What does a postpartum doula do?

Maybe you’ve heard of doulas before, maybe you haven’t. Birth doulas are becoming more prevalent, and you may have heard that a doula can work with you through your labor. But what about after? The compassionate assistance of a doula doesn’t have to stop at birth!

1. Support

   If you’ve heard of a postpartum doula, then you may be familiar with the supportive role. A postpartum doula nurtures and supports the whole family through the transition of bringing home your baby. A doula can help with healing and comfort measures, lactation support, taking care of baby, and even providing support to partners, siblings, and pets. This also includes helping out with household tasks like laundry, meal prep, and bottle cleaning.

   Emotional support is also very important! With hormone drop offs, sleep deprivation, potential birth trauma, and baby brain, the emotions are flowing. Your doula can sit with you through the tears to help you process the million things going through your brain.

2. Providing information and education

   There is so much and yet so little information out there about postpartum and newborns. Sifting through all that information can be overwhelming, and the latest Tiktok trend may work great for one mom but make things worse for another. Your doula is a resource for information about things to look for,

3. Evaluating and assessing

   Your doula should know what is normal and what is not. They will watching and listening for anything that is off, and provide suggestions for what you should do. Nipples are sore? Might be normal, might be signs of a bad latch! Stomach is cramping? Might be normal, might be signs of something that needs to be checked up on. Baby has a rash? Might be normal, might be something to call you doctor about. Ask your doula if you want a second opinion!

4. Referring when needed

   Need the number of a good pediatrician? A babysitter? A pelvic floor therapist? A support group? Lactation consultant? Dog trainer? The list is long for people you may need to loop in. Your doula probably already has a list of people so you don’t have to do the internet hunt and call game.

What postpartum doulas are not

1. Postpartum doulas are not babysitters. While a postpartum doula may offer childcare services in addition, know that a doula’s primary role is to take care of the birthing person. If a babysitter or nanny is what you need, care.com is a great place to find one time or recurring childcare.

2. Postpartum doulas are not lactation consultants. Your doula may be a lactation consultant as well, but if they aren’t, they should definitely have the number of a couple consultants that can help you with your feeding journey.

3. Postpartum doulas are not medical professionals. While your doula should be familiar with signs and symptoms of medical issues and can suggest you call your doctor, diagnosing and treating are out of the scope of a doula.

While these are good guidelines for what postpartum doulas do, every doula is different! Make sure you interview your potential doula to make sure they are the right doula for you.