- Meg Hendery
WHAT’S A POSTPARTUM DOULA?
Updated: May 29, 2019
“So.. you’re like a nanny, right?” I get this question all the time.
Actually, I’m a highly trained postpartum specialist. I’m a certified breastfeeding counselor. I’m a certified placenta encapsulation specialist. I’m certified in infant and child CPR. I’m a trained as childbirth educator and postpartum doula, as well.
Can a nanny show a new mother the “football hold” technique after a cesarean or work an overnight shift of 8 to 12 hours, to give the parents much needed rest – all while folding newborn laundry and watching for hunger cues in a 1 week old baby? Can she recognize signs of postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety? Possibly, but unlikely. This is what we do. It’s what we specialize in. Our goal, bottom line, is for a happy, healthy family. We ensure that a new mother and her partner are well fed and well rested. We ensure that the transition home from the hospital or birth center is as smooth as possible. We support new parents physically and emotionally.
We are postpartum doulas. We love seeing a new parent’s face light up when a lightbulb go off, and they think, “Oh! I can do this. I’ve got this mom/dad thing down!”
Now, don’t get me wrong. Nannies are amazing in their own right. They are attentive and affectionate. They can help your 2 year change gears within 5 minutes after a tantrum in the park. They can help your 10 year complete his math homework before you even walk in the door after a long day at work. They can get your sick child to the doctor on a day that you have 5 meetings you can’t get out of at the office.
Give us a call if you’re expecting a little one and curious about how we can help. Baby or babies already here? Let’s make a plan on how to make this transition as easy as possible. We’ve worked with premature babies, twins, triplets, and most often – sleep deprived parents. At Queen City Newborn Care, we recognize the uniqueness of every family’s situation. Let us help you find your rhythm!