by Guest Blogger, Darcy Sauers of Dover Doula
Postpartum doulas are knowledgeable professionals who assist families during the critical 12 week period immediately after the birth of their baby. They “mother the mother” and offer physical, emotional and informational support to the family, as well as practical help. My expertise in mother and baby care enables me to assist with postpartum comfort measures, breastfeeding support, non-judgmental guidance in infant care techniques, information on normal postpartum restoration, and family emotional assistance through this major transition.
As a postpartum doula, I provide essential support during the modern postpartum experience, a time when many mothers today feel uninformed, isolated and anxious. Traditionally, the postpartum period was a “nesting period”, when a new mother was attended by other experienced mothers. They helped take care of her and her family, so that the mother could focus on the vital tasks of postpartum recovery, emotional adaptation to great change and getting to know her precious little one.
Today, few families have such support, and frequently become exhausted and overwhelmed by the immense work of becoming parents. Postpartum doulas gently guide and support families through this transition so that they may get off to the best start with their new baby.
The practical help that is included with my postpartum doula services varies from client to client and day to day. But it usually includes: simple meal preparation for the family, comforting and diapering the baby, answering the phone and door, taking care of the baby and older siblings while the parents nap, shower or take a much-need break. I even assist with light household chores such as laundry and dishes.
If you are pregnant and live in the Seacoast area, I encourage you to contact me to schedule a free prenatal meeting to discuss your postpartum needs. In this meeting we discuss everything from your experience with babies to your relationship with your mother-in-law. We’ll discuss any food allergies/preferences, your plans for feeding the baby, your cares and concerns and create a plan around your specific needs.
Once your baby is born, I come to your home to offer experienced, non-judgmental support. At each visit, I chat with mom to assess the day’s situation. Throughout my shift, I provide mom with nourishing snacks, meals and plenty of water.
A postpartum doula is not a maid, though, nor is she a nurse. I leave diagnoses and clinical procedures to medically trained personnel, but will make referrals to medical professionals if I notice anything of concern. It is commonly felt that a doula can help a mother stay healthy and reduce her chances of postpartum complications. I do this by educating the mother and enabling her to focus on her recovery from birth and to rest as much as possible. I always keep my clients well nourished and hydrated and help to reduce incidences of sleep deprivation and postpartum depression.
Studies have shown that with the help of a postpartum doula, breastfeeding duration is increased, while feeding problems and depression decrease. Also, parents report feeling more confident and less stressed or anxious.
Many women express concern at the cost of hiring a postpartum doula, but with some planning and some calls to your insurance company I find that most families can make it happen. I’ve even had clients who were reimbursed for doula care from their Flex Spending Accounts. Other clients “register” for doula care and take advantage of the gift certificates that can be purchased on my website. I firmly believe that every new mom needs support.
About Darcy of Dover Doula:
Darcy Sauers of Dover Doula offers postpartum doula services, lactation counseling and prenatal yoga classes in the Seacoast area. She is nationally certified by DONA (Doulas of North America). Darcy is knowledgeable about many aspects of the postpartum period, including infant care and development, normal postpartum restoration and cesarean recovery, breastfeeding assistance, postpartum depression, facilitating bonding and more. For more information, visit her website www.doverdoula.com. To schedule a free, no obligation prenatal consultation, call her at 603-988-5945.
About Healing Hands Community Chiropractic
Our mission at Healing Hands Community Chiropractic -Portsmouth, NH is to promote and support the overall health, well-being and highest quality of life of all individuals and families in our community through affordable chiropractic care.
Healing Hands Community Chiropractic is a health -care model intended to increase access to chiropractic care by offering adjustments in an open setting and fees on an affordable sliding-scale, without income verification. By doing so, we offer the people of our community the opportunity to receive treatment as often as they need, to get the results they deserve with no insurance hassles -simply paying what they can for only $20- $40!
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