PostPartum Doula 

A postpartum doula is a non clinical professional support provider trained in the specific needs of a family in the days, weeks, or months after birth or the addition of a new baby according to the International Doula Institute.

Literally translated, the word Doula is a greek term for a woman’s servant.

Research evidence shows that the quality services of a postpartum doula can ease the transition that comes with the addition of a baby to a family, improving postnatal satisfaction, reducing the risk of mood disorders, and sleep deprivation.

It is the postpartum doula's job to nurture the family by providing evidence based care for families with newborns, supporting the families individual breastfeeding/formula feeding goals, offering infant calming techniques, and providing sleep support. 

Assistance may also be provided by grocery shopping, meal planning and preparation, and other daily household chores, within the scope of practice.

In addition to the wealth of knowledge presented, a postpartum doula is available to offer local resources for family support ranging from lactation consultants, birth doula's, post natal yoga, occupational therapists, massage therapists, cranial sacral therapists, physicians, chiropractors, herbalists, local family support groups, nanny agents, home cleaning suppliers and more. 

Infant care

Infants need plenty of care and require productivity at all hours of day and night. Assistance with expert insights, diaper changes, breastfeeding support, bottle support, bathing, colic, sleeping, and whatever additional need may present itself, provides families with time for postpartum healing, opportunities for sleep, and additional help with basic household chores. 

Siblings

An addition to the family is a shift in responsibility roles for everyone. It is important to strive to support the siblings with the transition to reduce anxiety for themselves and other family members. There are key practices that can be used to help the sibling learn to respond positively. From verbal to non verbal interactions, it is imperative that the siblings feel involved. With specific language, a child can feel empowered by this new caregiving role. With the division of time and energy, it is also important for the child to still be nurtured in their necessary ways. Additional support can help provide this.

Post Partum Stress

Postpartum Stress disorder is a common and serious illness. The CDC states that 1 in 10 women in the United States experiences symptoms. It has been scientifically recognized to be greatly reduced when doula support is available. Knowing how to respond to and support both men and women in this delicate state is vital to the ease of its reality. 

Whether the support be a presence of peace and knowing, providing evidence-based procedures, or simply providing compassion in recognizing the symptoms, a doula is a valuable resource to comforting and alleviating the stress an infant and adjusting, healing body presents.