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Why Use a Postpartum Doula?
The role of the postpartum doula is fluid. An important part of her role
is to come alongside the parents and together decide what type of
support they will need. Some families need educational support:
breastfeeding, infant support, and how to care for the new mother.
Others rely more on the non-judgmental emotional support that the
postpartum doula has to offer. Still others have more practical needs –
like feeding the family and running errands. Most families find that
their doula provides all of these things, according to the needs that
develop, as well as the ever-important communication between the doula
and her clients. That said, prospective parents and their families
sometimes wonder – just what will the postpartum doula do when she comes
to my home?
A postpartum doula supporting a family during daytime hours might...
Provide hands-on education for infant and
mother care
Teach skills in soothing techniques,
babywearing, or cloth diapering
Create a nurturing, restful atmosphere in which parents may eat,
shower and nap
Spend time with the baby, allowing parents to have quality time with
older children each other, or rest
Screen for hurdles such as breastfeeding challenges or postpartum
mood disorders
Make referrals to any local or informational resources that the
parents might need
Help
parents gather the skills and resources that they will need in the
upcoming weeks and months
Help to organize the nursery and home
Light housekeeping, meal preparation, and errands
Play with older children and offer suggestions for how to integrate
the new baby into the family
Offer a listening, non-judgmental ear
DONA International Postpartum
Doula Topic Sheet
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I am there to support your
wishes and to facilitate your journey to parenthood in an environment of
security and confidence.
phone:
319-430-6736
e-mail
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