The Postpartum Doula's Role

The Postpartum Doula's Role

In the days after birth, everything is fresh, raw, and new, even for a third-time mom. Each woman and each family is in a new place, and the family dynamics have changed. There is an in-between space that every family experiences and this in-between space is where a professional postpartum doula steps in as a gentle guide, helping hands, with open ears and open heart. The Postpartum Doula's role is to help fill the in-between space in the lives of families with whom we work.

We are here to help you find your path in parenting!

Each family's needs will vary, as professional postpartum doulas, we are aware of individual needs within a family, but also the needs of a family as a whole. We get to know your family's unique needs and get to know each of you so that we can support you uniquely. We benefit families who are breastfeeding, bottle feeding, exclusively pumping, those who have babies who are circumcised, and those who choose to leave their babies intact. We benefit parents who have "easy babies" and those whose babies are "fussy", "high needs", or who are struggling with gas, Colic, and reflux. We benefit families as soon as they come home and even families hiring us after their babies hit the 4-month sleep regression. There is no end to the benefits of having a Postpartum Doula. The Jax Baby Company understands that during the first year postpartum, especially the six weeks following birth, feelings of inadequacy and guilt, and functioning on little to no sleep can leave you in an odd, almost unreal place. The Postpartum Doula's Role is to help families flourish, not just survive.

The Postpartum Doula's Role

In those times when mothers feel unsure the Postpartum Doula's role is to listen and validate her feelings and concerns. We support mothers who are confident and know exactly what they'll need and others who aren't sure at all, both are normal, we are a huge help to both. At The Jax Baby Company our Postpartum Doulas don't replace anyone; we work with the family to coordinate a plan for time postpartum time period. We reassure the parents, help with bonding, and assist the birthing parent in being more comfortable. In addition, we help facilitate a safe space for parents to talk about their concerns and ask questions about their newborns without fear or judgment. We assist with light meal prep and housekeeping, organizing baby things, helping with outings, diapering, swaddling, burping, soothing, bathing, and feeding, and can help you in selecting products. We help connect families with other professionals for additional support for anything outside of our range of expertise.

We want every mother who desires a shower daily to get her shower; it's a little slice of heaven in the day of a mother, uninterrupted shower and sleep! Precious sleep! We help new parents get restful, restorative sleep, not just survival sleep, a key ingredient in a well postpartum!

The Postpartum Doula's role is to fill the gaps that parents know will be there and those unexpected potholes along the way!

We work with some amazing parents and grandparents. Fathers want to be involved, but some aren't sure how to accomplish this or are nervous about caring for their baby the "right" way. Sometimes they just need a little direction or for someone to talk it out with them. Hint, hint! There is rarely a "right" or "wrong" way of doing things when parenting, rather there are just different ways. Water safety, gun safety, and car seat safety are the exceptions to that rule. Sometimes one parent might have a hard time bonding with a baby or parents are losing their connection after bringing home their baby. The Postpartum Doula can make some suggestions to help the family during this time.

Families are experiencing an in-between and the postpartum doula understands that.

Siblings benefit from having a Postpartum Doula involved too. Becoming a sibling is big news! In fact, it can be so big that it's overwhelming. The once-only child now shares both parents with his new sibling, his park days and play dates have taken a back seat to appointments, diaper changes, and feedings. With a Postpartum Doula, you have someone who can involve the older sibling, and give attention to their needs so they thrive in the new family setting. There are times that parents seem emotionally absent or withdrawn, and other times they are all the feels. Postpartum Doulas can help the family find their new groove! Having a Postpartum Doula in the first six weeks after birth is an essential ingredient in your postpartum recipe!

We love supporting families postpartum and we look forward to getting to know you and your family during the in-between!

Authored by Elizabeth Luke

Elizabeth is the founder and CEO of The Jacksonville Baby Company. With certifications in Postpartum and Infant Care Support, Childbirth and Newborn Care Education, Lactation Support, and Infant Sleep, Elizabeth is a wealth of knowledge and has a heart for helping parents live their best lives while also ensuring their children are safe, happy, and leading the healthiest lives possible! Contact us today for day, night, and live-in support!