5 Reasons You Need a Postpartum Doula
When I tell someone I’m a doula, most of the time they assume I’m a birth doula - my wonderful counterpart who supports families through the birthing process. I think this assumption is fairly indicative of our general mindset during pregnancy. As many second-time moms will tell you, we tend to focus so much on the birth itself that sometimes we overlook the challenges that might await after the baby comes home. I know I’m biased, but I think everyone needs a postpartum doula! Here are the top 5 reasons.
Reason #1
You need to heal, physically and emotionally.
My first priority as a postpartum doula is to the birthing parent. I know that if the birthing parent is comfortable and healing, they are able to be the best parent possible to the baby. I have many comfort measures in my toolbox for parents struggling with physical recovery from the birth (setting up stations! belly binders! ideal breastfeeding positions!), and I specialize in cesarean recovery. Equally important is emotional healing. A postpartum doula is experienced with birth and postpartum, empathetic, and an impartial sounding board. I love talking with you about your birth story if you’re ready to share. Have questions? I have answers. Just want to vent? I’m listening.
Reason #2
You want to feel human again.
Newborn babies typically don’t sleep more than 2 or 3 hours at a time around the clock. It. Is. Exhausting. I can care for the baby while you nap. Can’t remember the last time you showered? Go for it while I’m there and know your baby is in experienced hands. Your baby is with you all the time and a lot of parents feel “touched out.” I’m available to let you do some light exercise, go for a walk, read, or just lie in silence for a bit and take a breath.
Reason #3
You’re sick of Googling questions at 3am.
Do any of these questions look familiar?
What can I do to make breastfeeding hurt less?
How much formula does my baby need?
Is this rash normal?
Are these sounds that my baby is making normal?
How do I do a tighter swaddle?
How do I make my baby stop crying?
Why is the Moby wrap so confusing?
Postpartum doulas are baby and postpartum experts! I can answer all of these questions and so much more.
Reason #4
You can’t keep up with the housework.
Here’s the reality of postpartum: the baby is hard work. Between feeding them, changing them, putting them to sleep, and trying to get a little bit of sleep yourself, you are busy and exhausted. Housework is definitely not a priority, nor should it be! But isn’t it nice to have fresh sheets on your bed and an empty dishwasher? I love leaving my clients’ home tidier than it was when I arrived, from laundry to dishes to organization of the nursery. This shouldn’t be your priority right now, so let me make it mine.
Reason #5
You’re having trouble connecting with your partner.
This little human came storming into your world and now they are demanding the attention of everyone. It’s difficult if not impossible to focus on anyone else. I can care for the baby while you and your partner go for a walk or have lunch. Arguing at night when you’re exhausted and not yourself? Let’s brainstorm a plan for tonight so you know what to expect and can each get a little more rest. Often your partner needs someone to talk to and process the birth and transition to postpartum (although they may never admit it!) and I’m here to listen.
Does any of this sound familiar? Read more about my typical duties as a postpartum doula, although every family’s needs are unique. Transitioning to life with a new baby is hard. I can help.
Sarah is a postpartum doula and lactation counselor in the Greater Boston area and the North Shore of Massachusetts. Her own struggles in the postpartum period inspired her to become a doula. Contact her for more information about her services.