Why should I seek postpartum doula support?
At Post Pamper, our 24/7 doula care is exclusively provided by Doulas of North County. Here are some reasons why they suggest welcoming doula care into your postpartum planning…
Welcoming a new baby is one of the most momentous and joyous times of your life – while also rocking your world and identity from every angle.
You’ve heard stories from friends and family that you need to “ask for help”, but what does that really mean?
Perhaps family and friends have offered to cook a meal, hold the baby, or fold laundry. You think that sounds good, but maybe you’re left a bit weary if that will be enough?
This is where a postpartum doula can help. A person who is an expert in postpartum recovery and newborn care and can validate your emotional experience.
Here are three reasons why postpartum doula care makes sense:
Family or friends aren’t always the most supportive choice.
If you are fortunate to have family or friends in town who are willing to help, that can be a wonderful experience for everyone involved! However, sometimes family members or friends aren’t the most supportive choice when you’re in the vulnerable postpartum period.
Infant care and postpartum recovery guidelines have changed a lot since your parents had a baby. Sometimes, it is challenging for older family members to adjust to “the new way” of doing things (even when rooted in evidence-based research). A postpartum doula is trained in the latest evidence-based care and provides a calm, safe, nurturing space for you to recover and discover your newborn and yourself with ease.
This isn’t to say that having family or friends around isn’t wonderful - it is! But there is a difference between sharing the experience and relying on them for support.
Take the pressure off you (and your partner)
Many are not experts in postpartum recovery and newborn care. Plus newborn care takes a lot of energy. Additionally, some do not have the ability to take much time off work (or have a limited amount of leave). This is where a postpartum doula can help. This support can bring peace of mind and an elimination of anyone carrying the weight of it all. Postpartum doulas meet families where they’re at and provide tailor-made support to the whole family.
Prioritize your healing
Even with an easy and smooth pregnancy or labor, your mind, body, and soul is going through a lot of changes.
Our current culture puts an unreasonable amount of pressure to bounce back from birth and fast-tracks us on the path to super parent, which is a recipe for burnout. Yet, many of us live in a reality where we have to get back to work (and many of us want to!). Postpartum doulas and retreats can help you craft an intentional postpartum recovery period that will maximize your healing and care so that, when it is time to emerge from your postpartum cocoon, your cup is more full.