What is the difference between a "baby nurse" and a doula?
The concept of the "baby nurse", which dates back at least two generations, is to focus strictly on the baby's needs. Baby nurses are caretakers ~ they care for the baby's needs and generally do not provide guidance or instruction to new parents. The philosophy of the doula is to "mother the mother" ~ serving her needs so that she can in turn focus on meeting the needs of her baby (or babies). In the process of attending to the mother's needs, the doula may engage in household duties, meal preparation, or caring for older siblings. Most often, the postpartum doula shares her specialized knowledge, expertise and experience to provide parents with guidance and instruction in the areas of breastfeeding, sleeping, and soothing their baby. The doula's goals are more focused on supporting new parents as they work towards meeting their goals for their baby and their family unit, and upon meeting the new mother's needs until she is feeling comfortable on her own. A doula empowers both mother and father by not only attending to their, and their baby's (or babies'), immediate needs, but also by guiding and supporting them in taking back control of their lives with their new baby ~ she does this by providing the information, tools, physical and emotional support that every family needs to recover and get back in the driver's seat of their lives.
Note: The term "baby nurse", although implied, does not mean the individual is credentialed as a professional registered nurse (RN).
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Who uses overnight services?
Anyone.
- who is experiencing problems with sleep deprivation
- whose baby is fussy/colicky
- who is experiencing challenges with breastfeeding ~ either baby not latching well, or baby feeding frequently throughout the night
- who has a history of, or is presently experiencing, depression
- who has given birth to multiples (twins, triplets, etc.)
. can benefit from overnight services. Overnight services are widely used, predominantly in the above circumstances, and especially in families with multiples. Almost all parents of multiples, even those who have family help, usually need some type of overnight assistance from outside sources. Extended care should be anticipated and arranged in advance as early as possible to assure coverage. First time mothers can relax and enjoy the comfort and reassurance those first couple of nights home after delivery by utilizing our overnight doula services. The use of overnight services during the hospital stay, especially following cesarean sections, is also very popular.
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Why would we need postpartum help?
Most new parents are caught off guard by how overwhelming the postpartum time can be. During pregnancy, they read about preparing for a child, attended childbirth and baby care classes and prepared the layette. Unfortunately, many books and classes for expectant parents don't touch upon the incredible emotional and physical demands of caring for a newborn and why new parents should consider seeking postpartum help. When the reality of life after a new baby hits, it can sometimes hit hard. This is especially true if a baby does not sleep well, has frequent fussy periods, or if there are difficulties with breastfeeding. Acquiring the services of a certified postpartum doula is one of the best investments new parents can make for the emotional and physical health of the entire family.
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