Massachusetts Birth Connections

The Importance and Benefits of Postpartum Care

 

Research evidence shows that the quality services of a postpartum doula can ease the transition that comes with the addition of a new baby to a family, improve parental satisfaction and reduce the risk of mood disorders. The goal for a postpartum doula is to nurture the WHOLE FAMILY while supporting any cultural and religious differences or their preferred methods of parenting their new baby in an un-biased way. Parents who have caring support and feelings of security during this time are more successful in adapting to parenthood. Studies have shown that cultures in which a woman whose needs are supported during this period of time and are expected only to nurture herself and her baby during that time have superior outcomes in postpartum adjustment.

 

Research also tells us that women who experience postpartum support from Doulas have:

 

• Greater breastfeeding success

• Greater self-confidence

• Less Postpartum Depression

• Greater feelings of support for and from the partner, which can have a significant impact on their partner's own experience

• Lower incidence of abuse than those who do not have a Doula

• Timely referrals to competent, appropriate professionals and support groups

• Are better prepared for what to expect from a newborn

• Increased baby-soothing skills

• Greater sense of communication and bonding with their infant

• Better coping skills

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Mothering the Mother

Read the article by clicking here.

 

6 Reasons to Hire a Postpartum Doula

Please click here.