What is a postpartum doula?

A postpartum doula is a perinatal professional trained specifically in postpartum care and newborn care. A postpartum doula’s mission is to provide support during the post birth stage of the childbearing year. Some postpartum doulas also help new parents prepare ahead of time for the postpartum season. Postpartum doulas are trained to recognize normal postpartum recovery and newborn development. They also have an extensive list of resources and referrals available for you if the fall out of the range of normal. Doulas are tapped into your local birth and parenting communities.

What's the difference between a postpartum doula and a baby nurse or night nurse?

A baby nurse or night nurse is a medical nursing professional usually with an RN certification. Their mission is to bring their medical expertise into the home for families and babies with needs beyond their birthing place. Many baby nurses and night nurses are familiar with NICU and PICU and specialize in helping those families or families who need help with clinical tasks like weights checks and administering medication. A baby nurse or night nurse is perfect for families with special needs or serious post birth complications.

What's the difference between a postpartum doula and a nanny?

A nanny is a childcare professional trained specifically to supervise and care for children and is hired to do so in the absence of their parents. A nanny’s mission is to take over child care so that the parents can do other important activities like going to work or date night. A nanny cares for children as young as 6 weeks old all the way up to 18 years old.

What are the benefits of working with a postpartum doula?

Working with a postpartum doula will give you evidence based and real world based education, a huge boost of confidence and the understanding help you need navigate early motherhood successfully. Here are just a few ways that education, confidence and support benefit you as a new mother: More confidence More self-efficacy aka belief in yourself that you can do this Smoother transition into mother role More satisfaction with your body and how you are healing Reach your breastfeeding goals More understanding of newborn emotional and physical needs and behaviors Earlier bonding More independent confidence in new role Less risk for postpartum depression or perinatal mood disorders Less exhaustion, frustration and apprehension Smoother return to work

How far in advance do I need to book my postpartum doula?

I suggest booking your postpartum doula as far in advanced as possible. Ideally 12 weeks or even earlier will allow you to maximize all of the support and resources that your postpartum doula has. The postpartum doula doula search can be daunting. You want to be sure that the postpartum doula you love will be available to support you. This means signing that contact and securing your spot on their calendar as soon as possible. If you wait and they aren’t available this could leave you scrambling for support or worse going with out the help at all. Most new parents do’t start looking for a postpartum doula until baby is already born. And at this point they are desperate and may choose anyone who is available instead of being able to take time to find a postpartum doula they really love and work well with.

How long do I work with my postpartum doula?

The Prima Mama Signature package is designed to provide in person doula support during the first 6 to 8 weeks after birth. However, if you choose a start day 2 weeks or more after birth you can will end 6 weeks weeks from that start date. If you really love The Prima Mama experience you can book for another 6 weeks.

postpartum – Page 2 – The Prima Doula

postpartum

Postpartum Fears

Today we are talking about fears surrounding the postpartum period. Fears you may have after giving birth and fears you may have now that you are responsible for this actual tiny person.

The pressure can be overwhelming.

Pregnancy and childbirth come with their own sets of fears and anxieties. But you will face a lot of expectations and challenges as you step into your new role as parent.

Adjusting to your new life

One of the biggest fears new parents face is if they can handle everything that comes along with parenting a new baby and maintain their previous life.

Taking on this new role seems impossible at first but as the days go on you learn, heal and grow and you step confidently in your new role.

A good way to combat this fear is to reach out to your village or network of family, friends and community resources. Talk to parents who have been through it before, listen to their stories.

Do not be turned off by things they say that may scare you. Instead, anticipate how you might handle a similar situation yourself and gather information that will help you feel prepared to face that obstacle.

Recovering from Pregnancy and Childbirth

Many birthing parents have fears surrounding their physical recovery from pregnancy and childbirth. Parents who have a particularly challenging labor or delivery or give birth via cesarean face a slightly different set of fears.

You may be worried about your postpartum bleeding or how an incision is healing or whether a medication will affect breastfeeding. Many birthing parents wonder “is this normal?” and “When should I call my doctor?”

A trained birth profession like a postpartum doula knows normal recovery and when you should definitely call your care provider. A postpartum doula will also encourage you to follow your intuition and can also provide tips and tricks to help your recovery go smoother.

The Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression

You may have heard of the baby blues or know someone who has experienced the weepy moments that many new parents have. This is common and usually dissipates after a few days or weeks.

A huge fear that you might have is fear that you could get postpartum depression. Or that you will be seen as a bad parent if you ask for help. You may have fears about having to see a therapist or take medication or that people might treat you differently if you show symptoms. You may even be afraid that you might hurt your baby.

Many new parents do experience the baby blues and they usually dissipate shortly. For others the possibility of developing a postpartum mood disorder is very real.

11-20% of birthing Americans deal with symptoms of postpartum mood disorders. And that’s only those that have reported their symptoms and does not include parents who experienced miscarriage or stillbirth. There are many more struggling in silence.

The good news is that a postpartum doula is trained in caring specifically for the postpartum parent and is very familiar with normal postpartum healing and recovery.

This professional care provider is trained to recognize symptoms of postpartum mood disorders and can provide you with resources and support to get the help you need.

You are not alone

As a new parent you will experience different fears as you transition into your new role. But you are not alone on this journey.

Reach out to your partner, doctor, midwife or The Prima Doula for support if you find your attention focused on those fears.

Getting the real help you need and increased confidence are just some of the benefits of postpartum doula support. Inviting a postpartum doula into your home can be a huge source of comfort and reassurance.

Knowing you have evidence based, non-judgmental support from your doula will allow you to feel relaxed and confident during your postpartum period.
No More Mommy Martyrs

Hey There Mama,

How are you doing today? No. REALLY… How are you doing today? I’m sure you here that questions many times as you navigate the newborn days and months. But how do you respond? Do you say things are good and that you are enjoying motherhood minus the sleepless night? Are you really good or are you hiding how you really feel for fear of backlash?

Well I’m here to tell you to LET IT ALL OUT MAMA! Share the up and downs of learning to be a mother. If your having a bad day, say it and don’t be afraid to ask for a little support. You don’t have to be super woman. You don’t have to sacrifice yourself to spare others feelings. In fact, I think its better that you don’t. Maybe you can open someones eye’s to the realities of motherhood BEFORE they are in the trenches.

Its time to let go of the “I can do it all” attitudes surrounding motherhood. For our own sakes and for the sake of our children who will one day become parents. If you have to do it all how can you learn to be all that your baby needs you to be. How can you nourish and fill your baby with love if you aren’t doing the same for yourself? How can you model that your child should care about themselves if you do the same for yourself?

Don’t sacrifice yourself for your baby because you will only be hurting both of you. Instead, embrace the pain and the struggles. Breath through them, learn from them, grow because of them. But also embrace the triumphs and joy. Relish in the peaceful, calm moments. Take time to reflect and take time to nourish yourself. Even if it something as small as taking a quick walk outside to reconnect with nature.

Motherhood is not a war or a competition, but there is a war on mothers. The mommy wars are real and as long as we continue to judge others and martyr ourselves it will be a losing battle and we ALL will lose.

So stop trying to be superwoman or supermom. Just be super YOU, because your already pretty super just the way you are.
Postpartum Self Care

Hey there lovely,

Have you been pampered today? Are you a newly postpartum mother or one approaching toddlerhood? Either way you deserve some special attention today and I know just the person to provide it…. YOU! That’s right you. I mean .I know it may sound crazy. You spend 110% of your day giving to and caring for and attending to the needs of this tiny person, how can you possible find it within you to pamper yourself. I’ve got to be honest with you, mama, in this day and age you have to be able to rely on and take care of yourself before you can take care of and have others rely on you.

Here are 6 simple ways you can take a quick moment to rejuvenate your spirit:

1. Brew a nice large cup of quality herbal tea and enjoy while baby is napping.

2. Pay attention to you nutrition. While baby is napping, put together some quick healthy snacks for the next couple of days. Eat them while feeding baby.

3. Take 5-15 moments of quiet meditation. Try to still your thoughts and focus on the moment. Don’t worry if you get distracted just start over.

4. Read a book, watch a favorite TV show or movie, especially something that will make you smile.

5. Take a luxurious bath. Can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. Start with a favorite scented candle and go from there.

6. Ask for help when you need it! Don’t martyr yourself or try to be supermom/ superdad. Society today expects you to do it all as a new mom, but moms and dads that have been there done that know that you really CAN’T do it all alone, if you want to preserve your sanity.

So there you have it lovely! If you try any of these ideas, let me know about your experience.

Until next time!
Maryland Postpartum Doula

Attention DMV Mommies!!!

As a Postpartum Doula working towards certification, I am looking to provide complimentary services to new mothers in Maryland:

I am looking for 2 mothers under age 20 to provide 16 hours of postpartum care FREE of charge (that’s 4 postpartum visits or a $192 value )

I am looking for 2 mothers who are pregnant to provide 8 hours of postpartum care (2 postpartum visits – $96 value)

I am looking for 4 new mothers to provide 8 hours of services FREE of charge (2 postpartum visits – $96 value)

You must live in Prince George’s County, Maryland, be willing to complete a Postpartum Doula Evaluation form and pay a security deposit of $50 which will be refunded upon commencement of services.
What is a Postpartum Doula?

A Postpartum Doula provides non- medical, mother focused support following the birth of a baby. This support typically includes emotional and practical support that will help ease a woman’s transition to mothering. The doula serves the mother with reverence by holding the postpartum space and nurturing mama-baby and family as they adjust to a new normal.

A Postpartum Doula assists the new mother physically, offering non-medical solutions for normal postpartum recovery, some doulas even make their own herbal remedies and use essential oils for healing.

A Postpartum Doula supports mama-baby feeding, sharing her knowledge of breastfeeding and other methods of feeding. She can also connect you to other lactation services such as support groups and lactation professionals.

A Postpartum Doula mothers the new mother, keeping the home while mama-baby bond and learn the dance of breastfeeding. She may provide household tasks such as light cleaning, assistance preparing a safe space for baby, grocery shopping, meal prep, mama and baby’s laundry.

A Postpartum Doula also supports mama emotionally as she processes her birth and adjusts to the changes as she transforms into a confident mother. This can include talking about mama’s birth story (many times!) or just being a listening ear for her to share her triumphs, joys, challenges and disappointments. This could also be watching baby so mama can nap, shower or do something that is nurturing just for her, or watching older children to mama-baby can have some quiet bonding time. A Postpartum Doula may also accompany mama-baby as they make their first trips out of the home to doctor’s appointments, running errands or just taking a walk around the block.

A Postpartum Doula is always listening and observing. She is there holding mama’s hand as she takes her first steps into motherhood. She is always educating, supporting, praising, empowering. She is also a great source of referral. She knows what a normal postpartum mama and baby look like and knows when to refer mama to the appropriate resources if there are signs of postpartum depression.

Of course, this is only a basic description of a what a postpartum doula does. Each woman who chooses to serve women in this capacity brings her own unique talents to this nurturing profession. One this is for sure, the doula is there to support and empower the mother in order to make her matrescence as blissful as possible.
Postpartum Doula Training and Certification

greetings mamas and doulas,

i am currently taking my postpartum doula training with Birth Arts International. it is not a fairly well known program (yet), but it is rising in popularity in the birthing community. i really love it so far and Demetria, the owner and online instructor is really excellent. i’m considering posting some of the exercises here as a way for my readers to get to know me and my birth philosophies. if any woman is thinking of becoming a birth worker whether it be birth doula or montrice (midwife’s assistant) or educator i would highly recommend this organization. they have a number of programs and most if not all are available for study online. stay posted for more!!!

warmth and peace,

alisa