What is a Postpartum Doula and How Can She Help in the First 40 Days?

Your postpartum stage begins once you give birth to your child. Normally, the first 40 days after giving birth are considered crucial, as this is the time for healing and bonding with the baby. In many cultures, it is even treated as a sacred recovery phase where importance is placed on rest and proper care of the mother and the newborn baby.

With modern lifestyles and smaller family units, many families are now actively looking for extra support during this stage. This is where the role of a postpartum doula comes into play.

In this blog, we’ll explore what is a postpartum doula and why the first 40 days postpartum matter so much for both mother and baby.

What Is a Postpartum Doula?

A postpartum doula is a trained professional who offers emotional, physical, and informational support to new mothers as well as their families. And no, she’s not similar to midwives, doctors, or nurses, as doulas do not offer nor are certified in any medical care.

Instead, their main focus is the mother’s overall well-being. They make sure that you feel cared for and less overwhelmed during this sensitive period.

Besides, the first 40 days after pregnancy also hold cultural significance across many societies. Traditionally, new mothers are made to rest, eat healthy food, and limit their activities.

The role of a postpartum doula here is to help you adapt to these practices in your modern family life so that you get the proper care that you need while you recover.

What Does a Postpartum Doula Do?

A postpartum doula’s work is more than just holding your baby. She is trained to guide you at a time when most mothers feel vulnerable. Some of her key responsibilities include:

• Emotional support: Handling a newborn comes with its mental tolls. So, a doula can help ease your stress, calm your anxiety, and help navigate those “baby blues”.
• Infant care guidance: You can skip the research period, as a doula can teach you how to feed your baby correctly. She can also teach you various soothing methods and basic sleep routines. And this is where a postpartum doula’s experience comes in.
• Household help: As someone who has recently given birth, you are going to feel exhausted for days. Your doula can step in and manage light chores, laundry, or meal prep while you can focus on recovery.
• Feeding support: As an experienced professional, she can assist you with breastfeeding or bottle feeding techniques.
• Family education: She can educate your family on how to support a new mom and share responsibilities effectively.

Now, picture a mother at 2 a.m. She’s all exhausted and unsure how to calm her crying newborn baby. A doula can step in and calm the baby, give practical tips, and offer emotional comfort. Isn’t that exactly what new moms are really looking for?

What Kind of Support Do Postpartum Doulas Provide in the First 40 Days?

The first 40 days after postpartum are seen as a golden window for recovery. Your doula can make this transition even smoother in these ways:

• Physical recovery support: Life becomes busy after having a newborn to an extent that you even forget to eat or drink. Your doula can remind you to rest, eat balanced meals, and help take care of your body.
• Emotional support: Feeling overwhelmed is very common after childbirth. So, she can be a listening ear and encourage you to avoid feeling isolated.
• Partner and family guidance: Many times, even your partner and family can be as clueless as you are. Your postpartum doula can guide your family on how they can contribute to your journey.

Why Are the First 40 Days After Giving Birth So Important?

It’s not a new concept. Cultures have emphasized 40 days after giving birth as a sacred recovery time for centuries. In countries like India and China, mothers are given special foods, massages, and rest to regain their energy.

Even modern science supports these practices. As your body undergoes major changes, it needs time to heal and adjust to changing hormones. So, if you were thinking of ignoring this recovery phase, think twice. Otherwise, it can increase your exhaustion and emotional struggles.

The specialty of postpartum doulas is that they combine the traditional with the modern. So, they connect the gap by respecting cultural values while providing proper care in today’s busy lifestyle.

How to Choose the Right Postpartum Doula?

Finding the right doula is important for your comfort and trust. Here are some practical tips:

• Try to hire a certified professional from DONA, CAPPA, or your local networks. You can also visit trusted platforms like Nestling.
• Before hiring, interview and ask questions about her experience, approach, and availability.
• You can also have references from your family who have hired doulas before.
• Choose someone who can understand your cultural background and unique family needs.
• Trust your instincts. A doula should feel like your supportive companion who can blend with your family.

Final Thoughts

The first 40 days after birth are more about your recovery. You need to bond with your baby and have emotional strength. For this, it’s important to take proper care of yourself. A postpartum doula can make this journey less stressful with her experience and support.

Remember, seeking support does not make you weak. Rather, it shows that you care for your family and their needs. So, if you’re a new mother, you must consider hiring a postpartum doula.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a doula and a nurse?
   A nurse provides you with medical care, whereas a doula focuses on your emotional and physical well-being.
2. How long do postpartum doulas usually work with families?
   Some can stay for a few weeks, while you can also hire them for support up to 3 months.
3. Can postpartum doulas help with twins or multiples?
   Yes, many postpartum doulas are also trained to help with twins, triplets, or more.
4. Does insurance cover postpartum doulas?
   The coverage depends on your health plan. Some policies can cover doula services, while others may not.