If you are expecting a baby sometime in the near future, you have likely already planned out a variety of things. From baby showers to nurseries, and from care providers to birthing locations, there is a lot to decide on when bringing a new life into the world.
One aspect of having a baby that often gets neglected during the planning phases is the postpartum period. Unfortunately, planning for the first few days after baby is born just isn’t the norm in our society, and this can often leave new mothers feeling alone and overwhelmed during what should be a beautiful time of healing, bonding, and baby bliss.
Fortunately, there is a very simple solution to all of this that will take the weight of postpartum planning off your chest quickly and without much work.
What’s the solution? A postpartum doula, of course!
What is a postpartum doula?
Simply put, a postpartum doula is a knowledgeable post-birth assistant for you and your family. Depending on what level of care you desire, you can hire a doula to be with your family for a couple of days postpartum, or up to a week or more. Some doulas go so far as to stay with their clients full-time after the birth of their child, while others work only part-time.
How often your postpartum doula is around is entirely up to you, and you must choose the right doula for you based on this fact, among others.
What does a postpartum doula do?
The better question might be, “What doesn’t a postpartum doula do?
These angels of the postpartum period often do such tasks as running errands, cooking dinner, or caring for older children while you bond with baby. However, depending on the doula you choose, you may also receive a variety of other services including breastfeeding support, lessons on basic newborn care and soothing, assistance with any necessary emotional recovery after the birth, and help with certain aspects of the physical recovery.
Why should I hire a postpartum doula?
Postpartum doulas are amazing for helping families transition to home life during the delicate and amazing time immediately following the birth of a child. They take away the everyday stresses of life in order to allow both mom and dad the opportunity to bond with their new little one. They provide emotional support which can work wonders for nipping the baby blues—and might even reduce postpartum depression.
Additionally, the immediate breastfeeding support a postpartum doula can provide has the potential to eliminate the need to find a lactation consultant, and can help new mothers become confident and successful in nursing their little ones.
Lastly, their knowledge on the physical postpartum healing process is invaluable to many women, and can help mothers rest at ease should something unexpected come up.
How do I find and choose a postpartum doula?
It is important to interview a variety of doulas and find the one that best suits your needs and schedule before hiring. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that you will likely be spending a good amount of time with your doula during one of the most vulnerable times of your life. For this reason, it is crucial that you are comfortable with your doula of choice, and will be happy to spend time with them.
There are a number of postpartum doulas in the Oklahoma City area. In fact, a few of the city’s finest postpartum doulas are a part of the Thrive Mama Collective. E-mail us at info@thrivemamacollective.com to set up an interview today to find one that is right for you!
