What is a Postpartum Doula

Even for the most experienced parents, bringing home a new baby means changing routines, dividing time and just trying to figure out how to juggle it all. This is where a postpartum doula can be just a huge help. If you had a cesarean delivery or any other birth complications, a postpartum doula can carry the load to help your recovery.

What Services Does a Postpartum Doula Provide?

The main goal of a postpartum doula is to “Mother the Mother”. This includes nurturing the mother and her family as they transition into a new life with their newborn. This would include helping mom and dad feel confident in their new roles, providing evidence-based information to educate them on all things baby and parenting, and attending to the unique needs of mom as she recovers from giving birth.

A postpartum doula will tailor her services and role to each individual family’s needs.

Services a Postpartum Doula Provides:

Emotional and physical support and guidance through recovery

• Newborn care, including diapering, bathing, and soothing techniques
• Breastfeeding, pumping, and/or bottle-feeding support
• Guidance in reading and understanding baby cues
• An extra set of experienced hands to help with baby while mom and family rest
• Light housekeeping
• Running errands
• Light meal preparation
• Babywearing support and education
• Referrals to community resources

  And so much more!

Most postpartum doulas provide services for families anywhere from a few days up to several months after baby’s birth, and some even provide support for up to a year. Some families have their doula work 1-3 days a week, while others may need the support 5 to 7 days a week.

Postpartum doulas often offer nighttime services as well to help the family transition more smoothly into the challenges of parenting at night. Each doula offers different services, so it is important to find a doula that meets the needs of your family.

It is important for families to have this type of postpartum support so they can f focus on the important things like resting and recovering from birth, bonding with their new baby, and gaining their footing as new parents.

Notes From Your Doula

Having a Postpartum Doula is a great way to set yourself up for a great recovery after having a baby. Postpartum support can start as early as the day you come home from the hospital. I offer day and night service. You can find out more about my Postpartum Support here.