What is a Doula?
A skilled, professionally trained, empathetic, and non-judgmental woman who assists
families in their transition of welcoming a new baby (or babies).
The word doula comes from ancient Greek and means "mothering
the mother".
There are two kinds of doulas: a birth
doula who provides emotional support to a woman
during labour and a post-partum doula who helps with the transition once the baby has arrived.
What are the Benefits of Having a Doula?
A post partum doula can be helpful for any new (or experienced) mother.
Some countries, such as the Netherlands, routinely provide post-partum doula care for new mothers.
What Does a Doula Do?
A post-partum doula offers families evidence-based information
and
support with the following:
- Breastfeeding
- Emotional and physical recovery from childbirth
- Breastfeeding support
- Infant soothing techniques
- Infant development and how to recognize baby's cues for hunger, sleep, etc.
- Mother and partner baby-bonding
- Coping skills for new parents
- Practical tips related to diapering, bathing, sleeping, and routine
- Practical support with multiples
- Support for integrating new baby into family with additional siblings
- Meal preparation so that you can sleep or focus on your baby
- Holding baby so that you can eat, sleep, shower and take care of yourself
- Community resource referrals
- Mothering the mother, so that the mother can nurture the baby
Who
Needs a Post-Partum Doula?
- Anyone who wants a smoother transition to parenting
- Anyone who wants breastfeeding support and tips for newborn care
- Anyone who does not have family close by, or whose family can’t provide
the support that you would want - Families who are having their first child and need extra support
- Families who already have children and need extra support for the siblings and newborn care
- Mothers who have had C sections
- Mothers of multiples
- Mothers who have a higher risk of post partum depression
Read more about the Breastfeeding and doula care
Read more from the DONA website about the benefits of doula care
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