Mary Lou's Role as a Doula | About
Birth Doulas | About Postpartum
Doulas | Doula Testimonials
What is Support?
What is a postpartum doula?
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A woman trained to care for new families in the first weeks after birth providing household help, advice with newborn care and infant feeding, and emotional support (DONA). |
Professional support person trained in:
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Breastfeeding education and support. |
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Typical newborn behavior and development. |
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Postpartum nutrition. |
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Recognizing postpartum mood disorders. |
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Linking parents to community resources. |
Benefits of a postpartum doula:
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Greater satisfaction with postpartum period. |
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Quicker birth recovery. |
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More likely to eat better and sleep more. |
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More confidence in parenting and childcare. |
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Less stress and anxiety. |
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More positive opinion of baby. |
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More affectionate to baby. |
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Less postpartum depression. |
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Higher breastfeeding success rate. |
Role of a postpartum doula
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Supports the family through early transitional days and weeks. |
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Assists with early breastfeeding. |
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Provides information on normal newborn behavior and development. |
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Provides guidance and help with newborn tasks such as diapering, bathing, cord care, dressing, feeding, burping, etc. |
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Provides respite care. |
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Prepares meals, runs errands, performs light house-keeping. |
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Care of siblings. |
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Helps parents process birth. |
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Works with extended family members. |
Fees and scheduling
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Fee ranges from $25-$35 an hour (often with a four hour minumum). |
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On call up to two weeks prior to due date. |
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3-8 hours per day. |
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2-7 days per week. |
