Do we want a postpartum doula, lactation consultant, and/or a night nurse?
What is a postpartum doula?
A postpartum doula is a trained professional who offers emotional, physical, and informational support to new parents in the weeks or months after their baby is born.
They listen to your concerns and help you process your birth experience. They can also assist with your recovery by preparing meals, running errands, and doing light housework. Additionally, they provide education on newborn care, teaching you how to diaper, bathe, and soothe your baby. They can also help you establish routines and organize your home to make the transition to parenthood smoother.
What is a lactation consultant?
A lactation consultant is a trained professional who specializes in breastfeeding support and education. They understand breastfeeding anatomy, identify common challenges, and provide solutions to help mothers and babies establish a successful breastfeeding relationship.
If you plan to breastfeed but have concerns or would like personalized support, consider reaching out to a lactation consultant during pregnancy. You can even meet with one before your baby is born to have resources ready in case you face issues like latching problems, painful nursing, or concerns about milk supply. There are different types of lactation consultants, with the main ones being:
- Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC): A CLC is a healthcare professional who specializes in breastfeeding and lactation support. They’ve completed 52 hours of training and passed a certification exam through the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice. CLCs help new parents with breastfeeding basics like proper techniques, latch issues, milk supply concerns, and offer emotional support. They play a vital role in promoting healthy feeding practices and empowering families with knowledge for positive breastfeeding experiences. CLCs often focus on more straightforward breastfeeding issues, and they may not be involved in complex or medical breastfeeding problems. They are recertified every 3 years with 18 hours of continuing education. While their role is crucial, their scope can be limited in certain healthcare settings.
- International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC): An IBCLC is an expert recognized globally for their advanced knowledge and clinical skills in breastfeeding and lactation. They’ve completed 90 hours of breastfeeding education, have 300-1000 hours of clinical practice, and passed a certification exam. IBCLCs offer everything a CLC does, but they also have the additional expertise to tackle more complex breastfeeding challenges, advanced infant nutrition, and medical conditions affecting lactation. They are often the go-to professionals for families needing extra support and work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. IBCLCs are certified every 5 years and must complete 75 continuing education hours and 200 working hours. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best outcomes for both parent and baby.
Lactation consultants can be especially helpful if your baby is premature or has special needs. They can assess your breastfeeding technique, offer advice on positioning and latch, and create a customized plan to support you. Alongside practical guidance, they provide emotional support and encouragement, helping boost your confidence in breastfeeding.
In 2023, the North American Board of Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine (NABBLM), created the field of breastfeeding medicine specialist. Unlike other providers, breastfeeding medicine specialists must have a medical license in addition to 1,000 hours of breastfeeding experience, education credits, and three years of focused practice. This specialty is for complex breastfeeding issues that require diagnosis and medical treatment.
What is a night nurse?
A night nurse is a professional caregiver who provides overnight support to new parents, focusing on newborn care. They help you get much-needed rest during the challenging early weeks or months after birth.
Consider hiring a night nurse if you struggle with sleep deprivation, have multiple births (like twins), or if you have health issues that make overnight care difficult. Night nurses handle various tasks such as diapering, soothing, and feeding (if using bottles or expressed breastmilk). They can also offer guidance on establishing healthy sleep habits and assist with sleep training when needed.
Making a decision
When deciding whether to hire a postpartum doula, lactation consultant, or night nurse, consider the type of support you'll need after your baby arrives. You won't know precisely what you'll require, but having a general idea will be helpful. Consider whether you'll want help with breastfeeding, infant care, household tasks, or emotional support. Also, keep your budget in mind, as these services can vary in cost.
Reflect on whether family or friends can provide reliable help, as this might influence your choice of professional support. Consider your comfort level with inviting professionals into your home during this intimate time. You may prefer the familiarity of a family member, or you might value the expertise of a trained professional.
Finding the right professional
Once you've decided to seek professional support, the next step is to find the right person for your family. Start by asking for referrals from trusted sources, such as your healthcare providers and friends or family who have recently had a baby.
You can also search online directories and agencies that specialize in connecting families with postpartum support professionals. Look for profiles that detail their qualifications, experience, and specialties.
After identifying potential candidates, set up interviews to discuss their services, availability, and approach. It’s important that you feel comfortable with them, cross-check references, and verify their certifications and training.
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