Postpartum Doulas to the Rescue

Posted by Brenda Lane Apr 5, 2008

I just recently completed a 3 day workshop in preparation for becoming a postpartum doula. It was exciting to be a learner after having been involved in the field of pregnancy and birth for nearly 18 years as a childbirth educator, birth doula and birth doula trainer.

The workshop, coupled with recent experiences helping families during the postpartum period, made me realize that this is an especially challenging time in the life of each new family. More parents are waiting until they are older to have children. That translates to having older grandparents of the baby and in some cases, the grandparents might be at an age where they might be limited in how they can help out their own children. Not to mention, more and more families are moving away from their relatives, which makes it harder to have support.

Let's face it. Postpartum is exhausting for the mother. She is still recovering from the birth and now she is up every 2 hours day and night feeding her baby. And meal preparation and laundry will not simply get done on their own. If the father returns to work right away, the demands on the new mother could be overwhelming for her if she does not have additional support.

I love the concept that postpartum doulas represent such a simple yet effective way to guide the family through this time. WIth an experienced helper to walk them through baby care, breastfeeding, preparing a nutricious meal or just being a listening ear, it's a win-win for mother, baby and the entire family!

For more about finding a postpartum doula or training to become one, visit DONA International.

Warmly,

Brenda