HealthCare

Chiropractic

Can doula services help families with neurodiverse children?

Exploring the Role of Doula Services with Neurodiverse Families

Okay, can doula services help families with neurodiverse children? So great question. So a doula is a support person that gives physical support, emotional support, partner support, advocacy, and education throughout the entire perinatal period. So we will see a lot of birth and labor doulas, and then there are also postpartum doulas. So the point of a labor and birth doula is to assist both the mom during the birth and her partner. And then the postpartum doula's responsibility is to help and nurture during the postpartum period or the trimester four period. So doulas really help with the birth, perinatal, breastfeeding, postpartum, that space, not so much in the neurodiverse space. Now if your doula or postpartum doula has extra training in the neurodiverse field, they can definitely help with siblings who may be neurodiverse. But I would personally look at ABA therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists who are well known in this field. Doulas are more for the perinatal birth labor atmosphere, not so much in the neurodiverse field unless there is extra training that the doula can help you with with siblings. So can doula services help family with neurodiverse children? Again, depends on their training. But for the majority of the time, it's going to be around the postpartum perinatal birth labor field.

Doulas are generally for support in the perinatal, birth, and labor atmosphere. They may be able to help with neurodiverse children if they have extra training, but for the most part, ABA therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists are better suited for this type of help.

https://assets.anyquestion.com/raw/upload/tiisqajhyvms8jrbafba.vtt

Can doula services provide assistance to families with neurodiverse children? Doulas, who offer physical and emotional support, partner support, advocacy, and education throughout the perinatal period, primarily focus on birth, labor, breastfeeding, and postpartum care. While labor and birth doulas assist the mother and her partner during childbirth, postpartum doulas nurture and support families during the postpartum period. Doulas typically do not specialize in the neurodiverse field. However, if a doula or postpartum doula has received additional training in this area, they may be able to provide support to neurodiverse siblings. For more specific assistance related to neurodiversity, it is recommended to seek professionals such as ABA therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists who specialize in this field. Generally speaking, doula services primarily focus on perinatal care rather than specialized support for neurodiverse children and their families.

What can parents do to help their newborns adjust to life outside the womb?

Unlocking the Power of Skin-to-Skin Contact for Newborns

What can parents do to help their newborns adjust to life outside of the womb? Such a great question. So first and foremost, it's going to be skin-to-skin time. So whether you've had that golden hour after birth or not, moms and dads have this beautiful superpower to help regulate baby. So mom especially has a superpower that can help regulate baby's temperature, baby's heart rate, baby's breath. Mom also has certain scents that baby is able to smell that smells like the womb. So this helps baby to adjust to this new life on the outside. Secondly is, hey mom, hey dad, hey parents, what are you doing to adjust to this new life? So babies act as a hitchhiker on your nervous system, both mom and dad, but especially mom. So if there are things that help mom stay calm and relaxed and well-adjusted and well-regulated, that is also going to help baby as well. So do we have a small circle of support that's helping mom? Do we have a larger support of providers that's helping mom? Do we have people who are cleaning and tending to her, making sure that she can get showered and that she's eating? Because if mom is feeling anxious and is not well-regulated, baby's going to feed right off of that. So the biggest thing we can do as parents is to regulate our own selves, and then this transcends into the newborn. And then again, that skin-to-skin time is going to be huge, especially making sure that baby feels calm and comfortable and adjusting to the life outside of the womb.

Parents can help their newborns adjust to life outside of the womb by engaging in skin-to-skin time and making sure they are taking care of themselves. This will help the baby stay calm, comfortable, and well-regulated.

https://assets.anyquestion.com/raw/upload/isgpqghn8dfvq3betxgi.vtt

To help newborns adjust to life outside the womb, parents can take a few important steps. First and foremost, skin-to-skin time is crucial. Moms and dads have the superpower to regulate their baby's temperature, heart rate, and breath through this close contact. Additionally, moms have scents that resemble the womb, which helps babies adjust to their new environment. Secondly, parents should focus on their own adjustment to parenthood. Babies rely on their parents' nervous systems for regulation, particularly moms. It's important for parents to find ways to stay calm, relaxed, and well-adjusted. This can involve building a support system of caregivers who help with tasks like cleaning and ensuring mom has time to shower and eat. When mom is calm and regulated, it positively influences the baby's well-being. Ultimately, the key is for parents to regulate themselves first, as this greatly impacts their newborns. Skin-to-skin time continues to play a significant role in helping babies feel calm and comfortable as they adapt to life outside the womb.

What techniques do you use to help babies feel more secure?

Techniques to Secure and Comfort Infants: Expert Insights

What techniques do you use to help babies feel more secure? So great question. So first and foremost, there are a variety of different techniques within the chiropractic profession that are super gentle, comforting, and safe for infants. Some of the things that I personally do in the office is holding the infant, especially if they are colicky. There's different things that we use to make them feel more comfortable or secure. So the shushing, the bouncing from side to side, the gentle rubbing on the back or the belly is also very, very soothing for an infant. Another thing that we do is the blanket that the baby is usually wrapped in or that mom or dad brings in with them to the office, laying the blanket out and wrapping the baby in the blanket as they get adjusted is super soothing and securing them as well. Just because the blanket smells like home, it smells like mom, it's a familiar smell, so it reminds them of a safe space. So we have babies lay in a special pillow that is super comforting to the infant. So when we just lay the blanket on top of the pillow and then the baby lays in the blanket, that is also very soothing and makes the baby feel super secure. Eye contact is huge, right? They are, even though they're infants, they're still people. So eye contact, any type of talking, lowering the baby's voice is, or lowering your voice so that the baby feels more secure and safe is also very helpful. Dimming the lights is also very helpful and makes the baby feel more secure. These are all tactics that we can use to make sure that the baby is comfortable and safe in this new environment.

Holding the baby, shushing, bouncing from side to side, gentle rubbing on the back or belly, wrapping the baby in a blanket, laying them in a special pillow, making eye contact, talking in a low voice, and dimming the lights are all techniques that can help babies feel more secure.

https://assets.anyquestion.com/raw/upload/i8s4aivgk9c9i2ycxwup.vtt

To help babies feel more secure, there are various gentle techniques within the chiropractic profession that can be used. Holding the infant, especially if they are colicky, can provide comfort and security. Techniques such as shushing, gentle rubbing on the back or belly, and bouncing from side to side can also be soothing for infants. Wrapping the baby in a familiar-smelling blanket from home during adjustments can create a sense of safety. Special comforting pillows and blankets can be used as well. Maintaining eye contact, talking with a lowered voice, and dimming the lights can contribute to the baby's comfort and sense of security in a new environment. These tactics aim to ensure that the baby feels safe and at ease.

If I start going to a chiropractor, do I have to keep on going to get the benefits?

Breaking the Myth: Chiropractic Care Doesn't Require Ongoing Commitment

If I start going to a chiropractor, do I have to keep on going to get the benefits? Great question because this is a huge misconception within my profession. That once I go to the chiropractor, I always have to go to the chiropractor and that's simply not true. So we call the first phase of care the restorative phase of care. So this is when you and your chiropractor are actively working towards big goals that you have set out for care. That being like decrease in pain, improve digestion, improve sleep, improve with anxiety, so on and so forth. After that restorative phase of care is over and you have reached your goals, you usually have two options. One is to stop. Two is to keep going on a wellness or maintenance or routine basis. At the end of the day, you get to decide what works best for you and your health. You have to figure out, okay, does this feel like something that could be part of my wellness journey? Or maybe I just want to stop and do something else. It's just like eating well and exercising, there will always be benefits to going to the chiropractor. But that doesn't necessarily mean that you will go back into a chronic path where we have to revisit your goals time and time again. So you don't necessarily have to keep going after you've reached your goals. There will always be benefits. But at the end of the day, that is something that you have to discern for yourself. Most people choose to go down a wellness path because that's what they value. And that's what they feel is going to help them stay well and keep healing. But again, you don't have to in order to continue to get benefits.

You don't have to keep going to a chiropractor after you've reached your goals. There are always benefits to going, but it's ultimately up to you if you want to continue or not.

https://assets.anyquestion.com/raw/upload/xyvajkrulrdt1umzj4iy.vtt

If you start seeing a chiropractor, it is a common misconception that you have to keep going indefinitely to maintain the benefits. However, this is not true. The initial phase of care, known as the restorative phase, involves actively working with your chiropractor to achieve specific goals like pain reduction, improved digestion, better sleep, or reduced anxiety. Once you have reached these goals, you typically have two options: you can choose to stop chiropractic care altogether or continue on a wellness or maintenance basis. The decision ultimately rests with you and what works best for your health. Just like eating well and exercising, there will always be benefits to visiting a chiropractor, but it doesn't mean you will fall into a cycle of chronic care and goal revision. You don't have to keep going after reaching your goals, as there will still be benefits. It's a personal choice based on what you value and believe will help you stay well and continue healing. Many people opt for ongoing wellness care because they find value in it. However, it is not mandatory in order to continue reaping the benefits of chiropractic care.

Does a doula have to have special training to help a family with a neurodiverse child?

Specialized Training in Supporting Neurodiverse Children as a Doula

The question is does a doula have to have special training to help a family with a neurodiverse child? So first we have to figure out what the role of a doula is So we have a birth and labor doula who is really gonna be there for you Prenatally and then for the labor and birth process for both parents as they birth their new baby And maybe one or two visits postpartum just to figure out how everything is going how healing is going How feeding is going so on and so forth a postpartum doula is going to be that person who is gonna be in the home With the family after the baby is born so they basically pass the birth doula passes the baton to the to the postpartum doula So if you have a neurodiverse child or a toddler or a kiddo who's already in the family like a sibling The postpartum doula can definitely help you navigate that but that isn't the sole focus The focus is really on the new mom and baby now some postpartum doulas from previous jobs from previous experiences education may have Extra training to help the family with a neurodiverse child like some postpartum doulas are were ABA therapists Were previous counselors so on and so forth So that's not their main role can definitely help and again It just depends on whether or not you value someone who is working with your child who is neurodiverse if they have training or not But that is not the postpartum doulas sole Sole role so I think navigating that and figuring out what your goals are with your doula And whether or not it's for you, and then we're looking at a whole different person to care for your neurodiverse child So I hope this answers your question Yeah

A postpartum doula can help a family with a neurodiverse child, but it is not their main focus. Depending on their experience and training, they may have extra skills that could be beneficial to the family. Ultimately, it depends on what goals the family has and if they would prefer someone who is experienced in working with neurodiverse children.

https://assets.anyquestion.com/raw/upload/zmzs6lqfidbze5jccofa.vtt

To help a family with a neurodiverse child, a doula does not necessarily need special training, but it can be beneficial. A doula's primary role is to provide support during the prenatal, labor, and postpartum phases. A birth and labor doula assists parents during the birthing process, while a postpartum doula supports the family after the baby is born. While a postpartum doula can help navigate the challenges of having a neurodiverse child or a sibling with special needs, their main focus is on the new mother and baby. However, some postpartum doulas may have additional training or experience in working with neurodiverse children due to their previous jobs as ABA therapists or counselors. It ultimately depends on whether you value having someone with specific training for your child's needs. If you require dedicated care for your neurodiverse child, you may need to seek assistance from another qualified professional outside of the doula's role.

Is there a difference between a labor and birth doula and a postpartum doula?

Understanding the Difference Between Labor and Postpartum Doulas

The question is is there a difference between a labor and birth doula and a postpartum doula? So yes a labor and birth doula is going to be there for the parents and the mother prenatally and then also during labor and birth a labor and birth doula may Come around one or two visits postnatally just to make sure that the parents are navigating New parenthood well to help with the feeding journey and then just to make sure that mom is healing correctly Usually they pass the baton on to the postpartum doula who is going to be there at the home with the new family Helping mom and getting baby new parents other siblings doing light chores and household making sure that feeding is going really really well They may do overnight stays so a doula Usually a doula is either a labor and birth doula or postpartum doulas They there are I'm sure doulas who do both for the family But usually there's a significant difference and it usually is the time that you're giving birth whether the person is there Prenatally and for labor and birth or if they're there postnatally and really to help navigate feeding So highly recommend having both on your team Because we never know what's gonna come up and to help navigate new parenthood but the real big difference is one definitely training too Even though your postpartum doula will know stuff about labor and delivery and will know things about prenatal care and the vice versa with your labor and birth doula, so I hope this answers your question.

Yes, there is a difference between a labor and birth Doula and a postpartum Doula. Labor and birth Doulas come prenatally and help during the labor and birth process. Postpartum Doulas come to the home after the birth and help with the feeding journey, household chores, and helping new parents navigate new parenthood. It is highly recommended to have both on your team as they each have their own specialty knowledge.

https://assets.anyquestion.com/raw/upload/oy3bco0zcw7v0nnbp0m6.vtt

The difference between a labor and birth doula and a postpartum doula is as follows: 

A labor and birth doula provides support to parents during the prenatal period, as well as during labor and delivery. They may also have one or two postnatal visits to assist with the transition into parenthood, offering guidance on feeding and ensuring proper healing for the mother. Postpartum doulas, on the other hand, take over after the birth, providing in-home support to the new family. They assist with tasks like caring for the mother, tending to the baby, supporting other siblings, and handling light household chores. They focus on ensuring smooth feeding practices and may even offer overnight stays. While there may be doulas who specialize in both areas, typically there is a clear distinction based on whether they primarily work during labor and birth or in the postnatal period. It is highly recommended to have both types of doulas on your team to navigate the challenges of new parenthood effectively. Although there may be some overlap in knowledge between labor and birth doulas and postpartum doulas, each has specific training tailored to their respective roles.

Neither AnyQuestion nor its Experts provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment or otherwise provide professional healthcare services.

Physician disclaimer

Dr. Gabrielle Manto, DC answers your Chiropractic questions. See all the advice Dr. Gabrielle Manto, DC has and get answers to your own Chiropractic questions.

Follow me on AnyQuestion

Gabrielle graduated from Temple University with her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, General Business and Spanish. After graduating, she moved to Dallas to attend Parker College of Chiropractic. She held leadership roles in the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association and developed a passion for serving mothers, babies and children. She participated in doula training and mission trips to El Salvador and Guatemala. Gabrielle is currently working towards her post-graduate certification through the ICPA and is trained and certified in Webster Technique, Perinatal Care, BirthFit, MC2 Tonal Technique, and FOCUS. Her mission is to empower women and ensure babies have a healthy start to life.