The Role of Postpartum Doulas in Supporting New Families

Bringing home a new baby is an exciting time, but it also comes with its share of challenges. For many families, the early days of parenthood can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to adjusting to new routines and responsibilities. The challenges are plenty and include, but are not limited to, recovering from childbirth, taking on full responsibility for a dependant newborn, managing household tasks, adjusting to broken sleep, managing emotions and relationships, and frankly, just trying to survive the day with a new normal. While often joyful, it is a stressful time of transition for the entire family.

In today’s society many new parents feel underprepared for this huge shift in life, especially when it comes to support. While new parents may have friends or family they can turn to for occasional support, asking for help can still be challenging. Distance may limit availability, and some parents feel the weight of expectations or judgment from relatives prevents them from reaching out. Additionally, visitors to the home may simply be unsure of how to offer meaningful assistance. This is where a postpartum doula can make all the difference, offering personalized care and guidance during this transformative period.

What’s the difference between a birth and postpartum doula?

When most people hear the word ‘doula,’ they typically think of the birthing process. A birth doula is a trained professional who offers continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a woman and her partner during labor and childbirth. Unlike medical professionals like obstetricians or midwives, a birth doula doesn’t deliver the baby or perform medical tasks. Instead, their role is to provide empowering support and help the birthing person navigate the labor process. Similarly, a postpartum doula supports families in the weeks following birth, assisting with newborn care, emotional recovery, and the transitions that come with adjusting to life with a new baby.

The goal of a postpartum doula

A postpartum doula’s goal is to ease the transition into parenthood by supporting both the practical aspects and emotional well-being of the family. They are trained in postpartum adjustment and can act as a buffer for those new parents who receive a lot of unsolicited advice. They provide holistic care, customizing their services to help families feel confident, supported, and nurtured—always in a non-judgmental and compassionate way.

10 ways a postpartum doula can bring support to a family.

  1. Emotional support: A doula offers a listening ear and helps new parents process their emotions about birth or the transition to parenthood. They offer a compassionate presence and allow parents to express their feelings, frustrations, or joys, during those sleep-deprived weeks. The early weeks after birth can be filled with uncertainty. Doulas offer reassurance, reminding parents that it’s okay to feel uncertain or overwhelmed. They normalize the challenges of adjusting to life with a newborn and help parents see that they are not alone in their experience.
  2. Physical support: Doulas assist with light household chores such as dishes, bottle washing, organizing, laundry and tidying. This allows parents to focus on their recovery and bonding with their baby, rather than feeling overwhelmed by household responsibilities.
  3. Baby care: Doulas help parents with infant care, this may include diaper changes, swaddling, bathing, bottle preparation, or feedings. Postpartum doulas provide a variety of hands-on baby care support to help new parents adjust to the demands of caring for a newborn.
  4. Sleep support and baby holding: While newborns sleep a lot, they don’t always follow a predictable pattern. Doulas care for your newborn while you rest or sleep, even if it’s for a short time. Overnight support is also an option with some doulas which is crucial for maintaining physical and mental well-being.
  5. Education and empowerment: By providing encouragement and positive reinforcement, postpartum doulas help parents build confidence in their abilities to care for their newborn. They also provide up to date evidence to make sure parents make informed decisions for themselves and their infants.
  6. Sibling support: A postpartum doula may help siblings engage in age-appropriate activities or provide support for them during the adjustment period. This can be especially helpful for parents who need time to rest or focus on the newborn but want to ensure their older child feels attended to and cared for.
  7. Mental health awareness: If a parent is showing signs of postpartum depression or anxiety, a doula can offer valuable support by helping them identify these symptoms early on. They can connect the parent with resources for professional help or provide a comforting presence, encouraging them to seek further support if needed.
  8. Feeding support: A postpartum doula can assist with breastfeeding by offering guidance on proper latch techniques, feeding cues, positioning, and comfort measures. They can also help with bottle feeding, preparing formula, or managing feeding schedules.
  9. Resource Referrals: Need recommendations for local parenting classes, lactation consultants, or support groups? A doula can connect you with trusted resources in your community.
  10. Flexible care: Some families hire a doula right away after birth, others wait a few weeks after to seek out additional support. Doulas tailor their support to the specific needs of the family, which means their care is flexible. Whether it’s a few hours a day or more full-time support, the services are customized.

Why Consider Hiring a Postpartum Doula?

The postpartum period is a time of significant physical and emotional change and having extra support can be incredibly beneficial. Families who work with postpartum doulas often report:

  • Increased Confidence: Many new parents feel more capable and less stressed when they have a knowledgeable and supportive professional by their side.
  • Better Recovery: Physical recovery is an important part of the postpartum journey. With the help of a doula to handle household tasks or baby care, mothers can get the rest they need to heal.
  • Enhanced Breastfeeding Success: Breastfeeding can be challenging in the beginning, but with a doula’s guidance, families often find it easier to establish and maintain successful feeding routines.
  • Lower Stress Levels: Knowing someone is there to provide practical help and emotional reassurance can reduce feelings of anxiousness and being overwhelmed.

Who needs a postpartum doula?

Well…everybody! You don’t have to take on everything alone.

You may want to consider a postpartum doula if:

  • You are having a planned C-section
  • Your partner is going back to work shortly after birth
  • You are a solo parent
  • Family and friends are not local
  • You are worried how you will cope physically or mentally once the baby comes
  • You have other little children
  • You are having multiples
  • Or you are just planning for more support!

Preparing for the Fourth Trimester.

It is not too early to inquire about or book a postpartum doula even if you are currently pregnant, and it is not too late if you are fresh postpartum.

The WOMB Bruce County

Our postpartum doulas are passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care for families in the Grey Bruce area. With every visit, your postpartum doula will be able to understand you better and cater to your unique needs in this sensitive period. Whether you’re looking for hands-on help with your baby, support with breastfeeding, someone to hold your baby while you nap, or just someone to share this journey with, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

The WOMB Bruce County offers hourly rates and packages. Book a free consultation to meet our doulas.

Kayla Murray

Birth and Postnatal Doula