BirthFocus First Nights’ Service
9:00PM ~7:00AM
$250
First Nights’ Doulas provide practical support for new families in the middle of the night.
What the Doula Does
The Doula helps parents cope with their newborn in the middle of the night. The Doula helps new parents recognize the baby’s feeding readiness cues and assists with breastfeeding She offers non-judgmental support, reliable and factual education, information, and companionship. “ The presence of a post partum doula ensures greater breastfeeding success, greater self-confidence, less post partum depression…” (Kelleher and Simkin)
Benefits for Mother
Returning home after giving birth with a newborn infant is an exciting moment for many women. “Research (shows) that those new parents who have support and feel secure and cared for during this time are more successful in adapting
than those who don’t.” (Kelleher and Simkin) Recovering from childbirth emotionally and physically, combined with the impact of having complete responsibility for a newborn the first night home is eased by the presence of a doula.
Benefits for Partners
“Rather than being told to ‘help out’ partners and other family members benefit from concrete instruction and role modeling on how to support a woman
during the weeks after birth. Research tells us that support for and from the partner can have a significant impact on their own experience as well as the emotional adjustment of the mother.” (Kelleher and Simkin) Grandparents, relatives and friends can learn from the doula as well
Benefits for Babies
With respect for the newborn’s preference for his or her parent’s over any other care provider, the doula ensures that the parents feel comfortable and able to handle their newborn infant confidently during the night. By creating secure, well-bonded infants that feel understood and adjusted to with assurance and skill, parenting becomes a rewarding experience and babies become a pleasure to care for.
To arrange for a First Nights Doula
Email Birthfocus for more information
“With deep respect for the wisdom and decision making abilities of new parents, the doula validates parent’s intuitive ability to nurture their baby and develop their own parenting style.” (Kelleher and Simkin)
Source: Kelleher, J. and Simkin, P.
“DONA Position Paper: The Postpartum Doula’s Role in Maternity Care.”
