What is a Postpartum Doula and how will she help me when I bring my baby home?

What a postpartum doula does changes from day to day, as the needs of the family change. Postpartum doulas do whatever a mother needs to best enjoy and care for her new baby. A large part of their role is education. They share information about baby care with parents, as well as teach siblings and partners to “mother the mother.” They assist with breastfeeding education. Postpartum doulas also make sure the mother is fed, well hydrated and comfortable.
The role of the postpartum doula is fluid. An important part of her role is to come alongside the parents and together decide what type of support they will need. Some families need educational support: breastfeeding, infant support, and how to care for the new mother. Others rely more on the non-judgmental emotional support that the postpartum doula has to offer. Still others have more practical needs – like feeding the family and running errands. Most families find that their doula provides all of these things, according to the needs that develop, as well as the ever-important communication between the doula and her clients.

That said, prospective parents and their families sometimes wonder – just what will the postpartum doula do when she comes to my home?

• Provide hands-on education on infant and mother care
• Come alongside the parents and help them to get to know the abilities and talents of their new baby
• Create a nurturing, restful atmosphere in which parents may eat, shower and nap
• Shop for groceries and prepare meals
• Play with older children and offer suggestions for how to integrate the new baby into the family
• Spend time with the baby, allowing parents to cuddle and have quality time with older children or just be alone together
• Introduce parenting tips, helping parents to learn skills that will enable them to cope with their new responsibilities
• Screen for hurdles such as breastfeeding challenges or postpartum mood disorders
• Make referrals to any local or informational resources that the parents might need
• Work herself out of a job by helping parents to gather the skills and resources that they will need in the upcoming weeks and months
• Help to organize the nursery and home
• Take care of the baby’s laundry
• Offer a listening, non-judgmental ear

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A postpartum doula supporting a family during the “overnight” hours might...

• Work herself out of a job by teaching parenting tips and strategies that will eventually make her services unnecessary
• Assess and help with breastfeeding
• Diaper and burp baby, so that mom does not need to move around – she can just stay cozy in her bed to feed and snuggle baby
• Bring snacks and beverages to the mother while feeding her baby at night
• Prepare pump supplies or bottles for the next feeding or the next day
• Take the contentedly fed baby to another room and help the baby to go back to sleep, so parents can sleep soundly between feedings

The relationship between the doula and her clients requires the same maintenance as other important relationships in life, such as marriage or close friendships. It is important that communication remain open, as clients’ needs or priorities may change with time or experience. The doula anticipates these changes and will be prepared to remain flexible in her role.
How long does a postpartum doula spend with a family?  What hours can I expect my Doula to work?
Doula support can last anywhere from one or two visits to more than three months.  Some doulas work fulltime, with 9 to 5 shifts. Others work three to five hour shifts during the day, or after school shifts until Dad gets home. Some doulas work evenings from around 6 pm until bedtime, 9 or 10 pm., and some work overnight. Some doulas work every day, some work one or more shifts per week.

What is the difference between a postpartum doula and a baby nurse?

The role of a postpartum doula is to help a woman through her postpartum period and to nurture the family. Unlike a baby nurse, a doula’s focus is not solely on the baby, but on fostering independence for the entire family. The doula is as available to the father and older children as to the mother and the baby. Treating the family as a unit that is connected and always changing enables doulas to do their job: nurture the family..

How do postpartum doulas work with a mother’s partner?

A doula respects the partner’s role and input, and teaches concrete skills that will help the partner nurture the baby and mother. The doula will share evidence-based information with the partner that shows how his or her role in the early weeks will have a dramatic positive effect on the family.

By mothering the mother, doulas maks sure that the mother feels nurtured and cared for, as well as making sure she is eating well and getting enough sleep. In addition, postpartum doulas are trained to help clients prepare themselves for parenthood, maximizing support and rest. These doulas will help their clients to screen themselves for PPMDs and will make referrals to appropriate clinicians or support groups as needed.