The Gift of Postpartum Doulas

We have been working to help families transition in the postpartum period for sometime now and with over 2000 hours of postpartum work have learned a thing or two. Whether you are a new parent about to embark on the journey into parenthood or planning to visit a new baby, here are a few things to keep in mind.

10 things that we have learned as postpartum doulas

1. New parents want to be heard, and your birth story is valid and important. The glorious stories, the traumatic births, and the ones that feel “regular”. (For the record, we hear “it was just a regular birth” all the time. It wasn’t – it was yours and you are amazing!)
2. We will remind you over and over again, this is a phase and this too shall pass (sometimes like a kidney stone, sometimes quick like Christmas day).
3. Everyone needs to be nurtured and taken care of - moms, dads, and babies. Sometimes parents don’t want to be, are scared to ask for help, or are reluctant to acknowledge they need it.
4. Sometimes babies are tough and you don’t have to love every moment, regardless of what “they” tell you.
5. If you are reading this and are planning to visit a new baby soon – remember holding the baby may not be what is needed. New parents need laundry folded, dishes done, bottles and pump parts washed, and the dog walked. New parents – remember to ask for what you need.
6. Postpartum birthing people usually do not get enough fluid intake and/or nourishing food. Eat, drink water, and be merry!
7. Yes, moms and dads are exhausted and maybe haven’t had a shower today. When visiting a new baby, no need to ask. You can assume as much and offer help!
8. Time away from the baby is important too. Getting out of the house, even for a quick walk around the block or a Starbucks run is important for everyone’s mental health. Sometimes a new baby creates time soup and days and nights go by without realizing how long it has been since you have seen the outside world. Take the time, you can thank yourself later!
9. It is OK to mourn what was, to be excited for what is, and be overwhelmed all at the same time, it makes you human – and a parent – welcome to it!
10. New babies come with lots of gadgets and gizmos. Don’t get lost in what you “should” use or what you “need”. All your baby wants and needs is you. It all comes down to love.

Meg Smith, CD(DONA), CCE, HCHD, CD-PIC, SpBCPE
Birth, Postpartum & Infant Care Doula, Certified Spinning Babies® Parent Educator, Certified Breastfeeding Counselor 

Meg Smith is a DONA Certified Birth Doula and has attended over 360 Births, She is a ProDoula Certified Postpartum and Infant Care Doula. She has provided over 1700 hours of support for families. She is also a Spinning Babies® Certified Parent Educator. Meg is a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor and is a Peanut Ball Trainer with knowledge through Premier Birth Tools to utilize the peanut ball in labor and birth. Meg is also an HCHD Hypnobabies® HypnoDoula and a VBAC trained birthworker.

Teri Hatfield, CD (DONA), CD-PIC, BBCI, SpBCPE
Birth & Postpartum Doula, Birth Boot Camp Childbirth Educator, Certified Spinning Babies® Parent Educator

Teri Hatfield holds many trainings and certifications including Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, Birth Boot Camp Childbirth Educator and Certified Spinning Babies® Parent Educator. Becoming a doula is a second career for her as she also holds a BA in Psychology from Ripon College and an MBA from Olivet Nazarene University. After years in the business world, she found her way into birth work after the birth of her children and helping friends and family through the births of their babies and watching the lack of care provided to them. The decision to become a doula was confirmed after a trip abroad showed the amount of support that can be given to a mother and partner in other parts of the world. She became a doula to be a part of helping mothers and partners to feel supported through their journey into parenthood.

You can learn more about Meg and Teri at https://cloudninebirths.com/