Birth and postpartum support: Doulas
Birth & postpartum support
A spotlight on postpartum doulas
I am lucky enough to work with expectant mamas at all stages of their pregnancies and many mention looking for postpartum support in the form of a baby nurse. Baby nurses are incredible and super common in the New York area, but so many expectant mamas aren’t familiar with postpartum doulas - and I often find, that it’s actually a doula’s expertise and services that clients are looking for. While both can help in the early days of parenthood, the main difference is that postpartum doulas are intended to care for the new mom and baby nurses care for the baby.
I was lucky enough to connect with the incredible team at The Nesting Place NJ for a brief Q&A to learn more about their doulas, the services they offer, and how they can have a positive impact of birth and postpartum experiences alike.
Q: What is a doula?
A: A birth doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to an expectant mother before, during, and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible. Birth doulas specifically work with moms during pregnancy and labor, postpartum doulas specifically work with moms throughout the postpartum period once baby is here.
Q: Why should I get a doula?
A: Any mom that could benefit from the extra physical and emotional support, education, and evidence based information that a doula provides, is an excellent candidate to seek doula services. Studies have proven that having a birth doula decreases the chances of needing a cesarean by 30%. Additionally, having the support of a doula significantly reduces the chances of babies having a low birth rate, as well mom needing pitocin or an epidural during labor. Also, Postpartum doulas significantly increase the chances of moms both initiating breastfeeding, and increasing duration and success.
The anxiety that comes with becoming a first-time parent, adding another child to the family, the fear of labor and the unknown, lack of sleep, and all that comes with the birth of a child, are all common and valid concerns. Your doula will help you navigate and work through these worries so that you and your family can tackle these stressors as they arise, and enjoy the most precious gift of your life: your baby!
Q: If I decide I want a doula, where do I find one?
A: It can be really challenging going about this type of search alone. The Nesting Place, a wellness center for pregnant women in Ridgewood, New Jersey, will work with women in most areas of New Jersey and the surrounding areas in New York. We offer many services including matching expectant moms with the right doula for their family.
About my co-author:
The Nesting Place is a wellness center for pregnant women in Ridgewood, New Jersey. They work with women in most areas of New Jersey and the surrounding areas in New York. They offer many services including matching expectant moms with the right doula for their family.