7 Reasons to Hire a Postpartum Doula
Becoming a parent is a transformative time, filled with joy, excitement, and, let's be real—a bit of exhaustion and uncertainty! While friends and family can provide support, many new parents can use a bit more consistent and specialized help during the fourth trimester. As the saying goes, “it takes a village”. Enter the postpartum doula.
A postpartum doula is a trained professional who offers essential “physical, emotional and informational support” (DONA International) to families after childbirth.
Here are 7 reasons why hiring a postpartum doula can make all the difference for new parents:
1. Expert Guidance with Emotional Support
Adjusting to life with a newborn brings a mix of emotions—happiness, love, and often, anxiety or uncertainty. A postpartum doula provides an experienced, reassuring presence. They’ll answer questions and offer encouragement in those early days as new parents are finding their stride. They’re knowledgeable about everything from infant care to helping with postpartum recovery, and their calm, nonjudgmental support can ease worries, helping parents feel more confident.
2. Practical, Hands-on Help
Newborns bring a lot of joy—and a lot of tasks! From soothing a fussy baby to changing diapers or learning to swaddle, doulas assist with these everyday duties while also teaching new parents the ropes. A doula’s hands-on help extends to light household tasks as well, like meal preparation, laundry, and general tidying up, which allows new parents to spend more time bonding with their little one and other children.
3. Breastfeeding and Feeding Support
Whether you’re breastfeeding, chest feeding, bottle-feeding, or combination feeding, having someone skilled in feeding techniques and routines can be invaluable. Around 70% of new mothers experience struggles with breastfeeding (NIH). Postpartum doulas can help troubleshoot common breastfeeding issues, and help refer you to a trained lactation consultant or IBCLC, for any further care you may need. For whichever way parents decide to feed their baby, as doulas our job is to respect those decisions without judgment, just support. As lactation consultant and author Victoria Facelli says, “fed is best” (from Facelli’s book Feed the Baby).
4. Postpartum Nutrition and Meal Support
Over half of new mama and birthing parents experience postnatal depletion. Replenishing key vitamins and minerals is vital to countering that depletion, promoting postpartum healing. Postpartum doulas are knowledgeable about the special nutritional needs of recovering birth parents, and breastfeeding parents. This help can mean informational guidance, meal planning with grocery lists, and even more hands-on meal prep and cooking. Doulas bring to the table go-to recipes, and they personalize their approach to different dietary restrictions/preferences, and cultural traditions as well. In addition, if your family and friends have interest in bringing you meals, then your doula can help facilitate the meal train.
5. Sleep Support and Self-Care
Newborns don’t come with predictable sleep schedules. A postpartum doula can guide parents through creating a gentle routine that works for both baby and family. Many doulas offer night support, which allows parents to get longer periods of uninterrupted sleep while the doula cares for the baby. Rest is essential for both mental and physical well-being, and having someone there to help with nighttime feeds and diaper changes can be a true lifesaver.
6. Postpartum Recovery - Physical and Mental Support
Recovery from childbirth takes time, and each mother’s needs are different. Postpartum doulas can offer support for physical healing, provide information about safe exercises, and help with postnatal nutrition. They’re also trained to support new birth parents around mental health. 85% of new mothers experience postpartum mood disturbances (ie baby blues), and 15% experience postpartum depression. Doulas are trained to recognize and respond to early signs of postpartum depression and anxiety, and can guide families toward appropriate resources if needed.
7. A Personalized Approach to Your Unique Family’s Needs
Every family is unique, and so are their needs. A postpartum doula offers individualized support tailored to fit your specific situation, parenting style, and goals. This personalized approach ensures that you’re supported in the ways that work best for you, making the transition to parenthood less overwhelming and more joyful.
Hiring a postpartum doula is an investment in your family’s well-being during one of life’s most transformative times. From hands-on support to emotional encouragement, a postpartum doula is there to empower you as you navigate the early days with your newborn. If you’re expecting, consider bringing a postpartum doula onto your team.
While my in-person services are based in the San Francisco Bay Area, I also provide virtual services (learn more here). If you’d like to learn more, follow the link below to setup a free 15min intro call!
For more inquiries, fill out the form below and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
