Art by Catie Atkinson @spiritysol
As promised, we are back with Part 2 of our doula blog. We pick up from where we left off a few weeks ago when the leaves were not quite as crunchy…
In Part 1, I featured the work of the Labor Support Doula, and what she can offer during pregnancy and birth. Before anyone calls me out for being sexist, let’s acknowledge that there are currently a few men who are trained doulas around the world (and, fun fact for any Gleeks out there: Matthew Morrison’s father was a midwife!) However, since women tend to be the overwhelming majority working in these areas, and throughout history and still around much of the world today, women have supported and continue to support women during this journey. I will, going forward, refer to doulas as women.
Now it’s time to focus the spotlight on Postpartum Doulas (aka PPDs).
To reiterate: long ago and far away, women were surrounded by family members and friends during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. New moms were cared for by their mothers, sisters, grandmothers, cousins, aunts, friends, etc. This meant that she would have others around her continuously to help her recover and to soften the learning curve as it pertained to new motherhood.
Just what did that look like after a baby was born? Picture this: a new mom never had to lift a finger, since all of the housework, meal prep, cleaning, chores and errands were covered (women who have just given birth need to be off duty for complete recovery). She was provided with measures for comfort and healing. She had lots of nursing help and bathing help and TONS of wisdom, guidance and moral support. A new mother could depend on this circle of women for anything she needed at any time. And more often than not, her needs were anticipated before she even knew what they might be.
Sounds heavenly, right? “Where do I sign up,” you ask? There are still many cultures around the world that welcome new families in this way. There are even some nations that provide this kind of support to all citizens for six weeks after a woman gives birth, free of charge (I’m looking at you, France!).
But here in the United States, women are often left to their own devices, and I just don’t think that’s fair. Not only do many of us find ourselves living far away from family and friends, but concepts like family leave and childcare are woefully lacking and can leave new parents feeling like they are jumping into the abyss without a parachute.
Having a baby is joyful and miraculous and beyond anything we can ever imagine before our little ones make their way into the world. But one thing to which people rarely give thought is the idea that the baby is not the only one being born here. Women and their partners are born into parenthood. This transition is enormous, and cannot be underestimated.
Postpartum doulas are here to help! They prepare meals, make sure that a woman is staying well-hydrated (because who, in their elated-yet-exhausted haze, will do these things for themselves?). They straighten up and make your “nest” as comfortable for you as possible so that you can forget about the dishes and the laundry and the texts and scrolling social media and GET SOME REST. That last bit’s in upper case for a reason, Everyone. Rest is essential for healing and recovery, both physically and emotionally.
PPDs will run errands, and watch older siblings. They are well-versed in newborn care and breastfeeding and will educate parents in these areas. They know how to recognize signs of emotional distress which are common in the days, weeks and sometimes months following birth. They can provide resources and referrals and that extra pair of hands that all new parents need and treasure. For a comprehensive list of services PPDs can offer, click here.
Many people wonder what the difference is between a baby nurse and a PPD. A nurse will traditionally live with a family for a few days or weeks, taking care of all things baby: laundry, diaper changing, calming, bathing, feeding etc. (Some, but not all, are trained to help with nursing – good to ask when exploring this option). PPDs usually work approximately 5-6 hours per day (though some do overnights), and help mother the mother so that the mother can mother the baby. That’s a mouthful, but an accurate one, as you can see from the aforementioned description of services (which obviously are wildly helpful to partners, too).
The transition to parenthood (and it’s always a transition, whether this baby is your first or your fourth) can be greatly eased with the support of a Postpartum Doula. Those outfits from that store down the block? Adorable. Another stuffed animal or set of ironic-sayings bibs? Precious. But the gift of a PPD that you can give yourself, or that those who love you can purchase on your behalf? It is a must add to your baby registry, especially if you do not have this sort of support postpartum. Priceless.
Photo by Megan Hancock Photography
Let Me Help You Create The Happiest Birth Experience Of Your Life...
Whether you're a first time or experienced momma,
Or a midwife, doula, or birth professional guiding mommas..
Regardless if you are planning a birth at home, a hospital, a birth center or need a cesarean section, or if you are taking another childbirth education class…
You Really Can Create The Delivery Of Your Dreams.
And have a blissful birth wherever you are.
More Precious Than A Wedding...A Birth Should Be A Celebration!
Let me show you how to…
Understand the sensations of your body and connect your intuition with how your body is communicating and leading you towards what to do during labor
Tap into your inner calm to deeply relax yourself, letting go of busy, stressful and fearful thoughts on demand for the health of baby
Speak your truth from your heart in a way that deepens your relationships, sets clear boundaries, and has people listen to you and support you before, during and after pregnancy
Trust yourself, connect with your body wisdom and communicate with baby in belly
Connect with natural time and sync your body and mind up with your unique biological clock for ease from pregnancy to postpartum
Reprogram negative patterns, stories, and beliefs that undermine your confidence, strength and self trust so you can rock your birth
Physicians and midwives around the world recommend my teachings to their pregnant clients and many Doulas across the country learn the secrets of blissful birthing from me to supplement their Doula Training & Certification process!
To learn more, visit: LOVE YOUR BIRTH Online Childbirth Course which has the syllabus in detail; the course has been updated and made more mobile friendly at a cheaper price now called Anne’s Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum here. You can get them bundled together or buy separately.
It is based on my over 29 years of experience, as a midwife and yoga teacher, helping thousands of women tap into their calm and live and birth from a place of grounded relaxation and joy.
The Postpartum Guide is included as it is often called the forgotten and neglected fourth trimester in the Western culture. It is crucial to prepare for your best postpartum support and care during pregnancy, to set yourself up for success rather than winging it. or leaving until you are postpartum, unprepared, overwhelmed, isolated and struggling. . Some of the course topics include:
Learning exactly what postpartum is, how long it lasts, and how long it takes to feel back to yourself
How to prepare during pregnancy for adjusting to caring for a newborn, breastfeeding, healing and recovery (many modern day women are stunned today about all that is involved!)
Learning priorities during this time for what is needed, how and what to delegate to ensure everything that can be, is taken care of by others and off your plate
How to transition from 'doing' and accomplishing your-to-do list, to 'being,' and living in tune with your and your baby’s needs
Essential nutrition, hydration and whole food/herbal supplements for postpartum
Self-identify signs of postpartum depression, anxiety and psychiatric illness vs normal emotional changes so you can get help early for postpartum depression or anxiety
Receiving comprehensive head to toe training on what to expect physically and emotionally, and the reasons why, with some suggestions/natural remedies for common issues such as:
Lack of sleep and exhaustion
Breast changes
Nipple soreness
Colostrum to breastmilk
Bleeding patterns
Cramping
Perineal soreness and stitches
Constipation and hemorrhoids
Return to pre pregnant weight
Return to cycle and fertility
Return to sex
Relationship changes
Sibling adjustment
Body image: how to love your postpartum body
