The time after the baby is born is a challenging time for the mother. In such a situation if a helper is provided who is well-versed in the techniques of handling the mother and the baby and who can guide the mother with the basics is a big relief to all. Thus comes in the picture a “postpartum doula” who is an experienced and skilled lady who offers assistance to new mothers and their families. The doulas are of two types, one who assists the expectant mothers during the birthing process. The other is the post-partum doula who offers data-centered-evidence on topics like breastfeeding, the repercussions of the emotional and physical recovery process after birth, the bond between the mother and the baby, soothing techniques for a newborn baby and other critical areas as well.
The postpartum doula basically offers assistance to the new parents in the initial days and weeks right after the birth as they are trained enough to handle all types of situations is there to help a new family in those first days and weeks after bringing home a new baby. The existence of a postpartum doula assists in bridging the gap between the mother and the baby and makes them more confident.
In This Article
- Why Hire A Postpartum Doula?
- What Services Are Provided By Postpartum Doula?
- Charges Of Postpartum Doula
- Where Do I Find Postpartum Doula?
Why Hire A Postpartum Doula?
The doulas occupy a special place in the family as they educate the mother to take care of herself as well as her family right after the birth of the baby. following are some top reasons to hire a postpartum doula:
- By hiring the services of a doula, they provide result-free assistance, permitting the mother to mature smoothly.
- The doula keeps discussing the various kinds of parenting techniques and choices with the family and always assists in all decisions which are to be made.
- Breastfeeding in the initial days is quite a challenge, so with the help of a doula all the weariness can be discussed and solutions can be sought at.
- Having a doula can help in nurturing the mother while she nurtures the newborn baby.
- With a doula by the side, eating and drinking habits cannot be ignored as they are extremely significant for recovery.
- The household chores are also taken care of by the doulas which gives more time to the mother to bond with the baby and even the partner.
- Since a doula is an expert in all areas or spheres in relation to the babies and the mother, the most updated information is shared.
- Since the doulas are well-trained and educated to identify the symptoms of postpartum fear and depression, the doulas can offer proper suggestions and solutions to overcome it.
- When one is in the presence of an educated and trained professional, it is easier to have a peaceful sleep and rest as the mother is aware that the baby is in safe hands.
What Services Are Provided By Postpartum Doula?
Following are some of the services provided by a postpartum doula:
- Support while breastfeeding.
- Assistance with the emotional and physical recovery post-birth of the baby
- Few tasks of housekeeping to keep the mom under less pressure.
- Taking few responsibilities.
- Providing diapering, bathing, feeding, and comforting basics to the newborn baby.
- Preparation of Light meals.
- Offering a comforting procedure to the baby.
- Offering care to the siblings.
- Recommendation to residents means parenting sessions, pediatric practitioners, lactation experts, and other similar groups.
Charges Of Postpartum Doula
The rates of postpartum doula services differ and is conditional to the location and the kind of service one wants (daytime or night hours) even the skill set of the doula. Postpartum Doulas generally charge on an hourly basis and there is a minimum limit of hours they provide service for.
The range may differ from 10$ to 60 $ on an hourly basis. Few doulas even provide discounts if they get paid before or they are fresh from training and are booked for a stipulated time.
Postpartum Doula services are a great benefit for families who have very less or absolutely no support from any other near or dear ones.
The cost of these doulas is dependent on many factors and the cost is set distinctively by them. During the selection of a doula, price should not be the decision-making factor. Sympathetic and skilled assistance during the birthing process is invaluable.
Where Do I Find Postpartum Doula?
The appropriate selection of a doula is a very individual choice. Doulas are the most suitable choice for a woman as they help in nurturing and educating them in all spheres. The best way to select a doula is by choosing a person whom the mother feels happy and comfortable with and asking a set of questions to a few doulas before selecting one.
The Questions Used For Selecting A Doula:
- Training undergone and services offered.
- Fees and availability at the due date.
- Reasons to become a doula.
- The viewpoint of childbirth.
- Other options if the doula selected is not available due to some reason.
There are numerous sites that have a compilation of the doulas who offer their services to the new to-be parents. Some of them are Doula Match, Find a Doula, Birth Doula, etc.
Thus, having the services of a postpartum Doula is highly beneficial for a new mother and the baby and it helps in smoothening the whole process and making it memorable for the whole family.
