Psst!.. This ONE thing can make early postpartum easier.
Welcoming a baby can be a very big transition for families. Whether it is your first baby or you're adding a sibling into the mix, the first months of a baby’s life can feel like a whirlwind of feedings, diapers and spit up. If you have toddlers or other children, sometimes you may feel like there just isn’t enough of you to go around!
So, what can you do to make this transition easier for your family? Hire a postpartum doula! Let’s look at what postpartum doulas do to make this special time in your life easier.
What is a postpartum doula?
Postpartum doulas are specially trained and skilled individuals who provide non-judgemental, evidence-based care for infants and their families. They assist with newborn care and feeding and have a deep understanding of the biological norms of babies. They support healing and recovery after birth and help families navigate their new life with a newborn. Each family’s needs are different, but the goal of the postpartum doula remains the same - to make the transition through the early postpartum period and infancy as smooth, restful, and stress-free as possible. Our Calgary doulas provide care 24/7. Some families prefer their doula to come during the day, others prefer the peace of mind with a doula overnight.
How does a postpartum doula help?
Your postpartum doula will meet with your family to learn about your needs and goals. From there, together you will come up with a plan for how she can best support you and family’s unique needs. Support might include:
Feeding help. Whether you're breastfeeding or bottle feeding, pumping or a combination, your doula will ensure that you are feeling confident and comfortable. She will bring all the tips and tricks to ensure that feeding is going as smoothly as possible.
Newborn care. Diaper changes, dressing, swaddling, bathing, and trimming those tiny nails, your postpartum doula can tackle these tasks for you, or be there to build up your confidence and show you how to care for your baby. Many parents feel nervous when they bring their baby home and having an expert to guide you can really ease those nerves.
Sleep. Whether it is getting the baby to sleep or getting you more sleep, your doula will make sure the whole family is well rested.
Postpartum Recovery. The journey through pregnancy and birth is not easy. Recovery is important. Your postpartum doula can provide practical advice and tackle tasks so that you can focus on what really matters - rest, recovery and learning your new baby.
Sibling Support. Juggling a newborn and other children often feels like a giant feat. Postpartum doulas can help with older children as well so that you can have that uninterrupted one-on-one time with your baby. Or your doula can take care of the baby so that you can spend time with your older kids. Either, way, everyone’s needs are met.
Meal Prep. Do you ever wish you could open the fridge and dinner, or snacks could just be there ready and prepared? Well, that dream can become a reality. Doulas are happy to handle meal prep so there is one less thing for you to worry about.
Light Housekeeping. Life with a baby can be busy. Sometimes the laundry and dishes pile up. Your doula has got you! Her extra set of hands can take care of all those little tasks that you aren’t able to get to, making your home feel calm and restored.
Connecting you with helpful resources. Have a question that falls out of your doula’s expertise? She will know where to send you to get the help or the answers that you are looking for.
Evidence on postpartum doula care:
Evidence shows that families who care cared for by postpartum doulas benefit in many ways:
They are more likely to meet their breastfeeding goals.
Less likely to experience postpartum depression. If you do, your postpartum doula can recognize the signs and connect you with resources.
Feel more confident in their parenting skills.
Feel more rested through the newborn stage.
How do I book postpartum doula support?
To book with any of our Calgary postpartum doulas you can click here.
When should I book my postpartum doula?
You can book postpartum doula support at any time. Either as part of your pregnancy preparations before you give birth, or after you baby arrives.
Postpartum doula support is a sure way to reduce stress, get more rest, build your confidence and ease your recovery after having a baby!
Welcome Baby Co. is a Calgary-based company. We are happy to support all kinds of families through all kinds of birth and postpartum. Our goal is to prepare you for any scenario that may arise so that you can feel confident and empowered as you enter parenthood.
If you have any questions about Calgary birth doulas, Calgary postpartum doulas, or our Prenatal classes in Calgary, please contact us.