What is a Postpartum Doula?

What do you think of when you hear postpartum doula? And who do you think needs a postpartum doula?

The people I have asked, have answered a postpartum doula is someone you hire to help with the baby because the new mom has the “blues” or “depression”. Or many people even mistake them for a babysitter, housekeeper or even a nanny.  Both answers are not wrong; however, there is a misinterpretation of the benefits postpartum doulas provide.

It’s true that postpartum doulas will watch older children so mom can have one on one time with baby or watch baby so mom can have a shower – like a babysitter.  True she will do some light housekeeping if necessary – like a housekeeper and sometimes she will cook a healthy meal, or teach healthy eating skills – similar to a nanny.  But…this is where the similarities end.  The role of a postpartum Doula goes far beyond those tasks.

As a doula, in any form, our main goals are to provide support physically, emotionally and in the form of valuable information.  A professional doula is invaluable in the sleep deprived, overwhelmed state of a new parent.  Not only is she there to assist mom, she really does provide support to all members of the family, ensuring that their transition into their new role is well received.

A postpartum doula is specially trained and has a wealth of knowledge to share; she is someone who is knowledgeable about breastfeeding or bottle feeding and anywhere in between, aware of maternal or infant warning signs and familiar with the stages of postpartum disorders.  Although she is not a medical professional who can diagnose, she is present and available to help parents seek medical attention when one of these signs present itself.  Even more important than that is the amazing statistics showing that when a woman is well supported through childbirth and in the postpartum period, her chances of suffering from postpartum depression are greatly decreased.

The informational support provided through the postpartum period is what sets this role apart from any other out there.  Often when new parents leave the hospital for home or the midwife leaves (if it was a home birth), they are given handouts containing information about the first few weeks.  Sometimes they don’t get a chance to read this information or it gets left under mountains of baby blankets, diapers, laundry or mail.  When a Postpartum Doula is present, she is able to ensure you understand what is contained in this information by talking to you during her shifts.  

What about dads?  As much as a partner needs to hear “this is normal” when he is watching his wife go through labour, he also needs to understand the limitations that a mom has in the postpartum period trying to balance having a new baby.  Mom needs to remember that dad’s want to be a part of the process, but are not usually sure how.  A Postpartum Doula can show both partners the way they fit into their new roles – because each member is a valuable part of a family.  When they are all supported and empowered, the end result is a well-balanced family unit.

What do I suggest for first time moms about their postpartum time?  I suggest they stay close to home for 2 – 3 weeks because they have a new family member to get to know and the best way to understand this person is to be with them, providing them with your undivided attention.  Your well-intentioned people that want to “help” can drop off meals so that no one in the family has to get up to cook a meal.  Then I would tell them to hire a postpartum doula!  New moms of today deserve to be mothered just as much as our grandmothers did so they can ease into parenthood empowered.