The term ‘Doula’ derives from ancient Greek, meaning “a woman who serves.” In traditional cultures, new mothers were surrounded by nurturing care, which facilitated their healing, bonding, and breastfeeding, without additional stress.
However, nowadays, parents often find themselves navigating parenthood with limited support. While there is much emphasis on pregnancy and birth, there is often little preparation for life with a newborn. To thrive in their transition into parenthood, families require adequate care and support. This is where a postpartum Doula comes in.
A postpartum Doula is professionally trained to provide emotional, physical, and informational support to new mothers in their early postpartum stage. Since each mother and family have specific needs, the support provided may include strategising self-care routines, building confidence in baby care, providing practical assistance around the home, or offering emotional support. Postpartum Doula care includes:
Investing in a postpartum Doula can make a significant difference in the postpartum experience for mothers and their families.
- Light house work
- Cook & prepare meals
- Refer to additional support agencies as required
- Practical support that encourages confidence & intuition.
- Advocate for the family
- Demonstrate basic baby care
- Promote self care
- Help with care of older siblings
- Provide evidence based information on newborn & postpartum topics
