Help at Home with New Baby?

. Once you have negotiated the birth process and baby is home, you have landed on an entirely unknown shore and embark on another quest: getting to know the strange new landscape of family life. It is something you have read about, dreamed about, and still the reality of it is startling.

Traditionally, one’s "village" came out to assist the new mother. Today, however, the support and guidance of immediate family can be challenging to come by. The historical model has changed and new parents often struggle alone immediately after their child’s birth.

There is an answer for those looking for that hands-on, in-home attention:  postpartum doula is woman who is hired to help a family through the postpartum period. Her goal is to nurture the parents into their new roles. She differs from
a baby nurse in the way she focuses not only on the baby, but also on the entire family as a unit. She may work just a few days or for the first several months with each family.

What a postpartum doula does varies from day to day. She does whatever is needed to help the mother best enjoy and care for her new baby. Education is a large part of her role, sharing information about baby care with parents, as well as teaching siblings and partners to “mother the mother." Breastfeeding support is another valuable skill she may offer.

Postpartum doulas remind a new mom how vital rest, hydration and nourishment are. She cares for these needs by allowing mom to take naps, and creates easy snacks and drinks for a mother to have by her side.

Taking care of the home is also part of her job, making sure a new mother is comfortable and that the "nest" is  just so for the precious new baby. Light housekeeping, errands/shopping, laundry and some childcare are often
offered.

A doula’s hours will be customized to fit a family’s needs. Some doulas work full 9-5 shifts. Others work three- to five-hour shifts during the day or after school until another adult is available. Some doulas work evenings from around 6 p.m.
until bedtime, and some work overnight. Daily support is available or one or more shifts per week. As healing from the birth occurs and their knowledge and self-confidence grows, a family’s need for professional support should
diminish.

Postpartum depression has become more recognized and is now seen commonly. A doula is not a therapist or psychiatrist. She does not medically treat postpartum
depression but instead creates a safe place for the mother both physically and emotionally. The doula will provide a cushioning effect by accepting and encouraging the mother through each portion of the early parenting stages.

A postpartum doula is educated to support a mother’s parenting approach rather than imposing her own. Doulas are good listeners and help a mother create her own
philosophies. Her job is to respect the partner’s role and input as well, sharing evidence-based information that shows how his or her role in the early weeks will have a dramatic and positive effect on the family. Through acceptance, praise and a non-judgmental approach, parents quickly develop skills that improve their natural ability to care for and bond with their babies.

Some insurance policies may cover postpartum care or have availability within flex-plans to pay for help after the birth. An interview process, referrals, and checking of references and educational background will allow the family to find the best match for this intimate doula care.

Within a relatively short period of time, most families are back on their feet and have rapidly learned the terrain of their new lives with their baby. The serenity and gratification these achievements bring are invaluable and long lasting.

DONA, Doulas of North America, has more information about birth and postpartum doulas as well as listings for local doula care. Please check online resources and with local birth centers and hospitals for recommendations as well.