When you work in the birth world–or I guess, any industry– it’s easy to forget that what is common knowledge to you, may not be common knowledge for someone outside of the industry. So, while I am excitedly telling you, “Hire a postpartum doula!”, it’s very possible that you’re still wondering what a postpartum doula even does. 

So let’s start here: What is a postpartum doula?

Postpartum doulas are qualified professionals who provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support and guidance to new parents and their families. A postpartum doula is a reference, assistant, and resource for families during the postpartum period.

Does that definition sound general and vague? Probably, but that is for good reason; just like each family is unique, the support provided to each family by their postpartum doula will be unique. 

The beauty of a postpartum doula is that we provide your family the support that your family needs. 

That said, here are examples of some things that a postpartum doula can do for you and your family:

• Provide physical support to aid in your recovery
• Provide emotional support to help you process your birth, surrogate, or adoption experience
• Provide meal preparation and housekeeping
• Assist and educate in infant care
• Provide overnight care to aid in rest
• Provide breastfeeding/chestfeeding, bottle feeding, and pumping support
• Working with your family to assist in navigating the emotional and physical balances needed to have a healthy postpartum period
• Provide sibling and pet care
• Run errands with/for your family

…and SO MUCH more. 

This is a good place to add a pro tip: hire your postpartum doula early. 

No two postpartum doulas provide the same services, and each postpartum doula has their own style and “specialty”. If you hire early, that not only allows you to get the doula you want (because schedules fill up quickly), but you will also have the time to find the best fit for your family. 

What a doula does can vary, but it’s important to note that postpartum doulas ARE NOT medical professionals. Postpartum doulas do not:

• Give medical advice or diagnose conditions
• Make decisions for the client–medical or otherwise
• Pressure the birthing person into certain choices just because that’s what they prefer
• Take over the role of the partner
• Prescribe

If you have a baby with specific medical needs and want extra in-home care from someone who is a medical professional, be sure to search specifically for postpartum doulas who are also licensed medical professionals or hire a baby nurse.

Still have questions about postpartum doulas that I didn’t answer? Let’s chat!