Postpartum Doulas and the Prevention of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Doulas and the Prevention of Postpartum Depression

by Lynn Orlowski

Postpartum Doulas have been tasked with trying to alleviate and reduce the risk of our clients getting Postpartum Depression.  Even though it is inevitable in some cases, the services, education, and help we provide, can in most instances prevent or even reverse the effects of Postpartum Depression.  We as Doulas step in and help the mothers become less overwhelmed. Doulas assist in making sure the mothers eat right, get their much needed rest, are staying hydrated, and also lend emotional support.  Doulas are non-judgmental advocates working for the mothers to help them to obtain some sort of balance and sense of calmness so they do not feel anxious and to lessen the load of their new motherhood

Swaddling Your Baby: 

Why, When and How

by Patience Bleskan

Why

Young infants do not have control of their arms and legs move. Every movement is a reflex based on outside environment or the internal nervous system. If a babies arms and legs are moving franticly it will cause her respiration to increase. Increased respiration leads to increase heart rate. Fast breathing and heart rate causes the nervous system to switch into flight or fight. A baby in a state of stress cries help.

Swaddling keeps your baby’s reflexive movements smaller, helping to avoid a state of stress.

When

Your baby does not need to be swaddled all the time. A baby who’s movements are slow, fluid and are close to the body is a baby happily moving his body. An infant with wide open hands, rigid arms and legs, and jerky movements, is a baby in distress. Swaddling will help this baby to calm his nervous system. During sleep the reflexive moments can cause a baby to wake or make it more difficult to fall asleep. Once your baby is asleep she may break out of her swaddle. As long as she is maintaining sleep there is no need to re-swaddle.

How