Did you know that birthing mamas supported by a Doula experience decreased incidences of postpartum depression?
The weeks following birth are a critical period for a mama and her baby, setting the stage for long-term health and well-being.
During this period, a woman is adapting to multiple physical, social, and psychological changes.
She is recovering from childbirth, adjusting to changing hormones, and learning to feed and care for her newborn. In addition to this being a time of joy and excitement, this “fourth trimester” can present considerable challenges for women, including lack of sleep, fatigue, pain, breastfeeding difficulties, stress, new onset or exacerbation of mental health disorders, lack of sexual desire, and urinary incontinence.
Postpartum care is often fragmented among medical health care providers, and communication across the transition from inpatient to outpatient settings is often inconsistent. (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
These inconsistencies are why I advocate for homebirths (when there is no medical need for a hospital birth) supported by a midwife (especially now) in addition to a Doula who provides comprehension labor, birth and postpartum support.
Following birth, many cultures prescribe a 30–40-day period of rest and recovery, with mama and her newborn surrounded and supported by birthworkers, family and community members.
As a Birth and Postpartum Doula, I prescribe the same period of rest that includes weekly postpartum visits for a minimum of 6 weeks.
To optimize the health of women and infants, postpartum care MUST become an ongoing process, rather than a single encounter, with services and support tailored to each woman’s individual needs. (acog.org)
Click here to schedule your free discovery call and learn more about how I can support you on your journey into motherhood and throughout the postpartum period.
Cheers to motherhood,
Neith
Photo Credit: Danielle Ruth / Doula Baby: Dyce, born Feb 2021, son to Doula client Danielle