Welcoming a new life into the world is an unparalleled joy, but it also comes with its unique set of challenges and adjustments.

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The postnatal period (which in my opinion is endless and doesn’t just refer to the ‘fourth trimester’) can be overwhelming as parents navigate through physical recovery, emotional changes and the demands of caring for a newborn, dealing with sleep deprivation and possibly caring for other children, pets and so on.

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Postnatal doulas can really help to alleviate some of the stress and fatigue for families as well as providing a reassuring presence.

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I often think back to when we had our first child and how different our experience could have been if we had a postnatal doula. I didn’t even know they existed back then! My parents were really supportive and came to stay in the initial few weeks when my husband went back to work but they live far away and understandably had their own lives to get on with. To have someone by our side on a regular basis with current knowledge who could reassure us and encourage me to trust my instincts (rather than trust what is written in baby books!) would have been so valuable. Equally, to be able to get some proper rest and recovery in the weeks after labour would have been so restorative. Having a postnatal doula would have helped to recreate a sense of ‘the village’ I felt was lacking at the time.

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The beauty of having a postnatal doula is that they can provide what you need on any given day. In doula training, we talk about physical and practical support, emotional support and informational support. The balance between these will be different for every client and will differ at each session. Let’s look at these in more depth and other benefits of doulas too.

 

Emotional support

In the first few visits, you might find you need more emotional support, being able to talk freely about your birth story or challenges you are facing. Having someone there who isn’t a friend or family member can be hugely beneficial, someone who will listen to you without judgement and without jumping in with their own experiences. Sharing your story and being validated by a compassionate doula can help you mentally process what happened during your labour and birth and what you are experiencing as a new parent. 

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Practical support

During other visits, you might find you just want some stuff done! In the early weeks and months with a baby, putting the washing on and hanging it out can feel like climbing a mountain. Having someone there who can whizz the hoover round, tidy the kitchen or prep dinner can help you feel more relaxed as well as nurtured. Cooking meals for the freezer, baking or making a tasty and nutritious lunch for my clients fills me with joy! This can of course all be done whilst your baby is snoozing away on me in a wrap or sling so you can get some much needed rest, do some yoga or practise a hobby. Doulas are always happy to help with nappy changes, that first bath and other newborn care too so it doesn’t have to involve household chores or cooking at all.

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Information and Resources

Doulas can also provide evidence based information. In a world where we are drowning in a sea of opinions and information, doulas can be hugely beneficial. They can sift through all the noise for you and share information from trusted sources which is actually useful! Most of the time, there isn’t a ‘right’ way to do things as every baby is different so it’s about bringing together the evidence, looking at different techniques or strategies and finding out what works for you and your baby. We can easily absorb too much information and conflicting advice can make it so confusing. A doula can simplify things as well as empower you and boost your confidence.

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Breastfeeding Support

Many doulas can also help you in your feeding journey. Having become a peer supporter with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers, I am so grateful I can offer guidance and encouragement to my clients who are breastfeeding. I have spent many hours helping clients to find a comfortable position, I have assessed latch and positioning, talked about pumping, storing breastmilk and maintaining supply as well as discussing any issues they have experienced. I will always refer clients to an IBCLC if I feel they need support at a level I can’t offer and it goes without saying that I support clients however they choose to feed their baby.

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Partner Involvement

The postnatal period is a time of adjustment for both parents and the presence of a postnatal doula can ease the transition for partners as well. By sharing knowledge and expertise, doulas help partners feel more confident in their caregiving abilities. Sometimes partners have questions which they would rather ask a doula than a friend or family member; I have certainly found this on a number of occasions.

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Rest and Self Care

Self care often takes a backseat for new parents consumed by the demands of caring for a newborn. A postnatal doula encourages parents to prioritise their wellbeing by facilitating opportunities for rest and self care. Whether it's offering to watch the baby while parents take a nap or bath, arranging for a soothing postnatal massage, or simply providing a listening ear, doulas help parents recharge physically and emotionally.

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Continuity of Care

Unlike family and friends who may have other commitments, a postnatal doula is dedicated to supporting new parents during the postnatal period. Their consistent presence provides a sense of continuity of care, offering reassurance and stability during a time of significant transition. This continuity fosters trust and allows parents to build a strong rapport with their doula. I am thrilled that some of my postnatal clients are now wonderful friends!

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Many people believe a postnatal doula predominantly supports families practically but as we can see, the benefits extend far beyond that. Doulas play a vital role in easing the transition into parenthood and empowering parents to embrace their new roles with confidence. 

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Would it be too much to say we are worth our weight in gold?!

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If you’d like to talk through your postnatal requirements or just want to find out more, I’d love to hear from you! x

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November 2024