In modern society, a new mother is often left at home alone with her baby within days of the birth ~ tired, bewildered and overwhelmed ~ struggling through the reality of life after baby. She may feel isolated and alone, discouraged to find herself having to recuperate from 9 months of pregnancy and the physical trauma of childbirth while still having to tend to her daily activities as though she had not just given birth. Many new mothers rely on the assistance of a family member or friend during this time, to help meet the continuing needs of her family. If she does not have the support of friends or relatives, the burden of caring for her family remains on her shoulders unless she and her family seek out the services of a postpartum doula.
A postpartum doula can be a wonderful helper and companion for a new mother and her family. She brings her experience and training to each family she assists. Often, her first job is to assist the new mother as she recovers from the trauma of birth. Her role is to "mother the new mother", and she can do this in a variety of ways, as requested by her client. She may take on the physical responsibilities of the household (light cleaning and organizing, running errands, cooking). She may facilitate rest and sleep, either by taking the baby so mom can sleep and only bringing him/her to mom for breastfeeding, taking over the formula-feeding (especially at night) so that mom (and dad) can rest, or supporting co-sleeping if mom would prefer that and is knowledgeable about the benefits and risks involved. The doula may simply provide companionship and a supportive, non-judgmental ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on if need be. The doula takes care of the mother's postpartum needs so that the mother will be available to meet her new baby's needs. The doula provides much needed support for the new mother so that she can bond with her baby.
The doula also helps new parents by demonstrating practical newborn care and by supporting the feeding method the mother has chosen to use. Doulas work with the mother and other family members to help them learn diapering techniques, bathing routines and other infant care skills. The doula can offer new parents information on cord and circumcision care, newborn characteristics and baby skin conditions. Doulas can be very helpful in supporting a new mother's breastfeeding efforts and can offer valuable information on positioning, latching and how to tell if baby is "getting enough". They are knowledgeable about all aspects of infant formula feeding, and can instruct parents on proper preparation and bottle sterilization methods.
Doulas are especially helpful to the father as he takes on his new role and learns how to care for his baby. By carefully demonstrating appropriate ways to care for baby, doulas work to build confidence and help fathers to overcome underlying fears or concerns with soothing and caring for his child.
In families with older siblings, postpartum doulas offer some much needed attention for children with a new baby brother or sister in the house. Doulas can create fun times for siblings as well as facilitate quality time with Mom and Dad. The postpartum doula supports the growing family by helping the siblings through their own adjustment process.
New mothers who do not have a strong and extensive support network should be encouraged to seek out the assistance of a postpartum doula when baby arrives. This allows the new mother a better opportunity to rest and recover from the birth, to learn how to successfully breastfeed, and to bond with her baby. It also allows her a respite from household chores and family responsibilities (such as preparing meals), without the accompanying guilt, because she knows that her family's needs are being tended to. By retaining the services of a doula, mothers are planning ahead to meet the postpartum needs of the whole family. |
