Post-natal doula services
In the days, weeks and months after birth, a doula can offer both emotional and practical support to a family. Below are three examples of how a doula might help:
Example A
This is the first baby in the family. In the first few weeks the baby's dad has had paternity leave, but then he had to return to work. Mum and baby are doing well, but it's a huge lifestyle change for everyone.
In this case a doula might help by coming round and offering reassurance that the baby is doing well, both when the dad is on leave, and once he has returned to work. Being a new parent can be scary - you are suddenly responsible for a whole little person, and there's often no relatives close by to check with about what's normal for feeding, poo-ing or developmentally. A doula can offer this reassurance and emotional support to both parents through this time, and can also help a new mum to find groups and activites that fit her way of parenting, to help her build a new social network for herself and her family. A doula can also help with many practical tasks, allowing the parents to 'babymoon'.
This is the first baby in the family. In the first few weeks the baby's dad has had paternity leave, but then he had to return to work. Mum and baby are doing well, but it's a huge lifestyle change for everyone.
In this case a doula might help by coming round and offering reassurance that the baby is doing well, both when the dad is on leave, and once he has returned to work. Being a new parent can be scary - you are suddenly responsible for a whole little person, and there's often no relatives close by to check with about what's normal for feeding, poo-ing or developmentally. A doula can offer this reassurance and emotional support to both parents through this time, and can also help a new mum to find groups and activites that fit her way of parenting, to help her build a new social network for herself and her family. A doula can also help with many practical tasks, allowing the parents to 'babymoon'.
Example B
This is the second baby to be born into this family. Last time there were lots of problems with breastfeeding, and the right support wasn't available. This time the family would like to make sure breastfeeding is given the best possible chance.
In this case the doula might come round lots in the first few days. She may stay for quite a few hours at a time, to check how feeding is going. She may offer practical help if she is also a qualified breastfeeding supporter or counsellor, and will be able to identify if medical help is needed. If medical help is needed she will know who to contact within the local NHS, or be able to suggest private qualified Lactation Consultants. She may go to these appointments with the family, and then help them implement any suggestions at home. She will also have a big role in providing emotional support and reassurance to the family about feeding.
This is the second baby to be born into this family. Last time there were lots of problems with breastfeeding, and the right support wasn't available. This time the family would like to make sure breastfeeding is given the best possible chance.
In this case the doula might come round lots in the first few days. She may stay for quite a few hours at a time, to check how feeding is going. She may offer practical help if she is also a qualified breastfeeding supporter or counsellor, and will be able to identify if medical help is needed. If medical help is needed she will know who to contact within the local NHS, or be able to suggest private qualified Lactation Consultants. She may go to these appointments with the family, and then help them implement any suggestions at home. She will also have a big role in providing emotional support and reassurance to the family about feeding.
Example C
This is the second baby in this family, and mum's partner has returned to work after a few weeks leave. Everything is going well.
A doula in this situation might provide some very practical support to the family, including taking care of the baby and the child whilst mum gets a nap, or doing some cooking for the family, or some housework. Some doulas also help out with things like dog-walking. A doula in this situation will also be offering emotional support and reassurance to the mum and her partner, but their needs may be different if they already have a child.
My post-natal skills:
I trained as a post-natal doula with Nuturing Birth, and I also have other qualifications which are useful in my post-natal work:
- Breastfeeding counsellor (La Leche League)
- Babywearing consultant (Trageschule)
- Baby Massage Instructor (IAIM)
This is the second baby in this family, and mum's partner has returned to work after a few weeks leave. Everything is going well.
A doula in this situation might provide some very practical support to the family, including taking care of the baby and the child whilst mum gets a nap, or doing some cooking for the family, or some housework. Some doulas also help out with things like dog-walking. A doula in this situation will also be offering emotional support and reassurance to the mum and her partner, but their needs may be different if they already have a child.
My post-natal skills:
I trained as a post-natal doula with Nuturing Birth, and I also have other qualifications which are useful in my post-natal work:
- Breastfeeding counsellor (La Leche League)
- Babywearing consultant (Trageschule)
- Baby Massage Instructor (IAIM)