South County Doulas
In- Home Postpartum Support for Mom, Baby & Family
What is a Postpartum 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 mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.
How long does a Postpartum Doula spend with a family?
Doula support can last anywhere from one or two visits to more than three months.
What hours can I expect a Doula to work with my family?
Some doulas work fulltime, with 9 to 5 shifts. Others work three to five hour shifts during the day, or after school shifts until Dad gets home. Some doulas work evenings from around 6 pm until bedtime, 9 or 10 pm., and some work overnight. Some doulas work every day, some work one or more shifts per week.
Do Doulas help mothers to deal with postpartum depression?
Unlike therapists or psychiatrists, doulas do not treat postpartum depression. However, they will help by creating a safe place for the mother emotionally. The doula will provide a cushioning effect by accepting the mother within each stage that she passes through. They relieve some of the pressure on the new mother by helping her move into her new responsibilities gradually. By mothering the mother, doulas maks sure that the mother feels nurtured and cared for, as well as making sure she is eating well and getting enough sleep. In addition, DONA International certified postpartum doulas are trained to help clients prepare themselves for parenthood, maximizing support and rest. These doulas will help their clients to screen themselves for PPMDs and will make referrals to appropriate clinicians or support groups as needed.
What is the difference between a postpartum doula, a nanny, and a baby nurse?
A nanny normally cares for babies, and children exclusively. A baby nurse has medical training, also caring exclusively for the baby. A postpartum doula is a nonmedical profession. A postpartum doula specializes in the care of you, the mother, the household and siblings; offering help with the baby when needed.
Preventing SIDS 
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
- Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep, for naps and at night.
- Place your baby on a firm sleep surface, such as on a safety-approved crib mattress, covered by a fitted sheet.
- Keep soft objects, toys, and loose bedding out of your baby's sleep area.
- Do not let your baby get too hot during sleep.
- Reduce the chance that flat spots will develop on your baby's head. Give your baby "Tummy Time" when he or she is awake and someone is watching.
- Doctors also advise that children younger than a year old should never have honey. Honey can cause botulism in very young children.
- Keep your baby's sleep area close to, but separate from, where you and others sleep. Your baby should not sleep in a bed or on a couch or armchair with adults or other children. He or she can sleep in the same room as you. If you bring the baby into bed with you to breastfeed, put him or her back in a separate sleep area, such as a bassinet, crib, cradle, or a bedside infant bed that attaches to an adult bed when finished.
Benefits of having a
Postpartum Doula
- Decreased symptoms of depression
- Improved self-esteem
- Exclusive breastfeeding
- Increased sensitivity of the mother to her child's needs
- Doula's provide non-judgemental support and companionship following birth
- Doula's can supply reliable and factual information, reassurance and hands-on support with children and the household
- Doula's enhance parents ability to nurture and encourage them to develop and implement their own parenting style
