What is a Pospartum Doula?
Doulas For Life's strives to promote confidence in Postpartum families in their new parent roles. The Postpartum Period is a time of growth and change for parents and babies. Our goal is to make the transition easier and provide unbiased physical, mental and emotional support, which allows families to reach their parenting goals. We strive to be authentic in helping parents set realistic expectations.
What is a Postpartum Doula?
A PP Doula is a trained professional that supports families in the postpartum period. The postpartum period is defined as the 6-8 week period following the birth of a baby when the physiologic effects of pregnancy are returning to the non-pregnant state. This time period is a unique experience that comes with varying physical and emotional needs. Postpartum doulas provide emotional and physical support as well as education. While each family’s plan will differ based on their specific needs; duties can include light housekeeping, meal prep, lactation support, baby laundry, nursery organization and much more.
This new period in your life is “supposed to be the most joyous time” sure, if you’re not trying to navigate caring for, and feeding a newborn while absolutely exhausted from lack of sleep. We know that it is a period of time filled with emotionality, love, concern, joy, frustration, and an overall need to be understood without having to give a lengthy explanation that wouldn’t make sense in any language under the sun. It is a confusing and explorative time; you are literally finding yourself as a parent and learning the needs of your baby at the same time. That’s why we take the tedious day to day off of your plate and establish routines that will work for you.
A new crying baby + lack of sleep = tired, cranky parents. Here is how we can help:
We create and implement realistic routines that fit your family's needs. We base this on what works best to suit your family’s needs and your baby. We recognize what is “normal”, and what may be beyond the scope of normal. We focus on all things relating to your healthful adjustment to life as a parent.
We provide guidance on newborn behavior in those early weeks and months. This also includes bathing, cord care, safe sleep, gentle soothing techniques to name a few. Our support eases the burden of expectations and surprises with newborns. It helps Postpartum journey transition smoothly, as this period can feel overwhelming and confusing enough.
We provide support and education for your feeding plans whether it's breastmilk or use of formula. This can ease the worries of how much to feed your baby and signs of cluster feeding. The support and guidance doesn’t stop there, this also includes feeding support, proper latch and positions, paced-feeding, bottle prep, and breast milk storage.
We help establish healthy sleep routines for you as new parents and baby. Setting these routines early can drastically change the well-being of your family. Your doula will enable you to get the much needed rest you desire as they care for your baby through the night.
We take the day to day off of your plate, so you can rest and enjoy the pp period without anything getting in the way. This includes meal and snack preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, newborn product and safety information, scheduling appointments, assistance with errands, and so much more.
Most importantly, everything that we do is to encourage and promote the importance of self care. We are your cheerleaders, your educators, your helpers, and your support team. While we aren’t quite your fairy godmother, we are pretty close!
Whether you are looking for a handful of short daytime shifts to better acclimate to life with a newborn, or you are in need of overnight care for a period of time, Doulas For Life is awaiting your call. We don’t anticipate you knowing exactly what you’ll need. You likely haven’t done this before. Let us help you develop a plan that is absolutely perfect for your family!