I’m sure that you have all heard of a doula. A person who is trained to support the mother (and sometimes the partner) during childbirth.
But what happens after that child is born? As much as I’d like to say it’s all rainbows and butterflies, that would be a lie. And you all know I like to keep it real here. Is it still amazing, yes of course, but recovering from childbirth (whether you’ve had vaginal delivery or c-section) is rough. While trying to heal, you also have to take care of this new life, who is dependent on you. And, if you have other children their needs have to be met as well.
This is where a postpartum doula comes in! I had never heard of one until I joined the Detroit Moms Blog, and met Diana, a postpartum doula, and owner of Bello Bambino. I asked if I could interview her so I could share more about what a postpartum doula is. So here it is!
1. What exactly is a Postpartum Doula?
A postpartum doula helps parents transition of adding a baby to their family. I like to say that I am the second set of hands that are there for you without asking.
2. What’s your backstory? Why did you decide to become a postpartum doula?
I am a mom of a five year old and have been married for eight years. I gave birth to my son while living seven hours away from family and friends. I was lost and had zero idea what I was doing. I thought that when I had Vinny I would just know what to do. Well, for me, that didn’t happen. When Vinny was about 18 months I heard of a birth doula, and thought that was just like a midwife. Then after some research I found out that there was such thing as a postpartum doula. I called a few doulas in the area, asked some questions about what they did and found out that I didn’t have to do the birth side of training and I could just do the postpartum training. Sold!! I took my training and have been actively working every since.
3. Can you give a few examples of how a home visit may look?
Home visits are varied depending on the day, and if shifts are daytime or overnight. A daytime shift can be caring for baby while the parents nap or get a shower, running errands with client, doctor appointments, helping mom gain confidence in bathing their babe, answering questions about nursing, etc. An overnight shift is pretty much caring for the baby while the parents get much needed rest. I sleep when the baby is sleeping whether its in the nursery with baby, a guest room, or in the living room. I will clean bottles or do a load of babies laundry, if need be or requested. I like to be sure that the parents wake to a straighten up environment, if time allows.
4. What are some things that you should not expect a postpartum doula to do?
Postpartum doulas refer out to other professionals if anything arises that is beyond her/his scope of practice. Generally, anything that is medicinal that needs assessed by a doctor or lactation consultant/IBCLC. I can provide evidence based information but any issues that arise that go beyond that I can provide the proper reference to the clients.
5. Tell us more about your business Bello Bambino.
I run Bello Bambino solo. I am independent contractor for a few other doula agencies, and they hire Bello Bambino to support their clients.
6. Anything else you think someone should know?
Being a postpartum doula has become a passion of mine. I thoroughly love supporting families during their postpartum period. As a postpartum doula, my job is to unconditionally support the family as they navigate through their new roles.
So have I sold you on a postpartum doula?? If you are in the Metro Detroit area, be sure to look up Diana, and Bello Bambino. I love how passionate Diana is about supporting families and mothers.