Postnatal Doula Support: Why the 4th trimester matters for every new mum.
In recent years, there’s been a growing focus on birth preparation — giving mothers the knowledge and confidence to feel more in control, even if birth doesn’t go to plan. I can’t tell you how important birth prep is, and if you’re looking for birth support in this area, I can recommend some highly sought after birth supporters.
What is often overlooked is the postnatal period, where new life has entered the world, and a new mum has been born alongside it. Both are adjusting, and both are in need of care. This is when postnatal doula care can really help.
It can hit you like a ton of bricks – the first few days where in many cases you feel on cloud nine in your new baby bubble, to suddenly feeling a mix of emotions - from joy and love, to being overwhelmed and even resentful. From experience, I know there will be tough days — even when things seem to be going well.
The postnatal period, and particularly the 4th trimester (the three months following birth) is a hugely transformative period and can lead to many physical and emotional changes. That feeling of ‘it’s just me that feels this way’ or ‘my baby has arrived safely so that’s the most important thing’ can silence those who need to be heard, held, and supported.
Postnatal recovery and the support a mum receives during this time can have a lasting impact on the long-term health of her and her baby. There is evidence that shows that the right postnatal support during these pivotal days, can help reduce postnatal anxiety and depression. When mums are held, they are heard, and they are supported.
This is why I’m a postnatal doula – to empower mums with the right support around them to nurture, care for their baby and themselves and take on motherhood in all its messy glory!
So, what does a postnatal doula do?
A postnatal doula provides non-judgemental, emotional day-to-day support to the mum, and their wider support network. Our priority is to support the mum, who if cared for, will be able to better look after her baby. We’re not medical professionals.
You may be thinking that you have this support already and it’s great if you do, but that’s not true in all cases. Some mums may not be able to call on grandparents due to living far away, their partner may have returned to work, friends are busy or navigating their own newborn phase. Or maybe mum is being offered well-meaning ‘advice’ on how to care for her baby but instead of helping, it leaves mum feeling even more confused, overwhelmed, and emotional. Sometimes, what a mum really needs is someone impartial. Someone outside the family, who can bring clarity and calm to the chaos.
The benefits of postnatal doula care
A postnatal doula can help with so many things, and every family’s circumstances are different. Here are some of the ways a postnatal doula can help:
- Listening to how you’re feeling - the highs and the lows - and taking gentle steps forward together.
- De-briefing your birth
- Supporting with infant feeding
- Providing evidence-based information on baby care to help you make informed decisions
- Offering sibling support
- Supporting your partner or wider network
- Signposting you to more specialised support if you need it
Choosing the right postnatal doula
Trust and comfort are key when you look for a postnatal doula. They can support you in many ways, but it’s important that you feel the connection between you both. It’s as much about the connection as it is about the care. Once you find the right one, I can’t tell you how much of a game-changer it can be.
If you’d like to find out about how postnatal doula support might help you, take a look at my postnatal doula care services and get in touch for a free 15-minute chat.