Benefits of A Postpartum Doula

Tomorrow begins World Doula Week, and I am excited to celebrate doulas from all over the world. When I first learned about doulas, I only knew about birth doulas. However there are many different kinds of doulas including death doulas and postpartum doulas.

I am trained as a birth doula as well as a postpartum doula. Today I thought I would share some of what a postpartum doula does as well as benefits of having a postpartum doula.

*This information came from my training material through Birth Arts International.

A Postpartum Doula Provides

*Emotional support~judgement free, help with processing birth, online and locally

*Physical support~mother care, infant care, help around the house and with other children

*Educational support~online and local resources, evidence based information on infant care and postpartum recovery

*Breastfeeding support

What Does A Postpartum Doula Do?

Well, that’s a sweet little checklist, but what does that mean exactly? What does a postpartum doula do?

Honestly, a postpartum doula does many things, and there are probably as many different situations as there are doulas and clients. I will give you an example of how postpartum care might look if you were my client.

Emotional Support

As my postpartum client, you would have access to me to process your birth, to lament about new motherhood, to cry, to laugh, or whatever you need for emotional support. I will be a listening ear, and I won’t judge you for how you are feeling or choices that you make.

I will also check in on you to make sure you are doing ok. Postpartum mood disorders affect up to one in five new moms, and up to 85% of new moms will experience the baby blues. (source) As your postpartum doula, I will check in with you on how you are feeling. I will refer you to a terrific therapist or to your health care professional if I see signs of postpartum depression or other mood disorders.

This emotional support can be done over the phone, by text, in person, or even video chatting. I am available for you in the communication form you use the most.

Physical Support

As your postpartum doula, my primary focus is you, the mama. I will make sure you are well rested, well nourished, and stress free (well, as much as possible).

During client hours with you, I will provide a safe space for you to sleep while I love on your little one or play with your toddler. I can fix light meals and snacks. I can even do a little light cleaning to make your postpartum time go more smoothly.

Educational Support

Part of my postpartum doula training was research on postpartum issues and baby care. I can give you information on anything from lochia to infant swaddling. If I don’t know the information off hand, I know where to find it.

Not only can I provide you with evidence based information, but I have a huge file of local resources that are available to you as a new mom. I also have a library of postpartum and infant care books that are available to my postpartum clients.

All this information, again, comes with no judgement. Even if you choose something that I would not, my goal is that you are educated in your decisions.

Breastfeeding Support

Breastfeeding may be normal and natural, but that does not mean that it is always easy. If you are a first time mom, I can help with latch issues, positioning, and overall encouragement. Additionally, I can make sure you are well nourished and hydrated, both very important in your breastfeeding relationship.

If you are a second or third or fourth time mom, I can help with those things as well. In addition, I can give you a quiet space to focus on your newborn and your breastfeeding relationship by playing with your older kiddos.

Sometimes issues come up with breastfeeding. If you have an issue, I have a list of fantastic lactation consultants to refer you to.

Now that you know what a postpartum doula does, why should you have one? What is the importance of having that emotional, physical, educational, and breastfeeding support?

Benefits of A Postpartum Doula

There are many benefits to having a postpartum doula. Some studies have shown that a postpartum doula helps with…

*Greater satisfaction in the postpartum period

*Quicker postpartum recovery

*Quality sleep

*Gain confidence in parenting

*Less stress

*Eat better

*Decreased postpartum mood disorders

*Greater bonding with baby and partner

*Greater breastfeeding success

*Plus!  More sleep and emotional support for dad/partner

If you are in the central or northeast part of Indiana, I would love to connect with you to see if I am a good fit for your postpartum doula. You can see my postpartum packages here and my other services here.

My hope is that, no matter what, you are well supported through your pregnancy, your birth, and your postpartum period.

Jenn Mandura is a Birth and Postpartum Doula in Central and Northeast Indiana.  She strives to educate and empower her clients to have the birth and postpartum experience that they desire.   Jenn enjoys yoga, donuts, and hiking with her husband and four kiddos. You can find out more about the services Jenn offers here.  She would love to connect with you on facebook here. Or feel free to contact her.