What is a Postpartum Doula?

A postpartum doula is a non-judgmental woman with a quiet presence in the home. The postpartum period is an important time for mothers to recover from childbirth and bond with their new baby. In many traditional cultures, postpartum is considered a special time of transition from pregnancy to motherhood.
A postpartum doula is a non-medical caregiver who helps a mother adjust to life in the home with her newborn. She offers emotional support to the new mom and dad, and provides information and assistance in all household matters at this very special time.
She can provide breastfeeding support, emotional and physical support, and can answer questions about caring for the new baby. She also provides care for older siblings and keeps the household running so that mother and baby can rest, bond and recover.

Duties of a Postpartum Doula Can Include:

- Daytime and nighttime postpartum home care
- Assistance with newborn care, bathing, swaddling and soothing
- Postpartum home care for families with multiples
- Infant massage and infant massage instruction
- Emotional support and guidance
- Breastfeeding guidance and support
- Selection and education on use of breast pump
- Caring for older siblings
- Grocery shopping and errands
- Preparation of family meals
- Light housekeeping
- Continued family support beyond postpartum

A postpartum doula is extremely helpful to families with multiples, and babies with reflux or colic. Though they cannot diagnose medical conditions or perform clinical tasks, they can refer you to a medical professional if needed. A postpartum doula is also trained to detect signs of postpartum depression.

Benefits of Postpartum Doula Care

There are several benefits for the entire family when hiring a postpartum doula. Not only does she nurture the new mother both emotionally and physically, she is an extra set of hands around the house that allows the mother to recover faster and spend more time with her newborn and husband without having to worry about everyday tasks getting done.

Benefits to the new mom and dad include:

- Increased confidence in parenting skills
- Increased parent-infant bonding time
- Less stress during the early weeks helps to speed mother's recovery time
- Increased knowledge of baby's needs and behavior
- Increased success of breastfeeding
- Reduced chance of Postpartum Depression and mood disorders

A postpartum doula will make certain that you understand the postpartum phase of pregnancy and how hormonal fluctuations can affect your ability to handle both regular and stressful situations. She may make recommendations that you seek additional medical support in dealing with postpartum mental health issues.