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Present health care practices in much of the developed world, combined with a lack of cultural rituals leave families virtually unsupported in the crucial year of childbirth. There is a great deal of evidence suggesting that quality support can ease the transition that comes with the addition of a baby to the family. By educating, attending to the needs of the parents, infant and children and by offering quality referral information, the postpartum doula can ease and enhance the postpartum experience. Every family can benefit from the support and encouragement offered by a doula during the fourth trimester.
What is a Postpartum Doula?
A Postpartum Doula is trained in postpartum adjustment, newborn characteristics, care, feeding, and development, and the promotion of parent-infant bonding. They are experienced in supporting families through their postpartum experience. Coming into the home during the fourth trimester following birth, the doula’s role is to provide: education, non-judgmental support, companionship, assist with newborn care and family adjustment, meal preparation, and light household tasks. Postpartum doulas offer evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from childbirth, infant soothing and coping skills for new parents and can make appropriate referrals when necessary.
What is the difference between a Baby Nurse and a Doula?
A Baby Nurse is a professionally trained or lay- person who comes into the home and cares for a newborn baby. Some "baby nurses" are licensed nurses who provide care for infants with medical needs. Others are laywomen who specialize in the care of babies. Baby nurses are different from doulas in that their role is specifically geared toward infant care. Doulas provide excellent infant care, but their primary focus is educating and supporting parents and providing breastfeeding support, emotional support, resources and any necessary referral information.
What is the difference between a Mother’s Helper and a Doula?
A Mother’s Helper is a layperson, either adult or adolescent, who comes into the home to assist parents with childcare and household tasks. A "mother’s helper" is not trained in breastfeeding education, integrating the baby into the home or the many other aspects of postpartum doula support.
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