Postpartum Doulas

The birth of a baby represents a profound and permanent life change for the parents and other family members. After nine months of pregnancy and the stresses of labor and birth, a family is born or enlarged. For new parents the challenges are numerous: recovery from childbirth; total responsibility for a tiny dependent newborn; sleeplessness; emotional adjustment; mastery of infant feeding and care; understanding of and adjustment to the unique personality of their baby; and household organization. Sometimes the physical or mental health of the new mother or baby is compromised, and the parents need more help at home than they had expected. Furthermore, many new parents are unaware of what constitutes normal newborn growth and development, and normal postpartum recovery for the mother.

In times past, new parents could usually depend on their own parents, other family members, or friends to assist them. While these resources are still available today, they are frequently spotty and inadequate, due to great distances between new parents and their loved ones. With all these challenges, it is clear that the importance of support, advice, and assistance in the weeks and months following birth cannot be overemphasized. The postpartum doula fills a large gap in maternity care, and is able to facilitate a smooth and rewarding transition.

Role of the Doula
Doulas are trained in postpartum adjustment, newborn characteristics, care, feeding, and development, and the promotion of parent-infant bonding. They are experienced in supporting families through their postpartum experience. Coming into the home during the fourth trimester following birth, the doula’s role is to provide education, non-judgmental support, and companionship, and to assist with newborn care and family adjustment, meal preparation and light household tasks. Postpartum doulas offer evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from childbirth, infant soothing and coping skills for new parents and can make appropriate referrals when necessary.

Services and costs
Most postpartum doulas and doula agencies are independent and are employed directly by the parents.They often meet prenatally with clients to assess their needs and establish a relationship. Doulas offer a variety of flexible schedules for providing support, which can include full days, partdays, overnights and weekends.

Costs for doula services vary geographically. Most doulas charge an hourly fee for their services, and many base their fees on a sliding scale. There is growing third party insurance reimbursement for postpartum support. Grant funding is a possibility for postpartum doula programs. At present, however, most doula care is paid for directly by the client.

For more information about postpartum and birth doulas,contact:Doulas of North America (DONA), (888)788-DONA or www.DONA.org
©DONA 2002