Beautiful Beginnings

Postpartum

What is a Postpartum Doula?

A Doula is a "woman caregiver"; someone who is experiened and trained to help the new
mother and family.
This very important service provides knowledgeable, caring, and personal support during those first few weeks as new parents.

Childbirth Preparation classes prepare you for the birth experience, but often there is not enough preparation for the new role as parents and how your life will change once the baby is brought home from the hospital. Extra hands-on experience can ease feelings of apprehension and uncertainty. A Postpartum Doula's role is to come into the home to help the new family.

What does a Postpartum Doula do?

Physical comfort to the new mother

Help mother to care for her postpartum body

Encourages mom to eat properly and drink plenty of fluids

Massage the new mother's shoulders or feet

Allow her to rest when baby is resting or shower and nurture herself

Help the new mother to cope with sore nipples and engorgement

Emotional support for the new family

Listen to the story of the birth

Validate the normal adjustment process

Support mother through emotional vulnerablity

Support father through transition to new role

Help siblings adjust to the presence of the baby

Guidance in infant care

Help mother, partner, LEARN to the feed baby

Demonstrate infant care techniques such as diapering and bathing

Give information on newborn care recommendations

Aid parents to develop their own styles of nurturing and bonding with the baby

Household assistance

Prepare meals and snacks for the new mother and family

Empty trash

Change the sheets on the mother's bed and the crib

Run errands: shop for food, supplies, etc.

May do baby laundry or other light cleaning

Postpartum Doulas DO NOT:

Evaluate mother's or baby's medical condition

Take over the care of baby

Insist new parents care for their baby in any particular style

Do heavy housecleaning (mopping, cleaning bathtubs, etc.)

Cost of this service:

Starting at $25.00 an hour, rates vary according to needs or number of babies.

Training:

Training to become a Postpartum Doula is available. Please refer to 'Event Calendar' and our sister website, www.northcountydoulas.com for more details.