What Can You Expect from After Birth Doula Support in the Immediate Postpartum Period?

Doula support is invaluable during pregnancy and birth. However, the importance of doula support during the immediate postpartum period is often overlooked. Immediate postpartum support following the birth and within the first few weeks is critical. After birth doula support involves helping parents bond with baby, establish healthy feeding habits, gain support from other applicable community resources, and begin the healing process.

As a doula based in the Michiana area (Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana), I love this phase of doula support after the birth. Families often feel forgotten and abandoned by medical staff and visitors during the time. They deserve to feel well-supported during this time of transition. Here is what you can expect in the immediate postpartum period with after birth doula support.

Understanding After Birth Doula Support

After birth doula support refers to the assistance provided by a doula from the birth until approximately 6 weeks after the birth. This type of support is typically included in a birth support package, which involves hospital support following the birth and several postpartum visits. Postpartum doula services are distinct from what I am describing, although there are similarities between the two.

Aspects of Immediate After Birth Support

As a birth doula, after baby is born, I am there for YOU as my primary focus. I continue to offer emotional, physical, and informational support as well as advocacy for you in the birth space. This is true regardless of birth setting.

I remain by your side during the birth of the placenta and beyond when everyone else leaves. I can help facilitate breastfeeding support and get you connected with lactation support ASAP if needed.

I continue to hold space for you and your family while respecting your sacred time of initial bonding. I continue to facilitate emotional reassurance, answer any questions you have, and alleviate uncertainty/fears. I offer evidence-based information on newborn care such as information on bathing, sleeping and feeding routines.

I advocate for you by supporting communication between your family and healthcare providers for postpartum and newborn care decisions. My goal is always to provide unbiased information to help you decide what is best for your family because you are the expert.

I stay with you in your birth location until you are settled and confident a few hours after birth as needed.

Continued Care After Discharge

After discharge from a hospital, birth center, or in the aftermath of a home birth, the care does not stop. I offer two postpartum follow-ups as part of my birth package, although sometimes more are offered when needed. In these visits, I continue to provide the four pillars of doula support helping you navigate every aspect of your recovery process.

I provide knowledgeable and hand-on physical recovery practices such as preparing healing baths to ensure your physical recovery. I address your emotional and mental health needs through continued fears and anxiety processing. Doulas are also trained to recognize signs of postpartum mood and anxiety disorders and help connect families to professional support.

I help you navigate new family bonds and dynamics whether this is baby number one or five. This includes helping older siblings adjust to the presence of a new baby to adjusting to life with another parent and even extended family. I can help you set boundaries and healing goals for your postpartum period implementing a plan we create together prenatally.

Get Connected With After Birth Doula Support

After birth doula support both in the immediate postpartum time at the birth location as well as in the weeks following the birth is critical. From emotional support to physical recovery, newborn care, partner support, sibling support, and beyond; I am here for you!

In a time when so many people are hyper-focused on the new baby; mothers can feel abandoned and uncared for. Mothering the mother matters and that is the role I provide in after birth doula support in the Michiana area.

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