The bedrock of postpartum healing is rest. After a vaginal delivery or C-Section (cesarean) childbirth, a new mother requires 30 to 40 days of rest. During this time, the role of a postpartum doula or midwife is crucial. She is with her mom and her family, supporting her in the transition into motherhood. Forget Google searching in the middle of the night and hire an overnight doula. She will stay with you for 8 to 12 hours at a stretch. Let’s understand her role.
Why Overnight Doulas?
First-time birthing mothers encounter sleep deprivation, leading to depression and postpartum blues (Baby Blues) syndrome. A nighttime postpartum doula provides unconditional care and support to the new birthing mother through certain chores and tasks. Below are a few standard services offered by an overnight doula.
- Basic lactation support by gently bringing the baby to the mother’s breast for night feeding.
- Bottle-feeding the baby, if required.
- Diapering, bathing, comforting, and burping the infant while the mother rests.
- Providing information on newborn care.
- Providing emotional and physical assistance to the new mother, helping her overcome anxiety and fatigue.
- Assisting with household chores like meal preparation, running errands, and sibling care.
- Doing baby laundry, and
- Educating the mother about natural sleeping habits.
Key Services Areas of Postpartum Night Doulas
Helping the Mother Stay Calm: An overnight doula helps the mom and her newborn adapt to natural sleeping habits. A doula soothes, changes clothes, and settles the infant while you rest. Moreover, she answers your queries on pain management, anxiety mitigation, and ways to overcome baby blues.
Meeting Feeding Goals: Bring your baby to your breast or help pump the milk for future use. She sterilizes the feeding bottle and breast pump, helping start your morning without wasting time. A postpartum night doula also suggests the best feeding or latching positions. Moreover, she assists the mother in understanding the baby’s behavior and adjusting accordingly.
Final Words
If you live in Vienna and want an experienced doula for overnight support, contact a seasoned professional like Mona Alkhelewi. She is a brand in herself, offering customized birth & postpartum support to mothers who experience physical and emotional stress after childbirth.