Yep, a Postpartum Doula Does That Too.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

What would it be like to have an uninterrupted night of sleep, only to wake and find someone folded the heaps of tiny laundry and washed ALL the bottle pieces and pump parts? How much less isolated would you feel if you had someone to answer your feeding and newborn care questions who was also willing to draw you a bath, hold your baby so you can nap, then prepare you a cup of tea and nourishing snack when you woke up? Yep, we do that. And much more.

I’ve heard postpartum doulas described as angels. The village we wish we still had— especially when you aren’t close with or to family. Or you just want someone to come help that has knowledge of current, evidence based info but isn’t going to impose their unsolicited opinions of how you should be doing this parenting thing. Someone you don’t feel bad having pace the halls with your baby during the night, because that’s what they love and are paid to do.

Photo by Lucy Wolski on Unsplash

What if you didn’t need to leave home with your newborn to run to the pharmacy, or grocery store, or you had someone to go along and help carry the incredible amount of things you need to tow to the many pediatrician visits? Someone to show you infant massage techniques to ease your little one’s upset tummy, to show you exactly how to start incorporating tummy time when your baby doesn’t like it, and other easy tips for promoting optimal development from the get-go.

Postpartum doulas are experts in providing needed support to new parents and their babies, things they didn’t even know they needed, or couldn’t put into words.

The description on our website states postpartum services include:

“Promotion of physical recovery, education and assistance with newborn care, evidence-based information on infant feeding & lactation, strategies for soothing & sleep for the whole household, understanding of "The Baby Blues" & postpartum mood disorders, care for other children & assistance with sibling transition, household organization, meal prep, light cleaning, grocery shopping & errands, companionship in and out of the house- after your partner returns to work or to appointments while getting adjusted to being out with your baby.”

While that’s accurate, I think it fails to capture the true essence of it. Early parenthood can be one of the most challenging, stressful, uncertain times in the lifespan. Having scheduled in-home, expert guidance and support with someone you trust, who knows the lay of this strange new land is something ALL new parents could benefit from. It’s also one of the smartest things you can do to help prepare for a new baby and set yourself up for a positive start.

Written by Angie Traska, coordinator of Align Doula Services, providing intuitive, attentive doula support that aligns with you. Serving Madison, WI and the surrounding areas.

Want to meet a few excellent doulas and learn more about what doulas do? Please join us for our complimentary doula info meeting to learn more, or shoot us a message to line up a private consultation.