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1. What do postpartum
doulas do? |
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What a postpartum
doula does changes from day to day, as the needs of the
family change. Postpartum doulas do whatever a mother
needs to best enjoy and care for her new baby. A large
part of their role is education. They share information
about baby care with parents, as well as teach siblings
and partners to “mother the mother.” They assist with
breastfeeding education. Postpartum doulas also make sure
the mother is fed, well hydrated and comfortable. |
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2. How long does a postpartum doula
spend with a family? |
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Doula support
can last anywhere from one or two visits to more than
three months. |
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3. What hours can I expect a doula
to work with my family? |
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Some doulas
work fulltime, with 9 to 5 shifts. Others work three to
five hour shifts during the day, or after school shifts
until Dad gets home. Some doulas work evenings from around
6 pm until bedtime, 9 or 10 pm., and some work overnight.
Some doulas work every day, some work one or more shifts
per week. |
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4. What is the difference between
a postpartum doula and a baby nurse? |
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The role of
a postpartum doula is to help a woman through her postpartum
period and to nurture the family. Unlike a baby nurse,
a doula’s focus is not solely on the baby, but on fostering
independence for the entire family. The doula is as available
to the father and older children as to the mother and
the baby. Treating the family as a unit that is connected
and always changing enables doulas to do their job: nurture
the family. |
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5. What is a postpartum doula’s
goal? |
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The goal of
a doula is to nurture the parents into their new roles.
As they experience success and their knowledge and self-confidence
grow, their needs for professional support should diminish. |
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6. How does a doula nurture the
parents into their roles? |
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Self-confidence
has a tremendous impact on a person’s ability to approach
any task, and parenting is no different. DONA International
doulas are taught to always consider parents’ feelings
and always build confidence whenever possible. Doulas
accomplish this through praise, acceptance and a non-judgmental
approach. In addition, the doula will teach parents strategies
and skills that will improve their ability to bond with
their babies. A calm baby who is growing well will help
parents to feel more confident in their skills. |
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7. Do doulas help mothers to deal
with postpartum depression? |
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Unlike therapists
or psychiatrists, doulas do not treat postpartum depression.
However, they will help by creating a safe place for the
mother emotionally. The doula will provide a cushioning
effect by accepting the mother within each stage that
she passes through. They relieve some of the pressure
on the new mother by helping her move into her new responsibilities
gradually. By mothering the mother, doulas makes sure
that the mother feels nurtured and cared for, as well
as making sure she is eating well and getting enough sleep.
In addition, DONA International certified postpartum doulas
are trained to help clients prepare themselves for parenthood,
maximizing support and rest. |
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8. How do postpartum doulas work
with a mother’s partner? |
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A doula respects
the partner’s role and input, and teaches concrete skills
that will help the partner nurture the baby and mother.
The doula will share evidence-based information with the
partner that shows how his or her role in the early weeks
will have a dramatic positive effect on the family. |
