Is a Post Natal Doula Right For You?

By Maggie Crawford, Certified Doula and Community Outreach Director, RaisingMOM

New families greatly benefit from the help of a postnatal Doula. A Doula brings peace and calm to a new family while they are focusing on their baby. She is a quiet presence that brings confidence and order to the home. Doulas work during the day and even over night, helping new parents get needed rest. They also cook meals, do light housework, help the mother get comfortable with breastfeeding and do many more beneficial things. Doulas also support older children as they become big brother or sister. Mothers who have quality postnatal support often recover faster and may be less likely to develop postpartum depression. Sleep deprivation and feelings of isolation often accompany postpartum mood disorders and having a Doula creates a space where mothers can get more rest and have someone to talk to. Postnatal Doulas are often mothers themselves or have specialized training with infant care and breastfeeding support. They are connected with many outside resources and are able to refer new mothers to other professionals if any needs arise. A Doula can help a mother get the help she needs before issues become problems. They know when breastfeeding complications need the expertise of a lactation consultant; they know the phone numbers of area housekeepers, laundry services, therapists and more.

Mothers who have a postnatal Doula are not only supported with the dailies, but they are taken care of so they can even more effectively take care of their new baby. A Doula will not diagnose or treat health problems with the mother or baby, but they do have the knowledge base to refer a mother to a healthcare provider if she has any needs. Because of their training and experience, Doulas also have a vast amount of information to provide to new parents if they have any questions. Topics may include soothing the crying baby, diapering, bathing and dressing the newborn, breastfeeding, stocking the nursery, bonding with baby and more. It is easy to see how having a Postnatal Doula can make such a positive impact on a new family. The laundry is done, the house is clean, dinner is on; all while mom and baby are dozing…