Ideally, when a family is expanded by the birth of a baby, other family members and friends are there to support them. These days some of us are starting families later or we don't live as close to our families like we used to do.

A postpartum doula helps new families transition from the hospital or birthing center to the home. As a postpartum doulas we provide your family with emotional, physical and educational support. There are many ways we can help your new family out: breastfeeding education and support; basic newborn care instruction; infant massage instruction and demonstration; attention to basic household chores; allowing you and your family time to rest and recover; and any other needs you may have.

Studies have shown there is a decreased risk of maternal postpartum depression and less maternal exhaustion and frustration as a result or utilizing a doula during the early weeks. There is also a great way for relatives who live far away to help out: by purchasing services and giving them to you as a gift!

Listed below are just a few of the benefits when you hire a postpartum doula:

• The postpartum doula mothers the new mother emotionally and physically.
• A doula gives special recognition and rest helping to speed mothers recovery.
• Extra hands free up more time for sharing of responsibilities.
• More time for bonding with baby and rekindling mom and partner relationships.
• The positive reinforcement of a postpartum doula equals less anxiety and stress, thus also adds to speed mothers recovery time.

Before, During & After's doulas who perform Postpartum Services are: Jen Magaruh, Kate Beschen, Heather Busovsky, Lori Daley, Amy Tirrell-Machado, and Wendy Mathews.

Jen, Kate and Denise are exclusively Postpartum Doulas!

Helpful links

• "What is a Postpartum Doula and What Does She Do?":
  by Vicky York, IBCLC, CPD - an article and bulleted list defining what a postpartum doula is and what we do.
• The Center for Postpartum Health - Where Mothers Are Mothered:
  A website devoted to addressing the emotional needs of women transitioning from pregnancy to parenthood.

Please check out this powerful video montage about postpartum depression, created by Kathleen Kendall-Tackett; Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Texas Tech University's School of Medicine.

Meal Train: How to set one up and how you can help yourself or a new mom!