In the first 6 weeks after birth, cultivating a strong bond between mother and baby is essential. In order to protect the sacred space needed for that bond to come alive, new mothers must feel fully supported, well nourished, and cared for.
As a postpartum doula, my role is to be a gentle guide and a steadfast support during this precious period. I am here to offer assistance with nourishment, newborn care, postpartum healing, and more. My presence is intended to create a slow, calm, and supportive space where the mother can focus on her recovery and the deepening of her connection with her baby.
By ensuring that new mothers are cared for and supported, I help them to be fully present for their little ones. This, in turn, allows them to dedicate themselves to nurturing their new little one. This care and attention given during these first 42 days are the foundation stones of a loving and enduring relationship between mama and babe. When mamas are well supported and babies are well cared for families, and the communities they make up, thrive.
All of that might sound great, but what does it all actually look like? During a shift with your postpartum doula you can expect a mix of some of the following:
Support in Baby Care
One of the key aspects of a postpartum doula's role is helping you become more confident in caring for your newborn. Understanding a baby's feeding cues, recognizing different types of cries, and mastering diaper changes can be overwhelming at first. A postpartum doula provides hands-on guidance and education, helping you interpret your baby's needs and develop a routine that works for your family. This support can include practical demonstrations on babywearing, diapering, bathing, establishing feeding routines, help with breast/chest feeding, as well as answering any questions you have about infant care.
Household Management
In addition to supporting you with baby care, a postpartum doula helps manage household tasks. This can involve running errands, grocery shopping, tidying up, doing laundry and more. If you have an older child or a pet, your postpartum doula may help ease their transition by giving some much needed attention. By taking care of these everyday tasks, a postpartum doula allows you to focus more on resting, recovering, and bonding with your baby without the added stress of a cluttered home or mounting chores.
Healing Protocols
Recovery from childbirth is a significant aspect of the postpartum period. Your body has undergone an incredible transformation, and it requires time and care to heal. A postpartum doula can assist in this recovery process through various supportive practices. Depending on their specialties, they might offer:
Cooking: Nutritious meal preparation that supports your healing and provides essential energy for new parents.
Herbal Healing Protocols: Recommendations and guidance on using herbal remedies to aid in physical recovery and balance hormones.
Belly Binding: Techniques to support abdominal recovery and provide comfort as your body adjusts post-birth.
Bodywork: Gentle bodywork like Ayurvedic Abhyanga massage to help alleviate physical discomfort, aid in bringing circulation back to the body, and promote spiritual grounding. Moxa womb treatments increase circulation and tonify the uterus.
Emotional and Informational Support
The postpartum period can be emotionally challenging, with fluctuations in mood and feelings of overwhelm being common. A postpartum doula offers a compassionate ear and provides reassurance during this time. Often, having someone to process your birth with can be incredibly valuable in working through any intense moments, areas of confusion, or trauma. They can offer evidence-based information and resources, helping you navigate the emotional ups and downs of new parenthood with greater confidence and calm. Postpartum doulas are well connected in their communities and can refer out to local providers as needed.
Embracing the presence of a postpartum doula during those sacred first 42 days can be profound. By offering holistic support, nurturing guidance, and tailored care, a postpartum doula creates a grounded space where you can deeply connect with your baby, honor your body’s healing journey, and gently ease into this new chapter of your life with grace.
If you’re located in Santa Cruz, California or the surrounding areas and curious to learn more about postpartum support, reach out to portalbirthwork@gmail.com to schedule a free 15 minute discovery call.
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