You are tired and sore. Your body aches and combined with exhaustion, you can feel it in your bones. You receive a flow of phone calls and messages filled with congratulations and well wishes. Everyone wants to know how the baby is eating, if they are sleeping well and when they can meet the new little one. But no one asks how you are eating, how you are sleeping, and when they can see this new miraculous person you have become. You are the wrapper and your baby the candy; everyone wants the indulge in the sweet one. Everyone, except your Postpartum Doula. A Doula’s eyes are on you. Quietly watching for clues for what you may need -- the same as you watch your baby for hunger or sleep cues. They could be setting out one handed snacks to be quickly grabbed, or bringing you something to drink, as you settle in to nurse. A Postpartum Doula’s role is to care for you, and ultimately your family as a whole, to create a smooth transition and gentle postpartum that helps you feel rejuvenated and not depleted.
There are endless benefits to postpartum support but here are the top 5 favourite reasons to hire a Postpartum Doula:
Rest, rest rest. A Postpartum Doula will help with light household tasks, such as laundry, dishes, and meal prep allowing for more rest and snuggles with your little one.
Feeding support. Whether you choose to chest-feed, bottle feed, or a combination, your doula can help provide information and resources to aid in the success of whatever method you choose.
Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders are the #1 complication after childbirth. This risk decreases with postpartum support, like doula care. A doula will also help educate on PMADs, the signs and symptoms to look for and where to turn for help. They also provide a safe space to process your birth story. Even if you had no complications, your body still went through a major change and it's helpful to have someone you can turn to.
Help support relationship care. A quiet dinner for just you and your partner, conversation that does not involve when baby pooped last... sounds nice doesn’t it? Have an older child that also needs a cuddle and some one-on-one time? A Postpartum Doula can help make these happen.
A Postpartum Doula is your biggest supporter. They actually WANT to do these things for you. They want to prepare nourishing meals and snacks to help you maintain energy levels. They want to see the excitement when baby latches perfectly and the calmness that washes over you as your baby finds comfort in you. They want to care for you and your family and leave everyone feeling more empowered and confident in their roles.
Whether or not you desire in home support, connecting with a Postpartum Doula prior to birth can still be incredibly beneficial. They can help you create a postpartum plan that is tailored to your wants and needs and provide education on what to expect for a prepared postpartum. With current COVID-19 restrictions, many are still offering virtual support. It looks a little different than traditional in-home support but still has amazing advantages.
If you’re looking to feel cared for, supported and confident in your postpartum, then Postpartum Doula care is for you!
Thank you so much to our local postpartum doula, Naomi Sawatzky, for sharing all of this wonderful information. If you'd like more information about her services in the Okanagan, or to talk to her about your birth and how she can assist, please reach out to her! Her firsthand experiences make her very relatable and so caring as she understands what it's like.
Instagram: @naomisawatzkyppdoula
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Nicole Hemeon Photography is an Okanagan maternity and newborn photographer, serving Peachland, Summerland, West Kelowna, Penticton and Kelowna BC. She also specializes in creating heirloom artwork for your walls through a one-of-a-kind portrait experience. Contact Nicole today for more information on preserving your families legacy.