The Doula and Postpartum Care
Postpartum support for mothers varies from country to country and is, unfortunately, lacking in most societies.
During pregnancy, the woman receives a lot of attention and check-ups. After birth, it shifts to the baby and the mother is often on her own, expected to have it all figured out immediately. It seems like we forgot the woman who just gave birth and goes through a tremendous change in her body, emotions, identity, and responsibilities. Many families live far away and we don't have much of a community to support which leaves most mums feeling alone, overwhelmed, and exhausted.
In traditional cultures, the community comes together to care for the new mother so that she can care for her newborn child. Family and neighbours cook and clean and make sure the mother rests and is well. Motherhood skills like breastfeeding and settling are passed on to the new mum.
Dana Raphael in her book 'The tender gift: Breastfeeding' describes the historical model of a doula:
The word (doula) comes from the Greek, and in Aristotle’s time meant "slave". Later it came to describe the woman who goes into the home and assists a newly delivered mother by cooking for her, helping with the other children, holding the baby and so forth. She might be a neighbor, a relative, or a friend, and she performs her tasks voluntarily and on a temporary basis. (p24)
Today most postpartum doulas are trained professionals who provide emotional, practical, and informational support to the new mum and her family and fill the gap of the lack in support. The doula comes and visits the family at home after the baby is born with a focus on the mum and her needs and well-being. Her care is often described as 'mothering the mother'.
She encourages rest and self-care.
She encourages bonding with the newborn.
She provides a safe and non-judgemental space for the mum to be seen and heard.
She holds the space for the mum so she can discover her new role as a mother.
She encourages the mum in her instincts and helps her to read her baby's clues.
She provides information and helps with breastfeeding and infant care.
She gives the mum time to rest or shower while taking care of the baby.
She cooks for the mum and makes sure that the mum gets a nourishing meal.
She helps with the older siblings.
She helps with light cleaning or laundry.
She provides resources and helps to build a support network of family, friends, mother’s groups, or other health professionals.
She makes sure that the mum is well cared for so that she can take care of her baby well and can be the best mum she can be.
Transition into motherhood comes with many beautiful moments as well as many challenges. Postpartum doulas are here to support and equip the mum to minimize and handle the challenges so she can feel confident in her role as a mother and can enjoy the many beautiful moments of motherhood.
Personally, I believe that postpartum support is not a luxury but a necessity and that every mum needs and deserves the nurturing and non-judgemental care of people around her every time she births or welcomes a new baby.
Are you interested in postpartum support? I provide in-home care for families in Sydney, Australia, and virtual support, if you live further out or in another country.
