What is a doula?
A doula, like a midwife, is a trained professional who accompanies their clients through pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period (known as the "fourth trimester").
Unlike midwives, however, doulas are not medically trained.
A doula is an expert on the care and comfort of a birthing person and their immediate family.
A doula is sensitive to the emotional, physical, and sometimes spiritual needs of her clients.
A doula, armed with information, advocates for her clients' rights and preferences within the medicalized birthing space.
A doula understands that birth can be terrifying, powerful, chaotic and sacred.
Whether supporting families before, during or after a birth, a doula is someone who listens to you, cares for you, educates you, fights for you, and is there for you when you need it most!
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What does a postpartum doula do?
A postpartum doula supports you after the birth of your baby and, depending on your needs...
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cares for the entire family, not just mother (birthing parent) and baby
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offers evidence-based information on infant care and safety
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tends to baby while you rest and heal (especially after a c-section)
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recommends soothing comfort measures for your physical recovery
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provides overnight support with feeding and care
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respects your identity, your cultural practices and beliefs
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acknowledges your fears and concerns without judgment
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provides knowledgeable support for lactation and nursing, or formula feeding
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keeps you and your family nourished by preparing meals and snacks
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runs errands, i.e. for groceries, pharmacy
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assists with the housekeeping and baby's laundry
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helps you understand healthy and normal newborn behaviour
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can recognize the signs of postpartum mental health disorders
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refers you to specialists and community supports as needed
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accompanies you and your baby to appointments
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supports the emotional transition of siblings, partners, grandparents and pets
Postpartum doulas do not...
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Give unsolicited advice about parenting
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Diagnose medical conditions or perform clinical tasks
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Babysit your child(ren) while you go out
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Replace the love and support of your family and friends