What is a Postpartum Doula?

          The word “Doula” originates from a Greek word meaning “a woman who serves.” In today’s world, a postpartum doula is a trained professional who offers non-judgmental emotional and educational support during the postpartum period. When new parents come home from the hospital, people tell them, “sleep when the baby sleeps!”  But the reality of life is that when the baby sleeps, there is laundry, cooking, cleaning and often, other children to care for. It's normal to feel overwhelmed in the early weeks after having a baby and this is where the role of the postpartum doula comes in. The doula is there to provide “mothering” for the mother, her partner and other family members during this “fourth trimester.” From help with feeding, diapering, and bathing to providing emotional encouragement, a postpartum doula strives to help families build their confidence and trust their instincts.

          Doulas are trained to care for the mother and her newborn during the first weeks of life. She provides non-medical care to the mother and baby in addition to household chores such as laundry, dishes, and meal preparation. She also will wash bottles, store breast milk, bathe the baby, provide sibling support and stay overnight for newborn care. Doulas provide knowledgeable, unbiased support and compassionate care as the family navigates life with a new baby. A postpartum doula can help the new mother get started in the morning, bring calm to the chaotic afternoon and evening hours and/or stay at your home overnight to help you get some much needed sleep. The doula is there to teach, guide and support all members of the family on this new journey of parenthood. 

          Another important role of a postpartum doula is to educate the family about baby care, breastfeeding and any postpartum issues that may develop. A postpartum doula never provides medical advice; but instead, she provides evidence-based information and resources and refers the parents to the appropriate professionals when necessary. For example, a doula may refer a mother to a lactation consultant, pediatrician or support groups. A doula is also trained to recognize the signs of postpartum depression and can find help for the mother before it becomes a bigger problem.