FORT WAYNE NEWBORN & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER | Discover How a Postpartum Doula Can Elevate Your New Parenting Experience
- 6 hours ago
- 6 min read
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of navigating life after giving birth? If so, you’re not alone!
Today I’ve got the inside scoop on a fantastic service that can make a world of difference in your postpartum journey: postpartum doulas!
These incredible professionals are here to support, educate, and nurture you during those crucial first weeks with your newborn.
A Fort Wayne Postpartum Doula, Alyssa Oprie with Fort Wayne Doulas + Lactation, is sharing all about the postpartum experience and her tips for a smooth transition to life with a new baby!
What is a postpartum doula and how do they differ from a birth doula?
"While birth doulas and postpartum doulas do often overlap some care duties, the role of the postpartum doula is focused solely on the postpartum period, as the title implies. Whereas a birth doula supports their clients during labor and birth, we step in after that. We meet with our clients prenatally to determine a postpartum plan and how we can best support them once their baby (or babies) is born. While baby care and family care are certainly part of our services, our primary focus is on the newly postpartum client and their needs."
What inspired you to become a postpartum doula?
"Professionally, I was first a nurse, then I added birth doula work before transitioning to a postpartum focus. I think a lot of that had to do with how my personal life flowed. During and immediately after the births of my own children, I was so immersed in and invigorated by birth. Once our family was complete and I’d given birth and experienced the ride of postpartum 4 times, I knew deeply just how important postpartum care and planning is. Culturally, we just do not adequately show up for postpartum parents, and I want to be part of the solution. I’ve been there and I have seen the good and the bad. Families deserve the good."
What kind of training and certifications do you have as a postpartum doula?
"I am trained and certified through DONA as both a birth doula and a postpartum doula. "
How do you personalize your services to meet the unique needs of each family?
"Personalizing care is the hallmark of our work with Fort Wayne Doulas + Lactation. When we meet with families prenatally, we’re asking questions to determine what the family views as their priorities for their postpartum care, but we’re also getting acquainted and understanding the flow of their family and their household. We want to work as an extension of the family unit in a way that works best for THEM."
What does a typical day look like when you're working with a family?
"It varies! The first visit postpartum always starts with a time for the birthing person to debrief their birth experience. The listening ear of a caring doula should not be discounted. It’s rare for the new parent to have someone who is there to listen free of judgment and without a need to right any wrongs. We hold space for the positive and negative.
Every time I’m there I also need to ensure they’ve eaten something substantial recently. If not, I make it happen. Have they showered? Is a nap in order? These are the top three necessities that need to be addressed during a shift. Aside from that, we may also work through any baby feeding struggles, educate on other maternal healing or newborn care questions, and help with household tasks around the house to lighten their load."
How do you support new mothers who are struggling with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding?
"In addition to what I’d learned on my own through education and personal experience, basic breast- and bottle-feeding education was part of my postpartum doula training. That being said, I recommend nearly every client I work with to see Amy and Bella on the Lactation side of our business. They’re the best of the best and they’ve helped so many on their baby-feeding journeys!"
What are some common emotional challenges faced by new parents, and how do you help them cope?
"There are so many unknowns about baby care, even for experienced parents. Newborns have many quirks and even many of their normal behaviors can seem confusing or unsettling to postpartum parents. The lack of sleep, plus major hormonal fluctuations, can lead just about everyone to an emotional break down every now and then. It’s very common and I’m there to let these parents know that they’re doing such a great job and their baby is behaving like a baby. Sometimes just the reassurance from a caring professional can make a world of difference. Of course, if we see things that fall outside of normal for mom or babe, we let families know they ought to pursue additional care from a provider. "
How do you assist with sibling adjustment when a new baby arrives?
"For some families, the parent may want us to spend some time with their older kiddos to allow them undisturbed one-on-one time with their newborn. Others may utilize our time together as a way for the newborn to be cared for while they have a rare moment of quality time with their older children. It may also just be a combination of things! I regularly remind families with other children that it’s not uncommon for “odd” behaviors to show up when a newborn enters the home. We give a little extra grace to everyone. "
What kind of resources do you provide to help parents learn about infant care and development?
"In addition to explaining and demonstrating newborn care techniques, I like to give each client a binder full of helpful information for maternal recovery and newborn care. In this is a booklet all about settling in with your baby. It’s a great refresher for repeat parents while also being super helpful for brand new parents!"
How do you handle situations where a new parent is struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety?
"First and foremost, I create a safe space for them to express how they’re feeling and what’s going through their mind on any given day. In the binder I provide, there’s a Perinatal Mental Health Discussion tool from Postpartum Support International (PSI). Being able to hear what they’re experiencing is the first step towards recognizing they may need additional support. I keep an up-to-date resource list so I can recommend local mental health practitioners who specialize in perinatal mental health. I also will always recommend they reach out to their medical care provider."
What are some strategies you use to help parents establish a healthy sleep routine for their newborn?
"Every family is different in how they operate when it comes to newborn sleep and there is no one right way. My role is to help ensure families have the information they need to make the best choices for them and their baby. If I’m working an overnight shift with a family, I like to first start by asking what they’ve been doing so far. If there are certain steps of a nighttime routine that are important to them, they are now equally important to me. I want to ensure a safe sleep environment for the baby and if anything is outside of safe sleep recommendations, or if I notice something that may be of benefit to them, I let the family know. "
Can you provide any postpartum care for the new mom, such as helping with recovery after a C-section or assisting with perineal care?
"Absolutely! I have a helpful c-section recovery worksheet that I give to every c-section client. If a client is having a planned c-section, I’ll give it to them in their binder at our prenatal visit. Otherwise, we can look at everything postpartum, from ideal body mechanics, core activation, and scar desensitization. At my first postpartum shift, I like to know any special discharge instructions given by their medical provider. I find most new mothers need reminded that it’s ok to rest and take their time after surgery. "
What is your availability and what is the process for hiring you as a postpartum doula?
"Our availability changes all the time! We generally recommend families reach out to us as soon as possible during their pregnancy to ensure we have space available to accommodate them. For anyone interested in hiring us for your postpartum doula care, email us at fwdoulas@gmail.com or head to fwdoulas.com!"
The postpartum period can be both incredibly rewarding and challenging, so having the support of a knowledgeable, compassionate professional can make all the difference.
So, go ahead and explore the world of postpartum doulas – you'll be glad you did!
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