Postpartum Doula: What do we offer?
As a postpartum doula, services can look very different depending on the family’s needs. For some families I might be very hands on, and invested in the overnight care of a child while supporting the family for success the next day, while for others I may only stop in a few times a month to do laundry, or cook a few meals. The services provided by a postpartum doula are really guided by the needs of a family—and as we all know that isn’t always the same.
What Does a Postpartum Doula Do?
A postpartum doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to families in the first weeks or months after childbirth. While birth doulas assist during labor and delivery, postpartum doulas step in once the baby is born, offering guidance and hands-on help during a period of major transition and healing.
Emotional and Mental Support
One of the most important roles of a postpartum doula is to support the emotional well-being of the new parent(s). The postpartum period can be overwhelming, exhausting, and even isolating. A doula offers a calm, nonjudgmental presence, someone to talk to about birth experiences, the rollercoaster of emotions, or the challenges of newborn care. This emotional support can be vital in helping reduce the risk of postpartum depression and anxiety.
Infant Care Assistance
Postpartum doulas are well-versed in newborn care and can guide parents through the basics: feeding, diapering, bathing, swaddling, and soothing techniques. They’ll help you learn your baby’s cues, routines, and needs, making it easier to feel confident and connected as a new parent.
They can also support different feeding choices. Whether a parent chooses to breastfeed, formula-feed, or do a combination of both, a doula provides nonjudgmental help, such as troubleshooting latch issues, making bottles, or simply offering encouragement.
Parental Education and Resources
Postpartum doulas educate and empower parents by sharing evidence-based information. Instead of giving advice based on opinion or trends, doulas help families make informed choices that align with their own values and lifestyles. If there are challenges beyond their scope—such as medical issues or mental health concerns—they can provide referrals to lactation consultants, therapists, pediatricians, or other specialists.
Practical Household Help
What really sets postpartum doulas apart is their hands-on support around the home. They may prepare light meals, do baby laundry, tidy up, or help create a peaceful, organized environment. This frees up parents to rest, bond with their baby, or simply take a shower.
Some doulas also help with older siblings or pets, ensuring the whole household feels supported and cared for during the transition.
Support Is Tailored to Each Family
Every family’s needs are different, so postpartum doulas offer flexible, customized care. Some visit for a few hours a day over several weeks, while others offer overnight shifts to help with infant care while parents sleep. Doulas don’t replace a partner or family member—they complement and support the whole support system, helping everyone adjust with more ease.
Why Hire a Postpartum Doula?
Having a baby is life-changing, and while there’s often focus on the newborn, postpartum doulas make sure parents are nurtured, too. Their presence can ease anxiety, reduce stress, and create a more peaceful environment during a time that can otherwise feel chaotic.
In short, a postpartum doula is like a knowledgeable, compassionate guide through the early postpartum days—offering reassurance, rest, and the kind of support that helps families not just survive, but thrive.
