to do so. We know that parenting can be overwhelming, but having someone available to help you during this time will make a huge difference in how you feel as a parent and how your baby grows.
Interested in postpartum support? Check out my doula packages here, and reach out to Chloe with Midland Doula if you have any questions hello@midlanddoula.com.