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Some common
questions people ask about Postnatal Doulas
What is a Postnatal Doula?
I would say that a postnatal doula is a supportive advisor and
helper, who has experience of motherhood. She will provide sympathetic
non-judgemental postnatal support to a mother and her family.
What do postnatal doulas do?
What a postnatal doula does changes from day to day, as the
needs of the mother and family change. Postnatal doulas do whatever
a mother needs to best enjoy and care for her new baby. A large
part of their role is education. They share information about
baby care with parents, as well as teach siblings and partners
to “mother the mother.” They assist with breastfeeding
education. Postnatal doulas also make sure the mother is fed,
well hydrated and comfortable.
How long does a postnatal doula spend with a family?
Doula support can last anywhere from one or two visits to more
than three months. It’s really up to the mother to decide
how much support she needs.
What hours can I expect a doula to work with my family?
Most doulas work three to four hour shifts during the day, while
some can work after school shifts until a partner gets home.
Some doulas work evenings from around 6 pm until bedtime, 9
or 10 pm. Some doulas work every day or a few days a week. Again,
it’s really up to the mother to decide how much support
she needs.
What is the difference between a postnatal doula and
a maternity nurse?
The role of a postnatal doula is to help and support a new mother
through her postnatal period and to nurture the family. Unlike
a maternity nurse, a doula’s focus is not solely on the
baby, but on supporting the mother and family. The doula is
as available to the partner and any older children as to the
mother and the baby. Treating the family as a unit that is connected
and always changing enables doulas to do their job: nurture
the family.
What is a postnatal doula’s goal?
The goal of a doula is to nurture the mother into her new role.
As the new mother experiences success and her knowledge and
self-confidence grows, her need for professional support should
diminish. The doula also supports partners and the rest of the
family.
How does a doula nurture a mother into her role?
Self-confidence has a tremendous impact on a person’s
ability to approach any task, and parenting is no different.
Doulas always consider parents’ feelings and always build
confidence whenever possible. Doulas accomplish this through
praise, acceptance and a non-judgmental approach to providing
support and information.
The doula will help a mother develop strategies and skills that
will improve her ability to bond with and take care of her baby.
A calm baby who is growing well will help a mother to feel more
confident in her skills.
Do doulas help mothers to deal with postnatal depression?
Unlike therapists or psychiatrists, doulas do not treat postnatal
depression. However, a doula can help by creating a safe emotionally
secure place for the mother. The doula will provide a cushioning
effect by accepting and supporting the mother within each stage
that she passes through. A doula relieves some of the pressure
on the new mother by helping her move into her new mothering
role gradually. A doula makes sure that the mother feels nurtured
and cared for, as well as making sure she is eating well and
getting enough sleep.
Do doulas teach a particular parenting approach?
No. Doulas support a mothers’ parenting approach. Doulas
are good listeners and encourage mothers to develop their own
philosophies.
How do postnatal doulas work with a mother’s partner?
A doula respects the partner’s role and input, and supports
the development of skills that will help the partner nurture
the baby and mother. The doula will facilitate the partner in
his or her role in the early weeks which will have a dramatic
positive effect on the whole family.
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