Doulas provide education and non-judgmental support on feeding choices, helping clients prepare for breastfeeding by discussing what to expect, the supplies needed, and creating personalized goals and intentions.
During the prenatal period, doulas help clients understand the logistics of breastfeeding, including latch initiation at birth and the importance of positioning and ergonomics. They also guide clients through the myths and realities of breastfeeding, offering practical tips such as milk storage and feeding schedules.
During postpartum, doulas perform visual assessments when clients discuss breastfeeding challenges, listening to the baby's sucking and checking the parent's and baby's positioning. They offer tips to make breastfeeding more comfortable, providing reassurance and support as needed. If necessary, doulas refer clients to specialized resources, such as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or peer support, especially if specific issues arise that require expert attention.
Doulas also address other feeding methods using human milk, such as hand expression, spoon-feeding, syringe-feeding, and the use of Supplemental Nursing Systems (SNS) or cups. They discuss what breastfeeding might look like when clients return to work, including self-advocacy, understanding relevant laws, and planning a pumping schedule. Throughout the breastfeeding journey, doulas celebrate milestones, affirm decisions, and help build confidence, while supporting challenges and recognizing cultural practices, including healing family recipes and foods. They also involve partners, emphasizing their importance in both the breastfeeding and overall parenting journey.
Nutrition and hydration are key focuses, with doulas encouraging clients to increase their
caloric intake through foods like protein-rich options such as bone broth, beans, and fennel seed cookies. Doulas also remind clients about diaper output and input as indicators of their newborn’s health, and explain the principles of supply and demand in breastfeeding, highlighting how suckling stimulates milk production through prolactin, while oxytocin helps release milk through the let-down reflex.
Overall, doulas meet clients where they are, providing tailored support to ensure a positive feeding experience.
We understand that in addition to or instead of “breastfeeding” some people choose to use "chestfeeding" or “bodyfeeding” to describe their experiences when feeding their baby human milk. When using these terms, our intention is to represent the full diversity of lived experiences that includes those who feed their babies milk from their bodies and birthing persons (cis women, trans folks, and gender expansive individuals). This post was created by SisterWeb Communications Manager, Sofía Carbone, with information and support form SisterWeb doulas and does not encompass the range of breastfeeding resources provided by all doulas.
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