What's A Doula?
What is postpartum:
Postpartum is the period after a baby is born when families are adjusting to life with a new baby, processing post birth emotions, and dealing with the physical realities of a post birth body.
What is a postpartum doula:
A postpartum doula​ is a trained professional who offers education, companionship, and nonjudgmental support during the postpartum fourth trimester. We assist with newborn care, family adjustment, meal preparation, and light household tidying. We offer evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, infant soothing, and coping skills for new parents and offers appropriate referrals when necessary.
Research evidence shows that the quality services of a postpartum doula can ease the transition that comes with the addition of a baby to a family, improve parental satisfaction and reduce the risk of mood disorders.
History of the word doula:
The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the family before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.