
The first 40 days postpartum are crucial for a mother as she heals and transitions into her role, just as the baby learns to transition to life outside the womb. We call this postpartum period the fourth trimester for a reason! How you approach the postpartum period can have a very positive or very negative impact on your health in the long run. There’s a popular saying that ‘the first forty days after birth will affect your next forty years.’ The postpartum period is when we “mother the mother” helping her rest, stay well nourished, and warm, as her body adjusts to breastfeeding, shifting hormones, and healing from birth. To give an idea of this importance, remember that a placenta-sized wound (like a dinner place) is inside the uterus and needs to heal.
A postpartum doula takes on the role of tending to the mother. This could be anything from making meals, tidying the house, running errands, newborn & postpartum care, helping the mother have space for self-care, emotional support, entertaining other siblings, or offering education and resources. Essentially a postpartum doula’s goal is to support the mother in any way possible that eliminates responsibility and pressure from her plate so that the she can focus entirely on taking care of her baby, resting, eating, and allowing time for her body to recover.
FAQs
Who can benefit from a postpartum doula?
How is a postpartum doula different from a nanny or night nurse?
While there can be some overlap, the focus differs. Nannies typically provide childcare for extended periods, while doulas offer day or night support and education specific to the postpartum period. Night nurses and overnight postpartum doulas primarily focus on overnight newborn care to allow parents to sleep.
When should I hire a postpartum doula?
You can hire a doula anytime! Ideally, interview and book them in advance for peace of mind and to secure your spot. However, many doulas are flexible and can start services even after the baby arrives.