A friend of mine works for Believe Midwifery Services as a midwifery assistant, and they are sponsoring a Postpartum Doula Skills Workshop this upcoming weekend.
So what IS a postpartum doula? I like to think of them as the fairy god-mother of everything a mother would ever want or need after having a baby. They make sure the mother is fed, hydrated, and comfortable. That she's getting enough sleep. They are there to help with breastfeeding. They share information on how to care for the baby, help siblings and partners learn how to help mom with the new addition. It's all about nurturing the family and helping them though the transition, as well as fostering the independence for the entire family (not just mom). It might sound a little crazy (how many of you are thinking, 'Well my own mother can come over and do that!!'?) but it can really pay off. Many doulas receive special training and certifications, and research has show that parents who receive support from postpartum doulas feels more secure and cared for, are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics, are more self-confident, have great success with breastfeeding, less postpartum depression, and lower incidence of abuse.
I really think it would be awesome not only to HAVE a postpartum doula to help, but to BE a postpartum doula. What an amazing gift to get to play such a crucial role in setting up the dynamics of a new family. Not to mention that cute little baby you would get to help care for! Here's the information on some workshops coming to town soon (help at the Thorntown Public Library):
