Why do we need a Postpartum Doula?

Many people wonder why mothers/families seem to all of a sudden need to have a Postpartum Doula, or any sort of Doula (but since my specialty is postpartum, after birth, I will stick to that subject). I’ve heard “We didn’t have Postpartum Doulas when I was growing up,” and that is true in part. There was no distinct person a family with a newborn hired, in order to support and educate them in the first weeks after baby was born. But historically speaking, new mothers often lived in close proximity to their mothers, sisters, and other women who were home with their babies. These women would be there to answer a new mother’s questions about breastfeeding, soothing, diapering, etc. Today, we see many new mothers who do not live near family members. More mothers are outside the home working. More families are having multiple babies and requiring more support.

Whether it is a family member, friend or a doula, mothers and families can hugely benefit from extra support in the often challenging first weeks of having a new baby in the home. Doula’s have the added benefit of having been trained in postpartum care for mother and baby, being a non-judgmental neutral party for support, and can provide evidence based information to families about the postpartum period for all involved. Postpartum Doula’s provide you with the support, education and space to be able to enjoy your new baby and continue to nurture them in the months to come. To read more about the history of doulas and what they do, have a look at the DONA website.

Have you used a Postpartum Doula? Would you? Do you think it would be helpful? What aspects of the postpartum period do you think you could have used the most support/education? I’d love to hear from you as I start my career in this field!