If I Have Family Nearby, Do I Need a Postpartum Doula?
The anticipation of a new baby is a period filled with excitement, anticipation, and often, a little bit of anxiety. While the support of family members can be invaluable during pregnancy and the postpartum period, many parents like to explore the additional help of a postpartum doula. In this blog post, we'll explore the role of postpartum doulas, their relationship with family support, and why doulas can be a fantastic complement to the care and assistance provided by relatives.
The Importance of Postpartum Support
The postpartum period, often referred to as the "fourth trimester," is a time when new parents need care and support as much as, if not more than, during pregnancy and childbirth. It's a period of adjustment, sleepless nights, healing, and the steep learning curve of parenthood. Here, the role of postpartum support is crucial, especially for the well-being of the new parents.
Postpartum doulas are trained professionals who provide practical, emotional, and informational support to new parents through the transition of welcoming a new baby. They offer assistance with breastfeeding, baby care, and emotional well-being. They can also provide evidence-based information about infant care, feeding, and postpartum recovery. However, it's essential to recognize that postpartum doulas are not meant to replace the help of family members but rather enhance it.
The support of family members, whether it's the baby's grandparents, aunts, uncles, or close friends, is a precious gift. It can be immensely comforting for new parents to have familiar faces and loved ones around, offering their time and assistance. Family members can play a significant role in providing emotional support, taking care of household tasks, and helping parents get some much-needed rest.
Having family nearby can create a sense of comfort and familiarity for new parents. There's a shared history and a deep emotional connection that can make this time feel less intimidating. However, it's helpful to remember that family support and doula support can each bring unique benefits to the new parents.
The Role of a Postpartum Doula
Postpartum doulas offer support that is both comprehensive and objective. Their primary role is to ensure the well-being of the new parents and the baby, and they do so through various means:
Emotional Support: Postpartum doulas are trained to provide emotional support and reassurance. They listen without judgment and offer a safe space for parents to express their feelings, fears, and concerns. Doulas can screen for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and make appropriate referrals for treatment, as needed.
Infant Care: Doulas are well-versed in baby care and can assist with feeding, diaper changes, soothing techniques, and safe sleep guidance. They provide parents with valuable tips and guidance to build their confidence in caring for their newborn.
Breastfeeding Support: Doulas, particularly those with additional lactation training, can offer guidance and encouragement for breastfeeding, helping to establish a strong foundation for parents’ feeding goals. They can assist with latching, positioning, and troubleshooting common breastfeeding challenges. Doulas are also trained to identify when breastfeeding challenges necessitate specialized assistance, and make those referrals.
Information and Education: Postpartum doulas provide up-to-date information on infant care and postpartum recovery. They base their advice on the latest research and best practices, helping parents make informed decisions.
Practical Support: Doulas can assist with practical tasks like washing bottles, errand-running, and baby laundry. This kind of help can significantly alleviate the workload on new parents and allow them to focus on bonding with their baby.
Encouragement and Empowerment: Doulas aim to empower parents, giving them the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate the early days of parenthood. They respect the family's choices and encourage their autonomy.
A Complement, Not a Replacement
It's important to emphasize that postpartum doulas are not intended to replace the support of family members. Instead, they complement the care provided by loved ones. Here's why the coexistence of both family support and a postpartum doula can be beneficial:
Objective Third Party: Postpartum doulas bring an objective perspective. They can offer guidance and solutions without the emotional entanglement that can sometimes arise with family members. This objectivity is invaluable when tackling sensitive issues or making challenging decisions.
Specialized Knowledge: Doulas are professionals with specialized training in postpartum care. They are equipped with the most up-to-date information and can provide evidence-based advice. This knowledge can fill in the gaps where family members might be unsure.
Relief for Family Members: Family support is crucial, but it can also put additional pressure on the loved ones who provide it. Postpartum doulas can take on certain tasks, allowing family members to enjoy quality bonding time with the new baby and the new parents without feeling overwhelmed.
Professional Presence: As doulas are providing a paid service, the new parents need not feel like they are asking too many favors or leaning too heavily on their support network.
Peace of Mind: The presence of a doula can give both new parents and family members peace of mind. Knowing that there's a trained professional on hand can reduce anxiety and create a more relaxed environment for everyone involved.
The question of whether you need a postpartum doula when you have family nearby is not an either-or scenario. Instead, it's about recognizing the unique strengths and roles that each can play. While family support is a precious gift, postpartum doulas can be an invaluable addition to your post-birth team, offering a combination of expert knowledge, emotional support, and practical assistance. Their presence is not meant to replace family but to enhance the overall care and well-being of the new parents and the precious addition to the family – the baby. By working together, both family and doulas can create a nurturing environment that eases the transition into parenthood and sets the stage for a joyful and healthy start in this new chapter of life.
About the Doula
Kathleen Robbins is a postpartum doula and Certified Lactation Counselor in St. Louis, MO. Kathleen offers in-person support in St. Louis and virtual and texting support to families in any location. She loves getting know extended family members as everyone works together to welcome a new baby! To learn more about postpartum support can help your family, contact Kathleen today.
