| 1 The Baby Book, William Sears, MD and Martha Sears, RN. 1993, pg. 60 2 DONA.org, Position Paper: The Postpartum Doula’s Role in Maternity Care, 3 DONA.org, Dads and the Postpartum Doula, 2002 4 The Happiest Baby on the Block, Harvey Karp, MD, 2002, pg. 86 5 The Baby Book, William Sears, MD and Martha Sears, RN. 1993, pg. 61 6 www.dictionary.com, noun … 3 |
| Beth Youmans, BA, PCD (DONA), CLC |
| Momma Coach, LLC |
| SERVING NORTHERN VIRGINIA Maryland | District of Columbia |
THE VALUE OF POSTPARTUM SUPPORT
The Value to Society …
In other cultures like East Asian countries, African countries, or Mid-Eastern countries
there is an expected postpartum rest period. In China and Vietnam, this tradional
postpartum season is called “sitting the month;” depending upon the region it could
last anywhere from 30-40 days up to 100 days postpartum. “Cultures around the
world have always recognized the importance of mothers and babies nesting-in.” (1)
Built into their traditions there is recognition that a new mother needs time for
establishing breastfeeding routines, time for rest and nourshiment, time for physical
healing from birth, and time to bond with her new baby.
In western civilization we are coming to realize the need for, the value of a season
of postpartum “sitting” … a time to recover, rejoice, rest, reflect, refresh. Dr. William
Sears states in his book The Baby Book, “At no time in history have new mothers
been expected to do so much for so many with so little help.”
Needless to say, individual families and society as a whole is rewarded when the
“sitting or nesting-in” season is observed. Postpartum support systems, specifically
postpartum doulas respect this time … it is their desire to serve and coach the new or
growing family through this wonderful season of adjustment. DONA states it
suscinctly, “The doula’s education, quiet support and guidance are a manifestation
of the traditional postpartum support that our society is missing.”
The Value to Society …
In other cultures like East Asian countries, African countries, or Mid-Eastern countries
there is an expected postpartum rest period. In China and Vietnam, this tradional
postpartum season is called “sitting the month;” depending upon the region it could
last anywhere from 30-40 days up to 100 days postpartum. “Cultures around the
world have always recognized the importance of mothers and babies nesting-in.” (1)
Built into their traditions there is recognition that a new mother needs time for
establishing breastfeeding routines, time for rest and nourshiment, time for physical
healing from birth, and time to bond with her new baby.
In western civilization we are coming to realize the need for, the value of a season
of postpartum “sitting” … a time to recover, rejoice, rest, reflect, refresh. Dr. William
Sears states in his book The Baby Book, “At no time in history have new mothers
been expected to do so much for so many with so little help.”
Needless to say, individual families and society as a whole is rewarded when the
“sitting or nesting-in” season is observed. Postpartum support systems, specifically
postpartum doulas respect this time … it is their desire to serve and coach the new or
growing family through this wonderful season of adjustment. DONA states it
suscinctly, “The doula’s education, quiet support and guidance are a manifestation
of the traditional postpartum support that our society is missing.”
The Value to Mom …
Solid postpartum support to the new mom almost goes without saying is of great value! Evidence supports that postpartum
support aides with succussful breastfeeding and dramatically reduces the likelihood of postpartum depression. A postpartum
doula can help with both of these … coaching and encouraging a mom through the early days, weeks, and months of
breastfeeding … helping mom process her birth experience, listening with a caring, non-judgemental ear to whatever is
important to her that day, allowing her that minute to catch a quick shower or take a much needed nap … all contribute to
mom’s well-being and emotional stability.
Other ways a postpartum doula can benefit mom … making sure mom is taking care of herself – eating and staying
hydrated, preparing a meal, doing a load of laundry, reading to or playing with older sibblings. Not to mention, helping or
coaching mom with basic newborn tasks … bathing, diapering, baby wearing, soothing, bonding, … “By mothering the
mother, the doula enables the new mother to recover from pregnancy and birth and focus her energy on bonding with her
new baby.”(2)
Solid postpartum support to the new mom almost goes without saying is of great value! Evidence supports that postpartum
support aides with succussful breastfeeding and dramatically reduces the likelihood of postpartum depression. A postpartum
doula can help with both of these … coaching and encouraging a mom through the early days, weeks, and months of
breastfeeding … helping mom process her birth experience, listening with a caring, non-judgemental ear to whatever is
important to her that day, allowing her that minute to catch a quick shower or take a much needed nap … all contribute to
mom’s well-being and emotional stability.
Other ways a postpartum doula can benefit mom … making sure mom is taking care of herself – eating and staying
hydrated, preparing a meal, doing a load of laundry, reading to or playing with older sibblings. Not to mention, helping or
coaching mom with basic newborn tasks … bathing, diapering, baby wearing, soothing, bonding, … “By mothering the
mother, the doula enables the new mother to recover from pregnancy and birth and focus her energy on bonding with her
new baby.”(2)
The Value to Dad or Partner …
Probably no wiser words have been stated regarding the wellbeing of the household than the comical
saying … “if momma ain’t happy ain’t no body happy.” Evidence supports when a mom is rested,
nourished, empowered, and relaxed the transitional postpartum season or fourth trimester as
Harvey Karp, MD calls it, is easier/smoother. A postpartum doula is trained and equipped with
resources to help coach mom and dad/partner through this transitional season … not only is she of
value to mom she is of value to the entire family, especially dad, through the ripple effect
principle.
Practically speaking, the postpartum doula can help dad/partner process the birth of his new child …
make sure he’s nourished and rested … and help with household tasks. Helping on these fronts can
free dad up to spend time with mom and new baby or sibblings.
Also, it is critical that dad/partner stay involved during the transitional postpartum season …
postpartum doulas can be a great resource for dads by equipping and coaching them in newborn
care. D.O.N.A. International states in it’s article Dads and the Postpartum Doula, “The importance of
the father’s involvement and support during the weeks following birth cannot be overstated. During
this time he truly becomes a parent, getting to know this tiny yet complete person who has entered
his family. The doula can ease this introduction, helping the father to discover all he can about his
baby, as well as developing his own concept of himself as a parent.”(3)
Probably no wiser words have been stated regarding the wellbeing of the household than the comical
saying … “if momma ain’t happy ain’t no body happy.” Evidence supports when a mom is rested,
nourished, empowered, and relaxed the transitional postpartum season or fourth trimester as
Harvey Karp, MD calls it, is easier/smoother. A postpartum doula is trained and equipped with
resources to help coach mom and dad/partner through this transitional season … not only is she of
value to mom she is of value to the entire family, especially dad, through the ripple effect
principle.
Practically speaking, the postpartum doula can help dad/partner process the birth of his new child …
make sure he’s nourished and rested … and help with household tasks. Helping on these fronts can
free dad up to spend time with mom and new baby or sibblings.
Also, it is critical that dad/partner stay involved during the transitional postpartum season …
postpartum doulas can be a great resource for dads by equipping and coaching them in newborn
care. D.O.N.A. International states in it’s article Dads and the Postpartum Doula, “The importance of
the father’s involvement and support during the weeks following birth cannot be overstated. During
this time he truly becomes a parent, getting to know this tiny yet complete person who has entered
his family. The doula can ease this introduction, helping the father to discover all he can about his
baby, as well as developing his own concept of himself as a parent.”(3)
The Value to Baby …
Enlisting the support of a postpartum doula encourages a healthy start … doulas often
help with the establishment of good breastfeeding practices. “Scientific studies show that
breastmilk helps build babies’ brains, boosts their immunity, protects them against
diabetes, and lowers mom’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer.”(4)
Postpartum support also encourages a calm start … coaching mom and dad in the how-to’
s of soothing, carrying, swaddling, and bonding … all adding up to a calmer, happier
baby.
Enlisting the support of a postpartum doula encourages a healthy start … doulas often
help with the establishment of good breastfeeding practices. “Scientific studies show that
breastmilk helps build babies’ brains, boosts their immunity, protects them against
diabetes, and lowers mom’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer.”(4)
Postpartum support also encourages a calm start … coaching mom and dad in the how-to’
s of soothing, carrying, swaddling, and bonding … all adding up to a calmer, happier
baby.
Bottom Line …
Postpartum support is of benefit to mom, dad/partner, baby and society. It’s not a luxury … it’s a necessity! Dr. Sears
refers to the postpartum doula as a “gem … a person held in great esteem.”(5/6) Whether it comes in the form of family,
community, or a hired doula … postpartum support is of great value to the new family.
Postpartum support is of benefit to mom, dad/partner, baby and society. It’s not a luxury … it’s a necessity! Dr. Sears
refers to the postpartum doula as a “gem … a person held in great esteem.”(5/6) Whether it comes in the form of family,
community, or a hired doula … postpartum support is of great value to the new family.
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