What is the role of a postpartum doula?

The postpartum doula’s role is to be an empathetic, nonjudgemental, nurturing professional, carefully trained to support the new parent and family in the early postpartum period. The doula brings knowledge about the breadth of postpartum adjustment and newborn variables and a range of resources, including research and referrals, to support families in making informed decisions about their parenting.

What are the benefits of hiring a postpartum doula?

Research shows that parents who have support and feel secure and cared for in this period are more successful in adapting than those who don’t. In addition they experience:

• an increased rate, duration, and success of chestfeeding.

• stronger parent-infant bonding.

• greater self-confidence.

• lower rates of postpartum depression.

What does the postpartum doula do?

First and foremost, the doula provides acceptance and support, in addition to:

• education and guidance about postpartum adjustment, newborn characteristics, care, feeding and development.

• assistance with newborn care.

• preparation of healthy, nutrient rich meals and snacks.

• light household tasks

• offering evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, infant soothing, and can make the appropriate referrals when necessary.

What training does a DONA International Certified Postpartum Doula have?

Postpartum doula training focuses on supporting the family after birth to help them have the best possible outcomes. They receive training in:

• the physical and psychological needs of the postpartum period and development of the newborn.

• lactation and feeding skills and support

• support for postpartum depression and anxiety

• support for the partner and other family members.

• fostering bonding

• birth of multiples

• coping with grief and loss

• and the importance of referrals to competent and appropriate professionals and support groups.

Every family can benefit from the support and encouragement offered by a doula during the postpartum period.