We are all in this together

What is a postpartum doula?

Growing up in Hong Kong, new mother having a postpartum doula is a given. New mother is to enjoy their ‘golden month’ where they can rest. They don’t do any housework, their only duty is to rest, take care of their recovery, take care of the baby. Everyone else has to wait on her and take care of the house for her.

Traditionally, new mother will have a ‘companion woman’ to take care of her. In my culture, getting the right ‘companion woman’ is of utmost importance! Expectant Chinese mothers and fathers spend months choosing their doula. Buggies, and all gadgets come after! The ‘companion woman’ was usually the mother’s mother, sister, auntie, neighbours or friends. But since most of these people have full-time employment these days, they tend to hire a professional to do the job. I never knew there is a name in English – the doula.

A postpartum doula provides emotional, informational and logistical support during the postpartum period so that the new parents can focus on bonding with the new baby and enjoy this precious time.

What do you actually do? 

A postpartum doula is a multitasker! Here are some examples what I do to ease you into your parenting journey:

• offer education – I can answer questions like ‘the baby’s poop is green, what’s the story?’ or ‘how long am I supposed to bleed?’ etc.
• offer reassurance – “what’s normal? what’s not normal?”
• companionship – e.g. let’s have one hour of adult conversation!
• assists with newborn care – e.g. show you and your partner how to bath the baby, how to use a sling, etc.
• family adjustment – work out a new routine as a family, deal with guests
• meal preparation and light household tidying – so that you can take a shower, read a book or check Facebook!
• offer evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, infant soothing and coping skills for new parents and makes appropriate referrals when necessary

A postpartum doula is the big sister you wish you had, who give you non-judgemental, curated, science-based information, cheer you on and will be supportive in your parenting decision.