So, What Does A Postpartum Doula Do?
Your postpartum doula is your right hand man. They are there to do anything and everything you can’t or need help doing. For those of you that have not heard of a postpartum doula before or are uncertain of what exactly a postpartum doula even does, let me list some of our main offerings.
Some examples include:
Emotional support: processing birth, adoption, or surrogacy journey for birthing parent and co-parent
Baby Feeding Support: including chestfeeding support and trouble shooting, formula questions and storage
Education on general baby care: first bath, trimming those tiny nails, etc.
Caring for your baby so you can sleep, shower, eat, or sleep some more
Tidying House… and all the never ending laundry
Entertaining older children so you can bond with your newest
Referrals to local resources
Organizing nursery and baby shower gifts
Grocery shopping and meal preparation
Helping with thank you notes/birth announcements
Baby Wearing Education
Overnight support
Pet care/walking
Sleep support… for baby and you!
…And there is so much more. However, it’s important to recognize that not all doulas do the exact same things. So, inquire with your prospective doula about what exactly they offer, and if you know there is something you do want done, state that at your initial meeting.
For me personally, I provide all of the services listed above; however, one thing I help with that other doulas may not is with providing education on Elimination Communication and providing Baby and Me Yoga sessions.
The postpartum time is hard enough. Be open to a helping hand and reach out to your local postpartum doula.