Six Reasons to Invest in Mother-Centered Postpartum Care
I believe that the mother is the center of the family. During pregnancy, a mother is given a lot of attention in our culture and by the medical community. However, at some point we decided that it was no longer important to look after mothers after birth. There is only ONE visit with your doctor after birth. Why is this the case when all the traditional cultures around the globe have practices in place to ensure the mother was well cared for after birth? What most women experience today is a deep disparity and lack of care from when they are pregnant (weekly visits to midwife/OB in third trimester) to the early postpartum period (standard of care is a single visit at six weeks).
I started my work to fill the gap in maternal care that mothers are facing. The consequences of this care gap can be seen in the number of diseases arising around the postpartum for women including organ prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction, autoimmune disorders, thyroid issues, and postpartum anxiety/depression.
There are a lot of different types of postpartum doulas. Some postpartum doulas provide overnight care, nanny older children, care for your baby for you, and help with sleep training. Other postpartum doulas focus on breastfeeding and practical care. Then there are postpartum doulas (I would say we are in the minority) that focus on mother-centered care. Mother-centered postpartum care is focused on the physical, emotional, and spiritual recovery of the mother after birth. My care as a mother-centered postpartum doula includes support measures that tend healing the pelvic floor, repleting nutrients, reducing scar tissue, and holding space for emotional recovery after birth. Mother-centered care is holistic care.
So why would you hire this type of doula? Someone that comes over to take care of mother after birth?
Reason 1
I'm not here for the babies. Unlike family & friends that may be enchanted by your beautiful new baby, my focus is on the mothers. I am here for YOU and your holistic recovery from birth. For many new mothers, I am the only visitor with this attention & perspective.
Reason 2
I am an unbiased ear and place of security for mothers to be vulnerable and open. I provide compassion and emotional support without the baggage or worry that can come from sharing with friends.
Reason 3
I am here to help you tune into your body and your baby. I am not here to tell you what to do. I'm a gentle compass leading you back to your own voice and family values.
Reason 4
I bring unique skills to support your physical & emotional healing after birth, all in the comfort of your home! I fill a niche in your village of support by cooking up nutritional meals & offering warming bodywork like belly wrapping and moxa treatments.
Reason 5
Sometimes family & friends share outdated opinions on important postpartum topics like breastfeeding and normal infant sleep. As your doula, I provide evidence-based information and guide you back to your intuition.
Reason 6
Your wellness matters, but it can be hard to know where to look to find a trusted provider when you're in a challenging situation. I have an extensive referral network of care providers from physical therapists and chiropractors to lactation consultants and more.