A Postnatal Doula works with a family after the birth of their baby.

A Postnatal Doula is there to assist the mother in caring for her baby, and running the household. Postnatal Doulas are often employed by families who have had twins or triplets to lend a helping hand, or for women who have older children and want some extra help in the early days. A Postnatal Doula may work for a number of months with one family, or just for a few weeks to ease the load on the family. Some Postnatal Doulas work overnight to enable the parents to get some much needed rest, or may work during the day.

Generally a postnatal doula may perform the following, depending on what the client is looking for:

• assistance with breastfeeding

• helping care for and play with older children

• prepare family meals

• household tasks such as washing, ironing and light housekeeping

As you join parents on one of the most exciting events of their lives, you will come across a host of parenting styles and choices. During your training you will be encouraged to explore many of these to develop a greater understanding of each perspective, and strive to be accepting of all choices, even those that are out of sync with your own.

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