What is a Postpartum Doula?

In one word: support.

More and more new parents do not live near their “villages.” The postpartum doula role is to step in to be the village needed to support new families.

She is a generalist: knowing about newborn care and milestones, anticipated changes in women’s bodies, breastfeeding and more. She is a listener: allowing parents to speak freely without judgement and always keeping an ear out for underlying issues that may require a professional’s attention. She is a caretaker: providing comfort to the whole family so that parents can be their best selves for their child(ren).

Doulas offer evidence-based information to her clients so they can do what works best for them. Postpartum doulas also provide practical support such as laundry, cooking, cleaning up—tasks to make life easier on parents so they can focus on caring for baby.

For more information about the benefits of having a postpartum doula, please read DONA International’s Postpartum Position Paper.