What is a Postpartum Doula? (PPD)
A Postpartum Doula (PPD) has a wide range of duties, working alongside the parenting figures to the new baby/babies for up to 12 weeks following birth. It is not the role of a PPD to take over any of the duties that naturally belong to the household; instead, we help by offering assistance. I’m a trained PPD by Doulas of North America (DONA). I’m devoted to nurturing the family, educating on postpartum normalities, assessing the environment in order to assist the family and lastly referring to community resources when I’m unable to assist within my scope of practice.
Within the first 12 weeks, babies are rapidly changing every day. This is referred to as the fourth trimester because babies are still developing both mentally and physically. A PPD will remind you that it’s not expected for a newborn to sleep through the night and that all babies are different during these developmental stages. However, very common things like feeding cues will be very noticeable during the early weeks. Recognizing your baby’s feeding cues is very important, especially for breastfeeding. At Milk & Cradle, I am devoted to helping the parenting individuals feel confident in not only caring for their baby but also practicing self care. Self care is so important to the mental and physical health of everyone involved in caring for this precious life. If you aren’t taking care of yourself, you can’t take care of others to the best of your ability. Many new moms/parents will forget to feed themselves. The days go by in such a blur and baby is eating around the clock; before you know it, it’s evening and you haven’t had a thing to eat! PPDs can not only provide meals, ensuring that the household is fed during this postpartum period, but we can also help you recognize and plan for how you can do this on your own. Suggestions for meal planning or letting family members cook for you are just some of the usual ways that PPDs get the parents thinking of how to get it all done while also caring for a newborn.
A PPD is a non-medical professional. With evidenced-based information, I will help you emotionally and physically adjust to welcoming a new baby into your household. I will not be able to diagnose any conditions the mother or any other persons related may have, however, I will be able to observe and assess (non-medically) for the possible need for a referral to a medical professional.
Milk & Cradle has lactation support available to those who are interested or in need of support. This is a separate service and outside of the scope of practice as a PPD. I am obligated to offer the two services under two separate entities. If you’re interested in any of the services offered by Milk & Cradle, please contact me via any of the methods across the website.
