Is this in within the scope of a PP Doula?

[rockingmybabe]

I'm expecting my third baby, so I don't need a lot of advise about newborn care. I've got 5+ years of breastfeeding experience (1st babe with a few problems that were resolved), so I really don't need breastfeeding tips. Plus I can just call up my local LLL or go to a lactation consultant if it gets bad.

What I really want is someone to come in, help with the older children, perhaps hold the baby if I need to take a shower or get dressed, and maybe do a little light pickup of toys that get scattered. (I hate it when my nest gets messy!)

Is this something PP doulas do? Doulas, would you be offended if I asked for this sort of support?

I guess I'm afraid that a doula may just want to hold the baby and give advice, but that's not really what I want or need.

I haven't started looking yet because it's still pretty early, but how hard is it to find a postpartum doula? (I'm located in an area with a high birthrate) I'm thinking that pp doulas aren't as common as birth doulas, but I really haven't looked into this yet (aside from posting in my tribe, how do I locate one?)...

Any thoughts or help is appreciated. Thanks!

[birthangeldoula]

Here's a faq about postpartum doula's from DONA. I hope this helps?

http://www.dona.org/mothers/faqs_postpartum.php

[nimblemama]

Sounds within the scope to me. Helping the mother with light chores, watching after other kids, etc. PP doulas differ in what they offer. Their purpose is to "mother the mother" and help her, not take the baby away. She is to facilitate the bond between mother/baby and free up the mother in more menial tasks in order that the bond can be solid.

[msemmafarr]

I think it would depend on the doula. I would have no problem doing something like that, but I know other PP doulas can be more specific with what they want to do. Frequently on other boards I see some complain that if all their client wants is someone to watch their kids/clean the house, they need a nanny, but I'm not sure how that can be true when light housecleaning/help with kids is part of the scope.

I guess it depends also on what you want the doula to do with your other children. Feed them? Watch them? For how long?

[BrooklynDoula]

It would be within the scope of the services I offer. You should ask the doula who you are considering.

[Sarahfina]

I think it would be in the scope of many doulas- like the pps, just check in with the doulas you are thinking to hire. I think most doulas would be appreciative of the fact that you are being mindful of their scope.

Something that comes to mind for me is that perhaps you might hire a mother's helper- usually a young teenaged girl, who can help out around the home while you are also home. She might pick up toys, play with the older kids, fold laundry. This is something I did a lot of when I was about 12 - my first doula work!! Anyway, look into who is available in your community, it might be a really wonderful opportunity for a young girl and might meet your needs! Not to undervalue the postpartum doula, it just sounds like you don't need the expertise of one!

Sarah

[lyndamom]

Anything you need postpartum is what you should find in a PP doula.

As previous posters have said, ask those you decide to interview.

I will also tell you that PP doulas are in HIGH demand in my area here in the midwest. If you are serious about wanting one, I recommend starting your search now.

Congrats on your pregnancy, too!

-Lynda

[rockingmybabe]

Thank you ladies for all of your comments, they have been very helpful!

I think I will start looking around now and finding names. Usually my Mom flies in right before the birth to help out (but it's a home birth this time, and I not sure that she is comfortable with that- the whole birth center thing last time made her very uneasy). In addition my husband will likely take time off to be with us if we don't have mothers around. I want that family bonding this time. If either of our moms are here he'll likely go straight back to work.

I just want someone who understands why I may still be half dressed at noon (and not be shocked). I also want someone who can help the kids adjust to a new sibling and help me figure out things they can do so that they feel a connection to the baby. Also playing a little with the older siblings (5 & 3) while I nurse/diaper/take a shower would be so helpful.

Just 3-4 hours a day for a week or so would be fabulous! I guess I'll start investigating in my area to see if anyone is available/interested.

I appreciate the info

[dewi]

Hi Rocking my baby,

Yes you need a postpartum doula.
No a postpartum doula does not want to hold the baby and give advice to a mother having her fifth breastfed child.

I'm a doula and I do not mind being accommodating to a mom who is breastfeeding! The doula wants to help you, that means many things, but usually doulas are flexible. Here are some things I've gladly done for a breastfeeding client.

I have waited on line at the post office to send back long overdue packages. I shopped for nursing bras, baby store stuff, food shopping, accompanied mom and baby to doctors appointment. Taken first walk with the mom while she was trying a sling. One client needed alone time with her newborn, mom asked if i can take her 2 year old on a walk and to the library.

It is routine in our role for us make sure you have time to take a shower, get in a nap , make you and the family something to eat, do laundry and pick up around the house, lend an ear if you want to process the birth or have us enjoy you cooing over your newborn. We try to make your life easier while you bond, nurse and care for your newborn.

If you have a breastfeeding question we are very knowledgeable and have information to share that is rooted in research and evidenced based, we also know a lot about transition issues and will pay attention to your well being.


Start interviewing to meet the one that is right for you and your family.

[msemmafarr]

Originally Posted by rockingmybabe

I just want someone who understands why I may still be half dressed at noon (and not be shocked). I also want someone who can help the kids adjust to a new sibling and help me figure out things they can do so that they feel a connection to the baby. Also playing a little with the older siblings (5 & 3) while I nurse/diaper/take a shower would be so helpful.

This should be in the scope of any PP doula, I would say. Especially the adjustments and connections -- that is a main part of the job description.

[storychick]

I'd be happy to do whatever you like, but I'd charge you more than a sitter and a lot more than a teenaged mother's helper! So that may be part of your consideration.

[Amydoula]

Originally Posted by rockingmybabe

I'm expecting my third baby, so I don't need a lot of advise about newborn care. I've got 5+ years of breastfeeding experience (1st babe with a few problems that were resolved), so I really don't need breastfeeding tips. Plus I can just call up my local LLL or go to a lactation consultant if it gets bad.

What I really want is someone to come in, help with the older children, perhaps hold the baby if I need to take a shower or get dressed, and maybe do a little light pickup of toys that get scattered. (I hate it when my nest gets messy!)

Is this something PP doulas do? Doulas, would you be offended if I asked for this sort of support?

I guess I'm afraid that a doula may just want to hold the baby and give advice, but that's not really what I want or need.

I haven't started looking yet because it's still pretty early, but how hard is it to find a postpartum doula? (I'm located in an area with a high birthrate) I'm thinking that pp doulas aren't as common as birth doulas, but I really haven't looked into this yet (aside from posting in my tribe, how do I locate one?)...

Any thoughts or help is appreciated. Thanks!

Sounds exactly like what I do everyday