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It's not always about the babies in doula world! Doulas are trained and experienced in many different areas. Here are eight things doulas can do, that might surprise you.
1. Do your laundry. Yep, even the undies! Your postpartum doula can wash, dry, fold and even put away your laundry if you point them in the right direction.
2. Research topics for you. If there's a topic you're concerned about or interested in, ask your doula for the evidence. They can research and give you reputable sources of information. This is something that I love doing. If the evidence isn't clear, I often give clients pro and con research material so that they can see both sides of the case.
3. Provide evidence-based education. From fertility strategies, to labor positions to feeding methods, doulas are trained to provide education that is backed by research.
4. Run errands. Birth and postpartum doulas can stop by the store to get anything you may need. Many postpartum doulas will even do a full grocery store run for you! Just be sure to reimburse them.
5. Meal prep. Postpartum doulas can help by prepping meals for the day or meals to freeze. Birth and postpartum doulas can set up a meal train for friends and family to drop off meals for you. Be sure to let them know any allergies or food preferences!
6. Mediate parental differences. So you've been given the evidence, you've read it over and you and your partner still can't agree on which step you want to take. What then? If you have a couple's counselor, this is a great role for them. If you don't, your doula can step in. Often a doula can clearly hear and repeat back what each parent is saying, easing communication and making it easier to reach an agreement. It should be said that this is only for issues within a doula's scope, and doulas can not replace a couple's counselor.
7. Walk your dog. Most postpartum doulas will be thrilled to walk your dog. Anything to help you get more rest. Check with your doula to make sure this is something they're comfortable with.
8. Monitor visitors. It can be hard to ask family and friends to leave, even when you're exhausted. This is something a postpartum doula can do for you. Talk to your doula ahead of time about when you would like them to speak up. Maybe you give them a hand gesture, or set a time limit, or maybe its after you've told your family for the third time that you're ready to lie down. Whenever the time comes, your doula will be prepared to say, "Okay everyone, I have to insist that mom[or other parental name] and baby rest now."
Cheers!
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