What is a postpartum doula?
Do I really need one?
A postpartum doula is someone who tends to the informational, emotional, and physical needs of a postpartum parent and family. Postpartum doulas are expertly trained in postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, infant care, family changes, and providing non-judgmental and evidence-based support to your entire family. A postpartum doula helps you learn how to care for your new baby and how to navigate changing family dynamics, and does everything possible to ensure that you have the space to bond with your baby. They can assist with light housework, childcare, meal preparation, and will help to make sure you are well rested and nourished.
What's the difference between a
nanny, baby nurse, and doula?
While a nanny or baby nurse cares only for your baby, a postpartum doula cares for both parents and baby in the tender and often difficult time following birth. This means that along with helping you become the best parents for your baby, your doula is also knowledgeable about a parent's unique needs and anxieties in the postpartum period and is able to facilitate a smooth emotional and physical transition to parenthood. Postpartum doulas are trained in newborn care and provide the help or encouragement you need to learn critical parenting skills.
My mom will be around to help- isn't that the same thing?
Many families are fortunate enough to receive countless offers of help or support from friends, family
members, or anyone else eager to get some time with baby! While this support is amazing, it's not the same kind that you'll receive from a postpartum doula. It doesn't take long for most new parents to realize that while they know they need help, it's not quite clear to them what kind of help they would most benefit from. Postpartum doulas understand what new parents are going through and can often be the first to anticipate a family's needs and potential issues. Because postpartum doulas are trained in evidence-based information, you can be assured that the advice and guidance you receive are up-to-date and in line with infant care standards and safe parenting practices. Your postpartum doula can also help you organize and maximize the support you do receive from your family and social circle, and help you create and maintain healthy boundaries with your helpers for a more peaceful postpartum.
What does a doula do- and not do?
Postpartum doulas are skilled and knowledgeable about the care and development of newborns as well as a parent's physical and emotional recovery and adjustment to parenthood. We provide non-judgmental guidance on newborn care and feeding, assist parents with their recovery, care for baby so parents can care for themselves, help older siblings make a healthy adjustment, maintain family routines and rhythms, and provide practical household assistance. We can care for your children while you shower, nap, or have a moment to yourself. Your doula can also help prepare family meals, fold your laundry, play with your older children, and provide light housework.
Postpartum doulas don't do things like provide medical care, administer medication, or advise parents on any medical or clinical topics. Instead, postpartum doulas provide the information, resources, and support that parents need to make the best decision for their family. Postpartum doulas also don't provide primary childcare or take over parenting for you. Instead, we'll help you find the tools, techniques, and mindsets that you need to feel successful and positive in your parenting journey.
What if my parenting choices don't align with my doula's?
Doulas support ALL parents. Doulas do not have any personal agendas and offer non-judgmental support. A doula's job is to help you make choices that are right for you - what those choices end up being are not important, so long as they are yours. Doulas are trained to support all kinds of parenting choices, including how you feed your baby, where your baby sleeps, how you respond to them, and more. Our job is to support you- no matter what!
Helpful Resources
Here is a small list of recommendations to help you to prepare for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. You can find a bigger list on my website resource page.
The Fourth Trimester, By Kimberly Ann Johnson
Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide, By Penny Simkin, Janet Whalley, Ann Keppler, Janelle Durham, April Bolding
Birthing from Within, By Pam England, Rob Horowitz
Ina May Guide to Childbirth, By Ina May Gaskin
The Nourishing Traditions Book of Baby and Child Care, By Sally Fallon Morell, Thomas S. Cowan
The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-be, By Armin A. Brott, Jennifer Ash
The Breastfeeding Book: Everything you Need to Know about Nursing Your Child from Birth Through Weaning, By William Sears
National Institute of Child and Human Development, hptts://nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pregnancy
Office On Womens Health, https://womenshealth.gov
American Pregnancy Association, https://americanpregnancy.org
Happy Home Birth, https://myhappyhomebirth.com
Fathers To Be, FathersToBe.org
Abundant Health Chiropractic,(Pregnancy and pediatric care), Bozeman: (406)-585-7000
New Hope Pregnancy Center, Dillon: (406)-683-5259
Barrett Hospital and Health Services, Dillon: Clinic (406)-683-1188, Hospital (406)-683-3000
Ruby Valley Medical Center, Sheridan: (406)-842-5453