Find out how a postpartum doula can provide support for new parents before delivery, after delivery and during transitions.
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Postpartum doula services are the answer for those that wish they had more help in the time following a delivery. The primary role of a doula is to provide whatever emotional, informational, and practical support you or your partner need as new parents. This can include light housekeeping, lactation support, childcare for older siblings, preparing light meals or snacks, and some infant care.
Some people confuse a doula with a baby nurse. While baby nurses are there only to provide in-home care for newborns, postpartum doulas are more focused on the mother, partner, and siblings.
The doula is there to be the “extra pair of hands” you need at a busy and transitional time.
What Is Done on a Typical First Postpartum Doula Visit?
The main goal of your postpartum doula's first visit is for both of you to learn how the doula can best support your family. Different families have different needs. The doula may ask you some questions to better customize their services to fit your family’s lifestyle.
Topics your doula may discuss with you on a first visit include:
- Parenting styles
- Sibling care
- Feeding routines
- Meal preferences and
- Anything else you may want to ask!
This appointment can happen either before the birth of the child, or afterward, depending on when the doula is hired.
There is not any right time for hiring a doula. If you want to guarantee securing a specific doula's services, hiring should be done earlier in the pregnancy rather than later. Having said that, every experience is different and the realization you need help is not something you can schedule or control. A doula will understand your circumstances so feel free to reach out even at short notice. Doulas have your best interests at heart, if they are unable to fit you into their schedule, they may be able to make a recommendation or connect you with one of their peers.
How to Use a Postpartum Doula
Not every mom is already surrounded by support. A doula can fill that gap by providing a little extra help at a time when you need it most.
Here are examples of some times when you may need a little assistance, and how a postpartum doula can help.
Prenatal
Many people assume that a postpartum doula can only help after a delivery. However, they can also help you to be ready to welcome your new baby in the time leading up to delivery.
How? By helping out with a few meals and errands, preparing the nursery, or attending to your other children, they can assist you to feel confident and prepared for new responsibilities.
In the prenatal period, a doula can also put your mind and body to rest by offering a light massage, answering questions, or giving trustworthy referrals for anything you may need.
This type of service can be especially helpful if you are a first-time mom, have health concerns that require you to rest, or just plain feel tired and in need of some pampering.
Postpartum
In the postpartum period, making arrangements for the doula to support you and your family, usually one or two days a week, can give you a break from trying to do everything yourself.
The doula will allow you to rest and recover while they take care of everyday necessities like food preparation, helping with errands, and light housekeeping.
As your personal “expert” they are there to answer all your questions in regard to breastfeeding, sleeping, and nutrition.
Although doulas are not medical personnel, the training received during their doula certification allows them to keep an eye on your wellbeing and facilitate connecting you with medical specialists or other caregivers as needed.
As you recover from labor, the doula can provide you with some extra personal care. A light massage, some aromatherapy, or a few minutes of meditation can go a long way to helping you feel like yourself again.
Transitional Support
Sometimes families need a little extra support to get through a time when their regular caregiver is away, during an illness, or upon a return to work. In these instances, a postpartum doula can make life more manageable.
Transitional support is usually a bit lighter than a typical doula service. It may consist of the doula stopping in for a few hours to help you out with a meal, running some errands, or keeping older children occupied, so you can rest.
This can also be an option if you are having trouble with breastfeeding or just feeling a bit down and in need of a helping hand. A doula can be a shoulder to lean on while also providing fact-based support and recommendations.
How Frequently Do Postpartum Doulas Check In?
Typically, a postpartum doula will check in with you weekly in the time leading up to delivery and during the postpartum period. Of course, you can reach out to them as much as you like, via text, email, or phone.
Do You Tip a Postpartum Doula?
As professionals, doulas will not expect a tip. However, you should consider how much postpartum doula cost. Some people hire doulas still in training, or at an introductory rate, if that is the case, a tip may be appropriate. If you value the time the doula has spent with you, offering to write a recommendation letter or providing a testimonial is a great way to show your appreciation.
Do you want a smoother transition to motherhood?
Book your free consultation today!
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