Do You Know What a Postpartum Doula Is?

At the age of 46, I only just recently heard the word for the first time and I assume it's person who is like a coach. Would love to have had one around when my sons were being born in the early '90's!

Yes I used a labor doula and a (different) postpartum doula and it was the best money I ever spent. I highly recommend this to every pregnant friend I talk to.

I know what a doula is, so I supose a postpartum helps the new mom understand her mood swings, her emotions in handling her new loved one.
Arlene S..from Melville NY

I believe she's someone (sort of like a nanny) who comes to your home and helps with/teaches you about the care of your newborn.

yeah, I do. I used one.

I have some idea, but not entirely... so I guess that's a no.

No, but I have heard of people who help take care of you post birth. Don't think they're called doulas, though.

Yes, had one (as well as a labor/birth doula) with both kids.

i have heard of one - and i assumed it was someone who helped out with the baby once it is born, particularly specialized in helping mom cope if she is dealing with postpartum depression challenges --- interested to hear how your poll turns out

YES!!! :-)

I had a labor/birth doula (yes, I know that is different) at Valley Hospital and she was awesome - a great compromise to my home birth wishes and my husband's "you need a hospital to birth" attitude...

ANY ONE HAVE A REFERNCE FOR A POSTPARTUM DOULA??

With a 2 year old running around and Dad picking up extra nursing/paramedic shifts, I am thinking I might need the extra support this time around.

Send me a personnal note.
Thanks.
~C.

Yes. It's a person who helps Mom with all the aspects of childbirth and care of the newborn.

I am actually training to become a postpartum doula. A postpartum doula is generally hired to help new moms (and dads + other family members) with the transition after baby is born. Duties could include emotional and informational support, guidance/support with breastfeeding, preparing meals, caring for baby, take care of siblings, answering the phone and door,luandry,light housecleaning, grocery shopping and/or other errands. They should not be doing major house cleaning and do not perfoprm any clinical tasks or diagnose medical conditions. Having a doula often helps increase confidence, creates greater success and satisfaction with breastfeeding experience. They make sure the moms get enough nourishment, food and rest, so that moms can focus on caring for their new little one. Hope this helps. I would highly recommend any new mom to hire a doula if they can. Unless you have a husband who will be home a lot and is extremely supportive and/or an extended family that can be there to help you the few weeks after you give birth, it can be a saving grace. I did not have a pp doula, and I suffered postpartum depression. I strongly believe this could have been helped if I had more help after the baby is born. If you can't hire a pp doula, due to financial concern, I highly recommend the book "Natural Health After Birth" by Avivo Romm. Best of luck to you! Please feel free to ask me any other questions.
I just read your question again. Whoops, looks like your were just taking a toll. You are probably a post partum doula yourself. Oh well, if someone else reads this, they will benefit!

Well, since I've been a Bradley teacher for 13 years and used to be a postpartum doula, the answer is yes, I do know what one is !

Yes. I had one who was amazing! She showed me how to bathe my infant, diff breastfeeding holds and came over a few hours a day the frst few weeks. Better than a baby nurse who does it all for you then leaves you without a clue. My ppdoula made me confident and was available by phone to answer any questions...

Yes, I interviewed a some when I was looking for a birth doula. The doula I had with me during labor was great.

It's a person who will provide support and help to you at home after your baby is born. They may help you with techniques for breastfeeding and caring for your baby and yourself.

I had a labor/birth doula - best thing I ever did. She was in the delivery room w/ my husband and I, provided a calming support - massage and pressure points - as well as verbal support. She helped me during the last few months of pregnancy with techniques for exercise and trying to bring on labor naturally. I was desparate to have a natural delivery without drugs so I could try to avoid a csection this time around. I'm just a normal person - not rich or "all natural" - getting a doula was something I looked into and thought it would really be helpful - it was.

yes of course. someone who comes and helps out at home for a certain period of time

Since this is a poll and not a quiz, then yes, I know what a postpartum doula is.

Yes! Looking forward to having one after my next birth!

I believe that a Doula is a live-in Nanny, if I'm not mistaken, so a Postpartum Doula would probably be someone that is hired to live with you for the first few weeks after your baby is born, to help you care for your infant, and recuperate from their birth.....but that's just a guess.....

A post partum DOULA is sort of like a baby nurse except she is there to help the mother and teach her family how to take care of the mother.While the mother cares for the baby.
She also teaches and helps the mom take care of the baby.
Help teach her to breastfeed correctly. clean the baby's belly button, what foods to eat, and even cooks meals for the mom. and various things of that nature.

M

Yes. I hired a L&D doula, and the organization she works for also offers postpartum doula services. Check out www.birthpartners.org. They are wonderful!

I know what a postpartum doula is - why? Are you one?

Don't know for sure.....is it a person that stays home with you after baby is born to help out with baby? If so, wish I had one back in the day!

yes, I know what one is. never used one, but bet I would have loved it.

I think I know...and wish I could have one!
Lynsey