What is a postpartum Doula ?
This term refers to a perinatal professional who is independent of the health network and whose role is to help new mums transition more smoothly into motherhood. In our societies today, when many families are isolated and support from friends is not always possible, parents can feel lost and under enormous pressure without a village to offer the kind of support available in earlier times.
A doula can fill this gap providing both emotional and practical physical support to mothers, fathers and babies. Women especially, need to be listened to and their experiences recognised and normalised to avoid depression and burnout.
Why might you need a doula?
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To feel supported, reassured and guided to embrace your child.
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To debrief your delivery and understand how and why it happened.
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To give yourself the right to learn and make mistakes.
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To give you peace of mind, knowing that someone is there to take care of you.
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To allow you to focus on the essentials:
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learning to feed, care and fall in love with your baby.
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To celebrate this new stage of your life and honour your female body that has just given birth!
Potential benefits are:
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Faster healing
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Greater confidence in your new parenting role
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A stronger bond with your baby
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Better chances of success with breastfeeding
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Less likelihood of experiencing postpartum depression.
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A new, stronger family dynamic
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Easier sleep for the whole family