Postpartum doula, fairy godparent of the newborn stage

Ah, the magical creature known as a postpartum doula - or her close cousins the night nanny, newborn care specialist, or night nurse! Picture this: you've just welcomed a tiny human into the world, and while you're completely in awe of this little sleepy and snuggly little being, you're also a tad overwhelmed. Enter the postpartum doula, your fairy godparent of the post-baby world.

A postpartum doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to individuals and families during the postpartum period. Though we recognize in some ways, postpartum is forever - in this case the postpartum period refers to the time immediately after childbirth, typically extending for several weeks or months.

Postpartum doulas swoop in to lend a helping hand, a listening ear, and a wealth of knowledge during those precious weeks after childbirth. The role of a postpartum doula is to assist new parents in adjusting to life with a newborn in all its sleep deprived, blissful chaos. Postpartum doulas offer guidance and education on infant care, breastfeeding support, emotional well-being, and postpartum recovery. They can also provide practical help with household tasks, meal preparation, and caring for older siblings. Keeping up with the very short and demanding rhythms of newborn care can make it surprisingly hard to do things like bathe, feed yourself, or stay on top of laundering all of those tiny little onesies. 

Now, postpartum doulas aren't medical professionals, so you won't find them wielding a stethoscope or a weighted scale (this is also true of those caregivers who go by night nurse - typically not registered nurses but rather trained professionals similar to a postpartum doula). Their magic lies in the emotional and practical support they provide. Need someone to talk to about the overwhelming mix of joy and exhaustion you're feeling? They've got you covered. Want some guidance on breastfeeding or soothing a fussy baby? They're like a walking encyclopedia of baby know-how.

Most postpartum doulas have a combination of formal training through one of the established doula training organizations including DONA, CAPPA, Childbirth International, ProDoula, and regional organizations such as the Sokana Collective, a birth justice organization based in Chicago, IL. Many also have childcare experience, whether supporting families from the newborn stage or working in childcare centers caring for infants.

Postpartum doulas are knowledgeable about the physical and emotional changes that occur after childbirth for parents, too. They provide non-medical support and can offer reassurance, encouragement, and a listening ear to new parents. They may help with creating a nurturing environment, establishing routines, and connecting families to local resources and support networks. They can make sure that you have what you need in your recovery, too, whether ensuring you have water and nourishment at your feeding station, encouraging you to get extra rest (which is made easier when you know your infant is in good hands!), or running Sitz baths and ensuring you have clean nursing pads at the ready. When so much focus is on the new baby, this extra layer of care can make a world of difference to parents who are sore, managing shifting hormones, and adjusting to this new phase. 

While we refer to postpartum doulas as close cousins of the night nurse, night nanny, and newborn care specialists, most postpartum doulas really think of themselves as being a cradle of support for the whole family. This means they are just as comfortable holding a fussy newborn as they are whipping up a nourishing meal, tackling the laundry pile, and generally creating a calming oasis in your home. They're there to make your life a little easier during this beautiful, messy, and sleep-deprived time. 

Now, it's important to note that not all doulas come with wings and a wand (though that would be pretty cool). The key is to find a doula who clicks with your family's needs and values. It is important to discuss expectations and services with a doula beforehand to ensure a good fit for your family's needs. At Partum Health we aim to have all families and doulas meet via Zoom before working together so you can assess the fit and find someone who can slip seamlessly into your home. Though not always, many caregivers who go by night nanny or newborn care specialist tend to focus more heavily on support for baby rather than the tasks that keep the household running. This is not always the case so it’s a great idea to discuss and align on expectations both ahead of working together and to check in regularly once baby arrives.

So, if you find yourself in the whirlwind of new parenthood, remember that a postpartum doula is like a guardian angel in stretchy pants. They'll help you navigate this uncharted territory, offer a shoulder to lean on, and sprinkle your days with a touch of humor and compassion. Embrace their support and let them be your partner in the wild adventure of postpartum life.

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