All you need to know about Postpartum Doulas
In this article, we will deep-dive into the nature of Los Angeles Postpartum Doulas. If you are an expecting mother in L.A. looking to learn more about Postpartum Doulas, you are in the right place!
From the moment a woman finds out that she is expecting, all of her time and attention becomes devoted to the baby she is growing inside. While this is often easy and natural during pregnancy, postpartum is a whole different story.
Whether or not they want to accept it, the postpartum period is a very vulnerable time in a mother’s life where she needs help. While her body physically recovers, she is also expected to emotionally recover from birth while she simultaneously begins her new role as “mom”. It is overwhelming, to say the least.
Thankfully, there is support available (even if a woman does not have any supportive family or friends nearby). Cue the “Postpartum Doula”!
What is a Postpartum Doula?
A postpartum doula is a person who comes into the home of a woman who has recently given birth intending to help her adjust to this new period of life through support, encouragement, and empowerment.
A Postpartum Doula does this by helping the mother with tasks such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, or tending to the baby. She may also care for the baby while the new mother rests or completes other tasks.
The role of the postpartum doula is not the same as a nanny or housekeeper. The doula is a temporary aide who allows the mother the time to properly and effectively heal from the intense experience of childbirth so that she can come out the other side the confident, strong, and independent mother she can be.
The 4th Trimester
The “4th trimester” is a term that refers to the period after a woman gives birth. While many people may assume that a woman’s life falls “back to normal” after giving birth, this is not the case.
In childbirth, a woman’s body endures what is potentially the most significant event it will ever have to. Along with that comes the inevitable rollercoaster of hormones paired with other emotional stressors, like the taking of a new role as “mom”.
In cultures around the world, the 4th trimester is a sacred time that is observed and respected with rituals and traditions meant to honor the mother. In the more individualistic Western society, women are expected to “bounce back” to what their lives looked like before. This pressure can be detrimental to the mental health of a new mom.
The 4th trimester is a time when mothers need help. Be it from a loved one, a friend, or a postpartum doula, it is hugely beneficial for the mental health and holistic recovery of a new mom.
At a time that is so easy for a mom to get overlooked, a postpartum doula helps the new mother to be seen, heard, and taken care of. As difficult as postpartum is, having a reliable support person (such as a Los Angeles Postpartum Doula) can make all the difference in a mom’s physical and emotional recovery.
What to Look for in a Los Angeles Postpartum Doula?
Every Postpartum Doula is vastly different. Ranging in certification, credentials, personalities, and opinions, it is important to be specific in your desires and firm in your expectations for your Postpartum Doula.
Here are some things to consider when choosing your doula:
1- Connection
This factor is 100% personal, and it is one of the most important factors. When you are in such a vulnerable stage of life, it is crucial that you feel comfortable. You should not feel judged or critiqued, but supported and empowered.
2 – Personal Characteristics + Values
Every family is unique, and that means that the ideal postpartum doula will be different for everyone. Do you want a doula who is POC? Notably inclusive and educated about the LGBTQA+ community? Multilingual? Aware of certain religious practices and beliefs?
3 – Certification
Doulas come with a variety of different qualifications, credentials, and certifications. Here is a list of some that you might want your doula to have:
– Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)
– Degree in Nurse-Midwifery
– Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC)
– DONA International Certification
– CAPPA Worldwide Certification
– Doula Training International (DTI)
It is important to note that there is not any mandatory certification or credentials required to practice as a postpartum doula in the state of California. If you wish to have a doula with specific training of any kind, that is completely your right!
4 – Services offered
What one postpartum doula offers will differ from what another doula offers. Make a list of tasks that you anticipate you will need help with and be sure to confirm with your potential doula that they can help you in that way. Here is a list of services commonly offered by postpartum doulas:
– Light housework
– Lactation support
– Laundry
– Making meals
– Tending to the child while mom sleeps
– Helping with other children in the home
– Making bottles
– Being a listening ear
Los Angeles Postpartum Doulas
Are you seeking for a postpartum doula in Los Angeles? Keep reading for our recommendations and their descriptions!
Los Angeles Postpartum Doula Services:
1 – Meredith Allen Doula
Meredith Allen is an educated, experienced “full-spectrum doula” who is available to assist with prenatal care, birth support, and postpartum care. She is passionate about the power she holds as a woman, self-identifying as an activist and feminist. She is certified through Doula Trainings International.
2 – LA Doula Care
Owned by certified postpartum doula, newborn care specialist, lactation educator counselor, and certified sleep trainer Kimberly Von Slomski, LA Doula Care support new moms with newborn care, lactation and latch care, and home support. They also offer an infant and toddler sleep training program to help mothers long-term.
3 – Denise the LA Doula
Denise Curtis is a well-qualified and highly experienced postpartum doula serving the LA area. Her qualifications as a certified postpartum doula, breastfeeding and lactation coach, proper postpartum healing, bed-sharing/co-sleeping safety, and much more set Denise apart from other doulas.
While you are here, if you’d like information about maternity or newborn session, let’s chat! It would be an honor to capture such beautiful milestones with your family!
Thank you so much for checking out this post all about Los Angeles Postpartum Doulas!!
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