Postpartum Doula Support
Postpartum Support
In our society, it is often difficult for women to obtain the support they need to smooth the transition into parenting. The postpartum doula makes it possible for the new parents to focus solely on themselves and their family in the time after birth. Postpartum doula services allow the new mother and her partner to tend to their baby's and their family's needs with confidence, patience, and ease.
Services include:
Infant care
Birthing Parent Care (wound care etc)
Breast/bottle feeding support
a listening ear
discussion of the birth experience and the emotional transition into parenting
Accompanying on outings such as; doctor appointments, weight checks, trips to the park, stores etc.
Help packing diaper bag and getting out of the house
Baby's laundry
Meal Prep
Sibling support
Household necessities, such as caring for pets
What Does a Postpartum Doula Do?
Postpartum Doulas Help With:
Infant Care
Infants need plenty of care and require productivity at all hours of day and night. Assistance with expert insights, diaper changes, breastfeeding support, bottle support, bathing, colic, sleeping, and whatever additional need may present itself, provides families with time for postpartum healing, and opportunities for naps!
Siblings
An addition to the family is a shift in roles for everyone. It is important to strive to support the siblings with the transition to reduce anxiety for themselves and other family members. With the division of time and energy, it is also important for the child to still be nurtured in their necessary ways. Additional support can help provide this.
Postpartum Stress
Postpartum Stress disorder is a common and serious illness. The CDC states that 1 in 10 women in the United States experiences symptoms. It has been scientifically recognized to be greatly reduced when doula support is available. Knowing how to respond to and support both men and women in this delicate state is vital to the ease of its reality.
Whether the support be a presence of peace and knowing, providing evidence-based procedures, or simply providing compassion in recognizing the symptoms, a doula is a valuable resource to comforting and alleviating the stress an infant and adjusting, healing body presents.
Daytime Support
During the day your doula will care for your whole family. Doulas can walk you through your first bath, or cutting your baby's nails. She might help you with laundry or cooking while you nap or snuggle your baby. Doulas can come with you to doctors appointments, help meal plan and go to the grocery store, or even help you shop for new baby gear or clothes for yourself.
Remote Support
During the current COVID-19 pandemic, Doulas of Philadelphia is offering in-person support for families in accordance with local public health guidelines. Because our availability is limited, and many families are more comfortable with distance care, we also offer 1-hour video-based calls to help families talk through baby care, postpartum healing, getting more sleep, and the ups and downs of being a new parent.