The postpartum doula, while not a new concept may be new to your vocabulary and your friends and family may be unfamiliar as well. The word doula /’dōōla’/ has the modernized definition: a trained professional who provides guidance, advice, informational and emotional support; as well as physical comfort to indivuduals and families during and after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest and most satisfying experience possible (definition from http://www.dona.org). A doula works with you and your family, as a guide or a sounding board or even as simple as another set of hands.
Historically a birthing parent would have the support of their community in their home lending physical assistance and advice, as well as cooking, cleaning, and childcare. Some communities would have multiple nursing parents who could even assist in feeding your child. Many cultures have specific rituals surrounding birth, the fourth trimester, and specific ways to help a new family. Generally speaking, in the United States at this point in time…many of us do not have this assistance available to us in the form of community members, or multigenerational homes.
A professional postpartum doula will begin working with your family in the time directly following birth as your family adjusts. A postpartum doula could support you by offering information and technique on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from childbirth, newborn care, light housekeeping, preparing meals, helping integrate siblings or pets, or even just holding your baby while you get some much needed rest!
Certifications are available from numerous organizations for doulas just like certifications are available for most professions. I personally chose to become certified as a postpartum doula through DONA International. DONA is a not for profit doula network that has been in place for more than 25 years, founded by five perinatal child health experts in North America (DONA stood for Doulas Of North America). The organization expanded globally since the early 2000s. DONA certification spoke to me because of their requirements for: continued education courses to maintain certification, the committment to evidenced based care, their practice of lobbying for exemplary care for families and children, and their continued work with DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), anti-racism policies, as well as their inclusive language policies.
My goal is to be a resource, a support, and a comfort to you and your family during the postpartum period as your family settles and grows.
I will use this blog space to share information, ideas, and even some fun!
Looking forward to flamingling with you ❤
Ashley Ginsburg
Mingos Nest Doula
Mingo's Nest Doula 