the role and importance of post partum doulas

Introduction

I remembering very clearly where I was when I first heard the term ‘Post Partum Doula’. I was at home, still struggling with my transition into motherhood, feeling isolated and angry. I remember very clearly thinking; “There must be a job where you can support mothers, there must be” – Then I looked down at my book and saw it “Post Partum Doula” – That’s it! I had never heard the term before, but instantly felt connected to the name.

However, initially I wanted to find out more about what a postpartum doula did to validate my own experience. My intention to retrain at that point in my life (in the year 2020) was not coming from the healthiest of places. I was in too much pain. I wanted to find someone to help me, that was the intention of the search where I found what the term postpartum doula was about. I had to process my experience, seek proper therapy and medical guidance, heal, and when I was finally out of the wind tunnel, reassess if I still felt called to become a postpartum doula.

I did!

Postpartum doulas are trained, non-medical professionals who provide practical, emotional, and informational support to new mothers and their families during the postpartum period. Sometimes they go by different names like postpartum carers or postpartum support workers. As we all know, the first forty days are a crucial time, often referred to as the “fourth trimester‘, and can be overwhelming for many new parents, as they adjust to the challenges of caring for a newborn while recovering from childbirth. In this journal post, I will expand on the role and importance of postpartum doulas.

The DO’s and DON’TS

There are things that doulas don’t cover, and I think it is important to highlight these to further understand the role. Doulas don’tprovide medical care; they don’t give medical advice. Actually, doulas avoid giving any advice at all, because they are trained to guide their clients to making their own decisions. In order to do this, doulas will find evidence based information through research, and then sit with our clients and give them non judgemental attention in order to work things through. Doulas also don’t diagnose any medical conditions, neither do they interpret test results. If at any point a mother or family member had a medical concern about their baby, the doula would suggest they speak to their midwife, GP or go to A&E.

Postpartum doulas do however, offer a wide range of services to new parents, tailored to their individual needs and circumstances. These can include assisting with newborn care, providing breastfeeding support, helping with light household tasks, offering emotional support, and providing evidence-based information on postpartum recovery and newborn care. Postpartum doulas are there to help families navigate the physical, emotional, and logistical challenges that often come with the postpartum period.

Resource | I have linked below to Julia Jones podcast ‘Newborn Mothers‘ where she discusses ‘Birth and Post Partum Doula with decades of experience‘ with Julie-Anne Mauno, Perinatal Support Worker.

Newborn mothers – ep6

Governing Body and Uniform

To become a Doula, offering non-medical support, training is not a legal requirement. However most people feel more confident with a qualification. In addition the extra support system of like minded people around them as they start a new career, can be invaluable. In my training, I found a tribe of others who have become part of my journey.

Doula UK is the non profit association of doulas in this country, providing accreditation to its members, and guidance on best practice. It was founded back in 2001. Their goal was to “promote life-changing support from skilled doulas for families in the childbearing year regardless of circumstance”. Doula UK also advocates for better support for UK families in general. There are approximately 700 doulas working across the UK. To become a Doula UK member, you must compete an approved training course, and then undertake a rigorous mentoring and recognition process. Doula UK offers solid support and guidance to its members, whilst providing the client with a guaranteed level of expertise.

Resource | I have linked below to Doula UKwebsite, and both their Podcast and Magazine.

DOULA UK

DOULA UK PODCAST

doula uk magazine

Further Education

After gaining a comprehensive qualification, many doulas will continue their education because they are usually the type of people who value life long learning. This can range from learning about oils, to herbs, or yoga and mediation, to massage, or specific fields like Ayurveda or Breastfeeding – the list is endless! I have 3 specific interests that I am persuing alongside my Doula training; Ayurveda,Matrescence and Self Development.

Importance of Postpartum Support

The postpartum period is a sensitive and vulnerable time for mothers, as they experience a range of emotions and adjustments while caring for their newborn. Having the support of a postpartum doula can make a significant difference in the overall well-being of the whole family. Studies have shown that families who receive postpartum doula support report reduced stress, improved bonding with their newborn, and increased confidence in their parenting abilities.

Postpartum doulas also play a critical role in promoting maternal mental health and well-being. Depression and anxiety are common concerns for new mothers, and having a nonjudgmental, compassionate person can help mothers feel validated and seen during this challenging time. By encouraging self-care practices, a doula can help reduce the risk of mood disorders and promote overall mental stability. The benefits extend to the entire family. Assisting with newborn care and household tasks, allows family members to focus on bonding with the baby and supporting the new mother.

In Conclusion

Doulas can play a vital role in supporting families during the postpartum period. Their nurturing presence, practical assistance, and evidence-based guidance can make a significant difference in the overall well-being of new parents, helping them navigate the challenges of early parenthood with confidence and support. As awareness grows about the importance of postpartum support, the invaluable role of postpartum doulas in promoting healthy and happy families continues to be recognised and appreciated.