What is a Doula?
“A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their client before, during and shortly after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible” (from DONA International website).
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There are “Birth Doulas” and “Postpartum Doulas”. A birth doula assists a birthing person before and during childbirth. A postpartum doula offers non-medical care to new mothers and their families. I am a trained Postpartum doula.
👣 Postpartum Doula
As a Postpartum Doula, I help not only the birthing person, but the whole family transition into the new life with a baby. I provide non-medical support through guidance and education to best suit one’s needs. Doulas typically help assist with…
Light house chores and running errands (i.e. doing laundry, washing baby bottles, tidying up)
Cooking nutritious meals (Italian cuisine anyone?)
Baby care (bottle feedings, changing, bathing, soothing, etc.). Especially while mom and her partner recharge with a shower or nap
Providing emotional support
Breastfeeding support
Sibling or pet adjustment
Recommending educational resources
Unlike a Baby Nurse, who would exclusively take care of the baby, a doula’s role is “to mother the mother”. A doula can help emotionally and take on some of the burdening chores while the new parents take a shower or a nap.
