About Doula Services NW

Doula Services Northwest

Postpartum Support and Parent Education Classes

Postpartum Doula Connect, Mother's Group New Parent Consulting

Postpartum Doula Services

Support, Education and Empowerment

Whether it’s your first baby, second or even third child, a doula is just the support you need while you are recovering from birth and making adjustments during the postpartum period. A doula will walk beside you on your new journey and be there to answer your questions along the way.

History of postpartum support

Traditionally, a new mother had a community of family and friends who gathered at her home to provide her with emotional and physical support after the arrival of each child. This special time and attention during the postpartum period allowed the new family to recover, relax, readjust and most importantly, focus on bonding with the new baby.

Today, distance and the fast pace of modern life can make it difficult for communities to give the in-home support a family needs to relax with their baby. In addition, short hospital stays and limited maternity leave can make mothers feel they are expected to quickly bounce back into their pre-baby lives. Because of these changes, the role of the postpartum doula evolved.

Postpartum support from Doulas

Adding a new family member, whether through birth or adoption, is a time of intense change and adjustment. A postpartum doula recognizes that and helps you and your family through the process. Like communities of the past, a doula provides in-home care to help families ease into a daily routine at a pace that is comfortable for them. A doula enters a home with an open mind and open heart, knowing each mother and family will have their own individual needs. From family to family, day-to-day, even hour-to-hour, her role is constantly changing. She is a teacher and a source of information. The doula may be a shoulder to cry on, or a person who declares, “This is a time to celebrate!” She is the glue that helps keep every-thing together and in perspective. At all times, the doula provides reassurance, support and the belief that the parents can and will be successful in their new roles.

Typical Postpartum Services

Doula services are personalized to the needs of each family. Doulas may come every day for a few hours, a few times a week, or just provide support on the first day home. They can also be hired to help care for the baby at night so the mother can rest in between late feedings.

The goal of a doula is to empower the new mother and family, helping to instill a sense of confidence and self-reliance. Typical services include:

Physical Support

v     Making suggestions to improve your comfort and recovery after birth.

v     Helping you learn to care for your new baby (babies), assisting with breastfeeding or bottle feeding, bathing and diapering.

v      Helping you “get to know” your new baby by observing, learning & recognizing the cues they use to communicate.

v      Encouraging self-care and wellness.

v     Household organization, which may include laundry, tidying and light meal preparation.

Emotional Support

v     Listening to your needs and concerns, recognizing this is an emotional time for the whole family particularly the mother.

v     Coaching family members on how to recognize and nurture the present needs of the mother and father.

v      Helping you talk through issues relating to the birth experience.

v      Encouraging parent-child bonding.

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