Postpartum Care

 

A Doula is an experienced professional who supports and guides pregnant women during labor, birth, and postpartum recovery of the mother and baby. A Doula may specialize in postpartum or infant care, birth support, or both. Sometimes a doula will provide emotional support to the mother during these difficult times. Some doulas even offer medical support to moms-to-be in labor and delivery.

Many doulas have skills in various fields such as massage, music, or yoga that can be utilized to enhance a woman's experience while in labor and after birth. They also bring books to read during the pregnancy and postpartum period. These experiences can be very empowering. However, a doula who provides emotional support while caring for a pregnant woman may also be considered a midwife. This is where a doula must differentiate her from a midwife.

Many expectant mothers wonder if they need an informational support group when they are having their babies. Often, a Doula will lead the women in getting the information that they need from other women who are experiencing the same things as them. However, informational support groups are not mandatory for most new parents. The birth support that a doula provides is completely up to the mom and her partner. However, the experience of many pregnant women has been positively impacted by the stories shared by other women who have experienced a Doula's presence at their birth.

Birthing people are the best source of information at any time. This includes women undergoing postpartum period. These individuals have been in the professional business of childbirth for years and provide a wealth of knowledge at any time. If a new mom chooses to have a Doula along with her, it will not only create an amazing connection and bond between mother and child, but will also create new ways for her to bond with her birthing people, too. Sharing birth support can help a midwife bond with her own birthing people, too.

When midwives choose to bring in Doulas to help them with postpartum period, they are doing what is referred to as "doulabication". This is a common practice all over the world and has been practiced by almost every culture in existence. Doulas offer information and emotional support to expectant mothers during their time away from work and family. Often, this can mean the difference between a successful labor and a living birth.

Every first day after a C-section is full of anxiety and dread for the mother-to-be. Midwives know that one of the best ways to ease the tension is to get her involved in their postpartum doula program. A midwife, as well as a team of trained support staff, will be there to listen to her concerns, provide encouragement, and ensure she stays on track. A birth support team may include a professional doula, a nurse, a dietitian, a physical therapist, a medical provider and a personal support person.

Doulas have been integral to many women's labor and delivery experiences. Birth support has long been used to increase the rate of early labor and improve the safety of a woman's labor. Postpartum doulas have helped women overcome their fears about the birthing process and provided them with confidence throughout their pregnancy. Now a new trend is gaining in popularity; many women who did not traditionally consider themselves "doers" are now considering becoming a doula. While not all women feel as though they are capable of becoming a doula, there are many women who feel strongly about doing so. The support offered by a doula is one of the key elements to many women's experiences at home and in the hospital.

Becoming a doula is more than just providing a mom with a little extra help during her pregnancy and childbirth. Doulas are also providing an integral part of postpartum recovery for many women, ensuring that they are able to fully recover from their pregnancy and childbirth. Postpartum recovery is often a difficult time for moms, but having a skilled and caring soul to lean on during the process can make a world of difference. Doulas are a great resource for postpartum women, ensuring that they have every tool they need to get through their pregnancy and childbirth.