A doula is a valuable resource for new moms and moms-to-be. In addition to acting as a coach and a guide during pregnancy, many doulas also offer postpartum services after the baby is born. Postpartum doula duties obviously include help with basic newborn care—like helping you diaper more efficiently and learn how to give your tiny babe a bath—and breastfeeding support, but did you know they can also cover things like housekeeping and meal prep?
Although postpartum doula duties vary from individual to individual, most offer a range of different services to help new parents adjust to their life with a baby. A postpartum doula can make your first year with your new child much easier. Your postpartum doula can assist with a variety of tasks and offer support in more areas than infant care alone. The right doula will empower you while taking extra work off your plate so you can devote more time to bonding with your baby.
Here are five things (besides childcare) your postpartum doula can help you with:
- Housekeeping
- Breastfeeding support
- Meal prep
- Errands
- Emotional support
- Physical support
1. Housekeeping
When you’ve just had a baby, it’s easy to fall behind on chores. After a sleepless night and a long day caring for your infant, the last thing you’ll want to do is mop the floor or fold laundry. This is why many postpartum doulas offer help tidying.
For postpartum doulas, their goal is to make the postpartum period as easy as possible. By doing light housework or helping sterilize your bottles or pump parts your doula will help you feel less stressed out and more at home.
2. Breastfeeding support
Many doulas are also lactation consultants or are trained in breastfeeding support. Even if they aren’t certified, they’ve seen a lot! They’ll be able to help you find the best nursing clothes, nursing pads, and pumping equipment, and get that equipment sterilized and set up, if you’re looking to try pumping. She can also advise you on the best breastfeeding positions if you experience difficulty, as well as make recommendations for more specialized care, should you need it.
2. Meal prep
Postpartum doulas are all about caring for the mom while you care for your newborn, so postpartum doula duties can also include meal preparation. This is an excellent support for new parents, especially if you have older children. While your postpartum doula isn’t a chef, they can help make sure you’re eating more than a power bar or yogurt, and create a healthy, wholesome menu and help stock your fridge with meals you can easily heat up or eat later.
Because nutrition is so important for new moms, especially if you’re breastfeeding, your postpartum doula can prepare food that’s full of lean protein, healthy fats, fresh vegetables, and all the other nutrients you need. Many also specialize in gluten-free, paleo, vegetarian, or vegan diets.
3. Errands
Since baby care can be a full-time job for you and your partner, and the idea of taking your new baby out of the house can be daunting in those early weeks, some postpartum doulas also run errands. This can include shopping for groceries and other necessities, picking up dry cleaning, going to the post office, and more.
Many postpartum doulas enjoy doing errands because they add variety to their job. You and your doula can discuss the errands you need help with. Then, you can agree to a schedule that works for you both.
Still other postpartum doulas can help you run your errands, by supporting you as you get ready to leave for the first time or while you’re still getting the hang of your carseat and stroller and growing your confidence as a new parent. They can also keep you company.
4. Emotional support
Although becoming a mother is a joyous occasion, it’s not always sunshine and smiling babies. Postpartum depression is very real. But even new parents who don’t experience postpartum depression can still become anxious and feel overwhelmed. It can be a very emotionally draining time.
Luckily, many postpartum doulas offer emotional support services. If you’re stressed out about parenthood, they can give valuable guidance or answer any questions you may have about infant care. Others can assist with your self-care regimen and help you adopt new, healthy habits like meditation or yoga. And in general many postpartum doulas are happy to enjoy conversation with their clients, supporting them as one of the only adults they might be talking to for a while.
Often, postpartum doulas can be the first line of defense. They’ll help you navigate the complicated world of motherhood and assist you with processing the big emotions that often come with it.
5. Physical support
Finally, many postpartum doulas can also provide physical support to you, your partner, and your family. This can mean anything from walking your dog to just being there.
If your transportation is limited, some postpartum doulas will also drive you to doctor’s appointments. Others supplement their services with other professional skills, such as massage therapy or other health and wellness certifications.
Every postpartum doula is different
A postpartum doula can dramatically improve your quality of life after you’ve had a baby. However, it’s important to remember that every doula is different. Some may offer all of the services mentioned above, while others may only perform one or two of these postpartum doula duties.
Don’t expect all doulas to agree to the same type of work, and don’t assume that the doula you hire will perform these duties without first having a discussion with them.
Find the best postpartum doula for your needs
To find the best postpartum doula for you and your family, make a list of everything you need help with and everything you’d like to add to your life. Then, find a doula on the Motherfigure directory, ask for references from your hospital or birthing center, or get recommendations from friends. Narrow your search to a few potential postpartum doulas.
Schedule a meeting with each candidate and ask questions such as:
- What kind of tasks do they love? What are they unwilling to do?
- What hours are they willing and able to work? Can they be “on call” for emergencies outside of normal working hours?
- Do they have CPR training or other safety certifications?
- Do they have personal references from past clients?
You may also wish to ask them about their hobbies and personal interests, to get to know them better and see if they’re a good fit for your family. Make sure you choose a postpartum doula you feel you can truly trust and depend on.
Doulas offer more than just pregnancy advice. By making use of a postpartum doula, your first weeks or months of motherhood will be much easier and more comfortable.
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