What is a Postpartum Doula?

When one hears the word “doula” they may immediately think of someone that assists a family during childbirth. Birth doulas are increasing in popularity and becoming more accessible. Research shows that birth doulas are valuable-reducing cesarean sections, reducing the need for unnecessary medical procedures, improved pain management, and overall greater satisfaction in the birth experience.

So where does the postpartum doula come in? Just as birth doulas vary in their practice, so do postpartum doulas. Whether the postpartum doula begins meeting families during pregnancy or soley focuses on the weeks and months after baby, the goal is to help families prepare for life after birth or adoption. Postpartum doula work can be akin to a mother bird building her nest as she anticipates laying her eggs. She’s meticulous about the placement of each twig and blade of grass. She knows it’s one thing to lay the eggs but to what will she lay them into is almost her greater concern. Don’t get me wrong preparing for birth physically, emotionally, and intellectually is VERY important. Still, after birth then what?

Imagine someone who is present with you to help prepare you for life after birth/adoption, weeks if not months before baby’s arrival. This person helps you build your “nest” or support that you will need when the baby is here. This preparation ranges from meal planning, infant feeding education, to navigating tough topics with your spouse. Great efforts are made in the third trimester to have a strong support system and realistic expectations. After baby comes, the postpartum doula is there to help the family ease into the nest they’ve worked so hard to create. The doula is an educator, mentor, modeler, and listener. The doula is also able to help the family recognize any weaknesses in support and be with the family as they fill those gaps. The goal is for the family to be nurtured during this time when the focus is rest and recovery. Ultimately the postpartum doula seeks to aid the family in integrating into a broader network of support that will help them as they move through the shifting stages of parenthood. This is the work of a postpartum doula.