Essential Ingredient: Postpartum Doula
There seems to be so much conversation about postpartum mental health and the challenges of motherhood circulating. Even with so much talk one essential ingredient is always missing. The importance of a POSTPARTUM DOULA
Postpartum doula support, from birth, is an essential ingredient for women's health - emotional, physical + mental!
Starting out well as new parents (or "new parents again"), no matter who you are, can make a world of difference! Who doesn't want to start well?!
Professional in-home support gets new families started on the right foot by promoting greater self-confidence, and less postpartum stress for the whole family.
If you don't have family near this is an ideal option for you. If your parent(s) have passed on postpartum support would likely be welcomed support. If parents, or other family, is close but you don't want them to "take over" or share their well meaning (yet outdated) advice a postpartum doula will be a wise alternative.
So what exactly is a Postpartum Doula?
...let me begin by saying it is NOT your mother, friend, sister, neighbour, cousin, etc.
A postpartum doula is an experienced maternal-infant support professional that will provide you with evidence-based information, non-judgmental support and companionship, assist with newborn care, family adjustment, meal prep, light household tasks and information on infant feeding and community resources when needed.
It's been proven over + over that postpartum support promotes the following:
opportunities for maternal self-care (sleep, nourishment + hydration, etc.)
self-confidence for parents (you know your baby + family best)
breastfeeding success (starting well means EVERYTHING)
reduced risk of postpartum mood disorders
a smoother maternal postpartum adjustment (greater satisfaction)
positive outcomes for the whole family (siblings, partners + extended family too)
lower incidence of infant abuse (less parental stress = less risk)
Motherhood shouldn't equal sleep deprivation that threatens your sanity or the continuous sacrificial act of neglected self-care like brushing your teeth, showering, and getting dressed.
You and your family deserve quality nourishment + hydration, gentle guidance, peace of mind from an up-to-date baby guru and evidence-based information for this important stage of life.
Did I mention our postpartum doulas offer day, night and multiples (twins + triplets!) support? To learn more click here