There are a variety of things to prepare for and consider when you’re expecting a baby. Here is a closer look at why hiring a postpartum doula is a priority.
Preparing your postpartum phase with careful consideration and all the right tools will change the course of your birth recovery process. Many new mothers aren’t given enough information about how imperative the postpartum journey is, and, as a result, they suffer in a variety of ways. It’s advantageous to hire a postpartum doula and ensure you protect the recovery process as well as possible.
They Assist in Newborn Care
A postpartum doula can be the same doula who supported you throughout your prenatal experience. Once your baby arrives and you are home, this same individual can work with you to create an optimal schedule of times they come to your house and assist in newborn care.
Things like offering feedings, assisting in bath time, or offering an extra set of hands can provide new mothers with many opportunities. A new mother with a postpartum doula assisting her newborn can take an extra nap, shower alone, or eat a warm, nourishing meal. These things may seem small, but in those first days and weeks, they become mountainous.
They Offer Physical Support to New Mothers
There are a few differences between a midwife and a doula, including their level of involvement. Where a midwife offers physical and medical care and guidance, a doula provides more emotional and mental support. But with a postpartum doula, you can receive the physical support you desperately need.
Things around the home need to be done. Depending on birth outcomes, you may have physical struggles with walking around, changing undergarments, or picking up your baby to relocate in the home. A postpartum doula is there to lend a hand to make sure these physical demands are easier to navigate as you begin to recover.
They Ensure Emotional Needs Are Met
As a new mother begins to unravel her hormonal adjustments and take on new challenges, her emotional state will fluctuate. Many new moms struggle with postpartum depression, typically because their emotional needs go unmet for far too long.
When hiring a postpartum doula, a mother has an aid in times of struggle to remind her she is not alone, her feelings are valid, and she is doing an amazing job. Having someone around to support you emotionally can change the course of your outlook and help keep your spirits high in times of significant change.
While not every family has the means to invest in doula services, it’s essential to think about the long-term effects of struggling in those early days and weeks. Consider creating a doula fund on your baby registry so friends and family can support your wishes. Remember, you deserve support!
